NFL Network analysts are underestimating Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

We should all be used to it by now, but that doesn’t mean it makes sense. For some reason, people love to underestimate Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and it recently happened again on “NFL Total Access” this week.

The NFL Network crew was making predictions for the Cowboys’ 2022 season, and while they were fair with Micah Parsons (12 sacks), CeeDee Lamb (1,300 yards), and the running back duo (2,000 yards), they completely undersold Prescott by predicting just 28 touchdown passes.

Prescott is fresh off the best season of his career which included a career-high in completion percentage (68.8 percent) and touchdown passes (37). While he missed 11 games in 2020 due to a broken ankle, he had 30 touchdown passes in 2019 which was his most recent full season.

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott’s 2022 predictions should start at 30 touchdowns

While he’s proven he’s a 30-touchdown-plus quarterback, there still seems to be this impression that Prescott is an underachiever. This narrative makes little sense considering he was a mid-round pick that became an instant starter for the most visible franchise in the league and has led them to a 53-32 overall record.

He’s also continually improved as a passer throughout his career — while always displaying uncommon leadership skills.

Of course, the theory is that things might not go as well for Dallas on offense since they traded Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns and Michael Gallup won’t be on the field for Week 1. Even with that being the case, there are still players that he will be able to utilize in the passing game capable of putting up big numbers.

The biggest name is Lamb, who the NFL Network believes is ready to break out, considering they predicted 1,300 yards for him. There’s also Dalton Schultz, who had 808 yards and eight touchdowns a season ago.

Schultz also has added motivation to perform in 2022 since he’s on the franchise tag and is trying to secure a long-term deal.

Throw in rookie Jalen Tolbert and the fact that Dallas has two running backs who are threats in the passing game in Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard and the offense should still be one of the best in the game.

Predictions for Prescott should start at 30 touchdowns, at a minimum. It might not seem like much of a difference from 28, but it just shows that he’s still not appreciated for the talent he possesses. Then again, this seems to be a way of life for quarterbacks that wear the star on their helmets.