Dak Prescott’s impressive stat proves he deserves NFC Player of the Week
Just over a week ago, Dallas Cowboys fans (and the rest of the NFL) were saying that quarterback Dak Prescott was in a slump. But, thanks to a spectacular turnaround performance in Week 16 against the Washington Football Team, Prescott is now the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Week.
Perhaps even more impressive, is that Prescott earned this praise after playing only 2.5 quarters of football (the Cowboys sent in backup quarterback Cooper Rush once the team was up 49-7). In the first half alone, Prescott had 322 passing yards and four touchdowns – the most passing yards he’s ever had in a first half in his career.
This marks the second time in the 2021 season (Week 6) and the fifth time in his career that the quarterback has been named NFC Player of the Week. Prescott is now tied with Tony Romo for five career Player of the Week honors won by a Cowboys QB. Hall of Famer Troy Aikman had six in his career.
The Week 16 victory left Prescott with a 131.4 passer rating after going 28 for 39 with zero interceptions.
Congrats to @dak on winning NFC Offensive Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/SEBpbOQLH4
— TheCowboysWire (@TheCowboysWire) December 29, 2021
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s unique stat shows he is deserving of NFC Offensive Player of the Week
Sure. The passing yards and over 70% completion percentage are impressive on their own. But another interesting factor that also proves Prescott’s amazing game was that he completed passes to nine different Cowboys receivers. This gave Cowboys fans a much-needed breath of fresh air and the confidence that this offense can get back on track.
With his performance, Prescott is now the first quarterback in NFL history to throw a touchdown to a wide receiver, tight end, running back, and an offensive lineman in a single, regular-season game. (Kurt Warner did so, but in a playoff game in 1999)
According to PFF, the Mississippi State product is the highest graded quarterback under pressure in 2021. When Michele Tafoya interviewed Prescott after the game, she asked him what he would say in relation to people saying he was in a slump. Prescott said, “you can’t fill your hat up with other people’s opinions.”
Here’s an all-timer from @ESPNStatsInfo: #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has thrown a touchdown to a RB, TE, WR and an OL tonight vs Washington. He's the first quarterback in NFL history to accomplish this feat in a single game. h/t @bryan.beasley
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 27, 2021
Dak Prescott is the odds-on favorite to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year
It’s not easy to ignore harsh criticism from the media, fans, and even people within your organization – especially in a year where you’re coming back from a serious injury. But Prescott found a way to make it work.
Maybe that is part of the reason why he’s the current favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year… by a pretty long shot.
According to WynnBet, Prescott is favored at -650 to win the award. The next player in line is Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow at +475.
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These are all great things for a guy who was being trashed by fans and press just a week ago.
