Dak Prescott has hit his ceiling as a quarterback

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott continues to show everyone what type of passer he is. Maybe it’s time to admit he’s hit his ceiling as a professional.

After posting what some argue was the greatest rookie season by a quarterback in NFL history, it’s been downhill from there for Dallas Cowboys third-year passer Dak Prescott. Touted to be a rare leader with an impeccable work ethic, Prescott’s skills have ironically declined in the past two years.

After his first season, where Prescott was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and elected to his first Pro Bowl, Dak’s declining play in his sophomore campaign was blamed on the six-game suspension of running back Ezekiel Elliott and the lingering cloud that proceeded it. This season, that can no longer be used as an excuse as Elliott has played in every single game and currently leads the league in rushing yardage (1,074).

The numbers indicate Prescott is having a slightly better season in Year Three than in 2017, with a higher passer rating (93.2), completion percentage (65.2) and only five interceptions through 11 games. Still, anyone who watched Prescott play against the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving saw the young quarterback’s shortcomings.

The 25-year old still struggles with accuracy, overthrowing his receivers at times and sending passes into the turf on others. Prescott’s vision as a passer must also be questioned as he’s often very slow in making his reads, requiring extra time in the pocket his patchwork offensive line is often unable to give him.

One of the best examples of Prescott’s lack of development from Thursday’s win over Washington was late in the second quarter. Dallas had the ball on the Redskins four-yard line with 1:42 left in the first half, and the score tied at seven.

When the ball was snapped Redskins’ safety D.J. Swearinger came on a blitz and was barring down on Prescott. Dak threw a poor pass running backwards that landed just short of wide receiver Noah Brown, missing out on a sure touchdown.

Here’s what football analyst for DallasCowboys.com and former scout Bryan Broaddus had to say about Prescott on that play.

"“Fundamentals got the best of Dak Prescott on that miss to Noah Brown on the goal line. Prescott’s feet were really poor on the throw, and if he had to do it over I am sure he wouldn’t have continued to retreat on his drop … Prescott made the mistake of throwing the pass off his left foot and couldn’t get enough on it.”"

What followed that play was a sack on Prescott (who again held the ball too long) that resulted in a 13-yard loss. Dallas would eventually settle for a 28-yard Brett Maher field goal.

Here’s the point. If Dak Prescott has the work ethic the Dallas Cowboys claim he does, then there is no longer a need to discuss an extension for him. Prescott has hit his ceiling as a professional. He’ll never be better than this.

Prescott and this coaching staff in Dallas have had three years to improve his fundamentals, his footwork, his accuracy and his vision as a passer. And, for the most part, all we’ve seen is a regression from his rookie season. Prescott continues to show us who he is and who he isn’t. Maybe it’s time more people started believing in the player that he is, and not the one they hope he’ll become.