Dallas Cowboys: Which NFC East team has the best quarterback?

The list of quarterbacks in the division has completely changed. The NFC East is filled with promising young passers. Do the Dallas Cowboys have the best?

It is no secret that the quarterback is the most important position in football. The quality of quarterback can be the determining factor for whether a team will be a success (just look at the Dallas Cowboys in 2015).

So who is the best quarterback in the NFC East? Here’s how I rank them.

4. Dwayne Haskins, Washington Redskins

Haskins is the only rookie on this list, so it makes sense he should be put at the number four spot. He is a rookie– he has not gotten the chance to prove whether he should be ranked higher or not yet.

Here’s one NFL analyst’s breakdown of the first round passer via Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports prior to the draft …

"“At 6-foot-3 and 231 pounds, Haskins fits the mold of a traditional pocket passer. Throws with great accuracy and confidence, has a strong arm, and can throw from various arm angles. Moves well in the pocket, and while he’s not a running quarterback, can create throwing lanes and while still throwing with precision, and can also gain yards with his feet.”"

Haskins will have the opportunity to learn from a plethora of veterans on the Redskins roster.

3. Eli Manning, New York Giants

Some might think Manning has a valid argument for Hall of Fame consideration. Two Super Bowl rings are pretty good evidence for his case. But look at the stats.

Manning has thrown over 10 interceptions every season in his 13-year career. Three of these years Manning threw over 20 interceptions (21 in 2007, 25 in 2010, and 27 in 2013). He also threw 19 interceptions in 2006.

Manning does not have much gas left in his tank at 38 years old. With a young rookie quarterback, Daniel Jones, chomping at the bit to start, Manning’s time in New York is coming to an end.

The only reason Manning is ahead of Haskins in this list is that Haskins is an unknown variable. He may be the best out of all these quarterbacks, only time will tell.

2. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

Wentz looked like the de facto MVP of the league before he got injured in 2017. Last year, Wentz played only 11 games– recording 21 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 7.7 yards per attempt, and an impressive 69.6 completion percentage, per Pro Football Focus.

In those 11 games, the Eagles went 5-6. Wentz’s career passer rating is 92.5. Wentz has all the tools needed to be an elite quarterback in the NFL, but he still has a little ways to go.

If Wentz’s body can stay intact, the Eagles should have a good shot to compete for the division (oh how the tides have turned).

1. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

You had to know this was coming, right? Seriously though, Prescott deserves to be recognized as the best quarterback in the NFC East. If you look at Prescott’s career as a whole, he has been one of the best in the league.

Look at these stats comparing Wentz and Prescott via Brad Kelly:

Prescott has had to suffer from an antiquated offensive system, which effectively ties a hand behind his back even considering the talent on the offense from time to time. In college, Prescott played out of a spread out system that let Prescott have the flexibility to find rush threw running lanes if need be.

The old offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, Scott Linehan, tried to stick Prescott in the same system he had always run. Prescott is a different animal than former Dallas Quarterback, Tony Romo— both in style and caliber of player.

Romo had very underrated arm talent and was able to squeeze the ball in anywhere he wanted (towards the later part of his career). Prescott does not have this accuracy and still had success.

Last year, Prescott looked like a top-tier quarterback once wide receiver Amari Cooper joined the team. With a new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, Prescott should be put in better situations with a more modern offensive style.

Prescott has never missed a game in his three-year career and has been really good in the playoffs. Prescott’s career passer rating in the playoffs (three games) is 95.7. He also has 14 game winning drives.

When it matters most, Prescott is exceptional. Entering his fourth year in the league, we shouldn’t expect Prescott to have reached his ceiling. Cowboys fans should be excited to watch Prescott next year.

What do you think about this ranking? Feel feel to share your thoughts and ideas below!

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