NFL analyst exposes this Cowboys WR in reviewing Dak Prescott’s interceptions
By Jerry Trotta
There’s no sugarcoating the fact Dak Prescott led the NFL in interceptions last season despite missing five games through injury.
The fact Prescott quarterbacks the Dallas Cowboys prompted the media to exacerbate the turnover narrative while glossing over his underlying accomplishments, like leading Dallas to the most points scored per game in the NFL after he returned from injury.
Still, it’s impossible to defend how reckless with the football Prescott was throughout the campaign. Not since his sophomore season in 2017 has Prescott posted an interception rate greater than 2.0%. In 2022, that percentage skyrocketed to 3.8%.
Of course, not every turnover is created equal, either.
Former Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Martz pointed this out after breaking down each of Prescott’s 17 interceptions (including the playoffs) for The 33rd Team. In defending Dak, Martz exposed two key Cowboys throughout the video: Michael Gallup and former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Including the postseason, Dak Prescott threw 17 interceptions last season... but how many were his fault?
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 7, 2023
Mike Martz breaks down every pick and illustrates how undisciplined routes and shaky schematics were key contributors to the turnovers
Kellen Moore, Michael Gallup a huge reason behind Cowboys’ Dak Prescott’s interception problem.
While Prescott’s decision-making wasn’t where it needed it be, Martz makes excellent points about the QB’s high turnover rate. Whether it was dreadful route-running — as displayed in the above clip — poor play design, dropped passes or miscommunication, not all of Prescott’s picks were solely his fault.
The full 18-minute video can be found on the 33rd team website. The very first highlight from Dallas’ playoff loss to San Francisco underlines a horrible comeback route from Gallup. It was eerily similar to the play against the Colts where Gallup pulled up and didn’t break back to the ball with any venom.
Coming off a torn ACL, Gallup struggled to create separation and only showed flashes of the contested-catch machine he was pre-injury. Dallas attributed Gallup’s struggles to a mental hurdle more than anything physical and they’re confident he’ll bounce back, as evidenced by his restructured contract.
In a vacuum, the Cowboys elected to extend Gallup over keeping Amari Cooper, whom they traded to Cleveland two weeks later last year.
Though not an albatross of a contract, fans and pundits alike rightly questioned the move given Gallup was coming off a torn ACL just months earlier.
Martz kills Gallup throughout https://t.co/uaX5ZHmLdm
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) April 7, 2023
Throwing $27 million guaranteed to a player without knowing how they’ll rebound from major knee surgery is reckless, and the results justified those concerns, as Gallup missed the first three games of the year and his production thereafter was inconsistent at best.
Luckily, Dallas has Brandin Cooks to assume the WR2 role. They can also get out from underneath of Gallup’s deal next offseason by saving $9.5 million on the cap with just $4.35 million in dead money if they release him with a post-June 1 designation, which they have Cooks’ restructure to thank for.
We’re hoping it doesn’t come to that. The Cowboys will be better off if Gallup rebounds another year removed from surgery.
However, Martz’s breakdown just reiterates the fact Dallas took a massive (unnecessary) gamble by paying Gallup after he tore up his knee. He didn’t give himself the contract, obviously, but right or wrong it will be held against him until his play improves.
