Dak Prescott and the Cowboys Preseason Hall of Fame
The Dallas Cowboys third preseason game will give fans a rare glimpse of the future when rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott take the field together.
I have been resisted the urge to write about quarterback Dak Prescott or I should say – Dallas Cowboys rookie phenom sensation Dak Prescott. His performances in two preseason games have been outstanding. A quick look at the numbers: 22 of 27 passing, 338 total yards, 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions – the kid can do no wrong.
I knew nothing of Prescott because even though I live in SEC country, I am not a college football guy. Upon a brief review, I wasn’t surprised that Prescott was having success with the Dallas Cowboys. Usually, rookie quarterbacks that get thrust into starting roles are bonded to bad teams. Teams aren’t selecting a quarterback first overall in the draft after finishing 15 – 1 the prior year. People hate to admit what Cowboy Nation knows – we’re a great team especially on offense.
Playing with the guys first and second on the depth chart, Prescott is surrounded by what many consider – the best offensive line in football. He has a future Hall of Fame tight end with Jason Witten, two of the best wide receivers with Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley and a reliable workhorse in the backfield with Alfred Morris. It’s a recipe for success! Many of us, myself included, believe that we could survive by throwing the ball to Bryant.
Prescott is outplaying Jameill Showers who apparently didn’t develop much after a year on the practice squad. Showers looked better last year playing with the third team while competing against Dustin Vaughan. Vaughan regressed after spending a year on the active roster! I’m not sure if they were even allowed to watch film during quarterback meetings. That makes Prescott look extra impressive and the fact that he’s having fun is a bonus.
The primary reason rookie quarterbacks lack success is that they start on bad teams. Secondly, they put up big numbers with college offenses filled with gimmicks. Let’s also factor experience. Prescott spent four years playing football in college.
Compare that to top quarterbacks drafted recently – Jameis Winston played two years, Marcus Mariota – 3 years, Brett Hundley – 3 years, Blake Bortles – 3 years, Johnny Manziel – 2 years, Teddy Bridgewater – 3 years. I believe that extra year makes a difference, especially in the SEC. One complaint about Carson Wentz – drafted third overall by the Philadelphia Eagles – is that he played for North Dakota State against suspect competition. By the way, great pick Philly!
Prescott’s experience with the spread offense in college blends well with the Cowboys offensive style. The Cowboys used an Air Coryell in recent years and have blended into an Erhardt / Perkins style. It’s still generally the same. It relies on the interaction of receiver routes to create weak spots against the defense.
This website does a much better job of explaining it – Understanding Spread Offense – and you’ll see that it’s the reason our offense doesn’t use a lot of rubs. Each receiver has to run the right route to force the defender to react as expected – that’s why there’s an emphasis on route running.
As for Prescott, it may take time to understand the play call and terminology of the entire playbook. Like Kellen Moore, he understands the concepts and is smart enough to not make mistakes with the football. Like anyone new on the job that’s extra cautious and trying not to make a mistake, Prescott knows that it’s okay to throw the ball away or run for a few yards and slide.
I’m an advocate of – Younger, Stronger and Faster – players on our roster. For this reason, I applaud Prescott for stepping up and showing he belongs on the roster – if not the Cowboys Preseason Hall of Fame. Let’s enjoy the comfort Prescott brings to the backup quarterback position. It’s going to be a crazy glimpse into the future seeing Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott on the field together!
Next: Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks Preseason Preview
Make no mistake about it though. When the season begins, I need to see Tony Romo on the field – because That’s My Quarterback. I believe the Cowboys will win their sixth Super Bowl allowing Romo and Witten to ride off into the sunset. As for the future, it will be here faster than you think.
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