The pressure is on Dak Prescott this season like never before

With no long term deal in place and an offense filled with weapons, Dallas Cowboys passer Dak Prescott will be under immense pressure this season.

There’s no excuses for Dak Prescott this year. Jason Garrett is out. Mike McCarthy, the quarterback guru, is in at head coach. And a solid offseason for the Dallas Cowboys was capped when Jerry Jones orchestrated the steal of the draft by selecting CeeDee Lamb with the 17th overall pick, giving Dak yet another explosive weapon.

If the Cowboys offense falls short this season, it will be on Dak Prescott’s shoulders. But it’s not like Jerry Jones and the Cowboys haven’t set him up for success. He’s surrounded by what is arguably the best group of skilled position players in Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and now CeeDee Lamb. His job isn’t the carry the team on his back, but to simply get these guys the ball. If he can’t do that consistently then it’s time for the Cowboys move on.

Rumor has it that Prescott turned down an offer of at least $30 million annually back in March. As a result, the Cowboys hit him with the franchise tag. Prescott is essentially gambling on himself this season. If he delivers, he’s guaranteed a massive payday. If the Cowboys struggle, he will shoulder most of the blame.

You can bet the media will be hounding Prescott after every loss, too, constantly reminding him that he has not been signed to a long-term deal. They’ll constantly ask about his lingering contract situation. The story will continue to dominate the headlines.

Of course, that’s only if they’re losing. When you win, everything is fine. Prescott will still be asked questions about his contract regularly, but the pressure will then shift to Jerry Jones to pony up what could approach or even exceed $40 million annually.

Should the Cowboys struggle though, Prescott will face pressure unlike any he’s ever seen during his four years in Dallas. The physical toll of playing each week aside, the constant barrage of questions will weigh heavily.

Dak Prescott is about to face the toughest season of his young career, which is weird considering all of the talent around him should make it his easiest. Whether it’s fair or not, the pressure to deliver will be on Dak Prescott and Dak Prescott alone this season. How will he respond?