One of the biggest storylines in the NFL going into the 2021 season was how would Dak Prescott look after the compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle last season. Prescott had multiple surgeries to repair his injury and looked excellent during OTAs, minicamp, and training camp but nothing matters until the games count for real.
Prescott’s first test was against the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, and he was masterful. He completed 42 out of 58 passes for 403 yards and three touchdowns with one interception, which was a pass that went off of the hands of CeeDee Lamb.
After going 23 out of 27 in a win against the Los Angeles Chargers, Prescott would make his return to AT&T Stadium for the first time since last October against the Philadelphia Eagles. Prescott went 21 of 26 for 238 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-21 rout of the Cowboys’ most hated rival.
Prescott spoke after the Cowboys’ huge NFC East win about where he is in his game since his injury and he feels this is the best version of him that anyone has seen.
“I said it earlier in the year, and I’ll say it again: I think just getting hurt last year and having to sit back and watch football, a different perspective and just different ways people play this game,” Prescott said. “Going back, the experience obviously has helped, but just studying and preparing myself and then all the work that I’ve put in just to get back healthy, not only the leg but the shoulder … I feel like I’m playing the best I’ve ever played.”
In the season opener against the Buccaneers, it wasn’t just about how well Prescott looked throwing. He looked in total command of the offense. The Cowboys called 28 runs plays during that game, however, Prescott checked out of 12 of them based on what the defense showed him.
That shows that the game between Prescott’s ears has evolved. He’s always had the physical tools since the day he took over for Tony Romo. What we’re seeing now is Prescott showing that it doesn’t matter what you throw at him he can handle it.
Prescott has taken it to the next level as far as his understanding of the game pre-snap. Now, he’s toying with defenses because of his complete knowledge of the quarterback position and what defenses are trying to do.
There are still 14 games left in the 2021 season so it’ll be interesting to see Prescott continue his maturation process as he steadily climbs up the list of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
