NFL players, coaches, and executives recently ranked the top 10 quarterbacks in the league. Dallas Cowboys signal-caller Dak Prescott kicked off the list, ranking at No. 10. He dropped three spots from last year’s preseason list.
It has been a continuous debate from experts if Prescott is worthy of being a top 10 QB. The abilities are there, but deficiencies are preventing him from being a top-tier quarterback. What holds Prescott back?
The top 10 NFL QBs as voted by execs, coaches and players. Agree? 🤔@JFowlerESPN breaks down the list (@espnplus) 🔗 https://t.co/uF4iNoA5wE pic.twitter.com/BRulAv3LTA
— ESPN (@espn) July 11, 2022
Why Dak Did Make the Cut
Let’s point out the elements that made Prescott a top 10 QB. For starters, he is a leader. Before every first drive, Prescott fist-bumps every player in the huddle with the belief of leading his team to victory. He is passionate and always pushes his teammates to work harder. His work ethic is contagious in the Cowboys’ practice environment, and his teammates respect his routine. Even Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman approves of the tone Prescott sets within the team.
“I haven’t been around many players, as a broadcaster or as a player, who carry themselves the way that he does. The Cowboys are very fortunate to have someone like him representing the team.”
-Troy Aikman on Dak Prescott’s leadership
Dallas’ QB stepped on NFL grounds sooner than expected. After Tony Romo broke a bone in his back during a preseason matchup, Prescott took over the starting job and has held the role since the 2016-17 season. He led the Cowboys to an NFC-best 13-3 record and earned the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Prescott exploded to begin the 2020 season, becoming the first player in NFL history to pass for at least 450 yards in three straight games. He led the NFL in yards before breaking his ankle in Week 5, resulting in him missing the year.
QB4 returned in 2021 with a new contract and racked up a respectable year. He owned the fourth-most passing touchdowns (37), fourth in the league in completion percentage (68.8%), and fourth-highest QBR from inside the pocket (65.5). The former Mississippi State Bulldog threw for a career-high 37 touchdowns.
He’s a very good quarterback. When it comes to statistics and efficiency, Prescott’s numbers are impressive and he is productive in the regular season. With that being said, what prevents him from being a “great” QB?
A Minor Problem
A minor ingredient that knocks Prescott’s is posting a career-low in rushing yards (in a full season). There were numerous occasions when Prescott would remain stagnant and let the pocket collapse on him. Typically, a quarterback needs to scramble or step forward to escape the pressure. Dak Prescott is not to fully blame.
Since former Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick retired, the offensive line never recovered to its dominant form. Last year, the O-line’s struggles were exposed. Connor Williams and La’el Collins regressed and star LT Tyron Smith missed six games.
The O-line’s miscues led Prescott to be the most-blitzed QB in the league (188). He was knocked down 48 times and hurried on 46 occasions. Could Dallas’ coaching staff want Prescott to limit using his legs because of the 2020 ankle injury, or could it be a decision the Cowboys’ field general made for himself? Prescott needs to improve on escaping pressure and getting out of the pocket when trouble arrives.
"Overcommunication is never a bad thing. We've got to make sure everybody's on the same page."
Veteran Tyron Smith talks communication for the #DallascCowboys O-Line.
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 30, 2021
Dak’s Kryptonite
Looking at the quarterbacks ahead of Prescott on this list, something stands out. This point separates a good QB from a great QB. Winning in the playoffs has been Dak Prescott’s kryptonite since stepping on the gridiron.
The Dallas Cowboys possess a 26-year Super Bowl drought and have four playoff wins since their 1996 championship. To paint an ugly portrait, the Jacksonville Jaguars have more playoff wins than the Cowboys in the last 20 years.
Prescott holds a 1-3 playoff record, including the most recent loss to the San Fransisco 49ers. Being the leader of “America’s Team” attracts plenty of pressure. Add the postseason curse Dallas has suffered and the first impressions Prescott left after his rookie year, all eyes are on No. 4 in the big moment. So far, the playoffs have not treated Prescott well.
In these key games, Dak Prescott needs to make the big play. To be an elite quarterback, he has to be a game-changer and bring his regular season performances to the playoffs. This past season, they squandered a playoff game on their home turf. Whether it is using his legs more and expanding his skill set, or passing more efficiently, Prescott needs to make that jump to be considered a great QB.
Dak Prescott has repeatedly tormented and tortured me as my quarterback. Just when you want to trust and believe in Dak, he suddenly reverts back to a 4th round pick. More @Undisputed, now on FS1 https://t.co/vrrXODHIKO
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 12, 2022
Dak… it’s Time to Step Up
Once Prescott earns playoff victories, there should not be any debate on Prescott’s impact as a quarterback. Younger signal-callers such as Joe Burrow and Josh Allen place higher than Prescott because of their early playoff success.
With the expectations that Dallas wins the NFC East, will Dak Prescott continue his playoff struggles? Or will he finally take that leap forward to insert his name in the conversation as a pure top 10 passer?