Dak Prescott is a polarizing figure among Dallas Cowboys fans, with some blaming him and others praising him as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Dak is a top-10 quarterback, possibly ranking in the top five when it comes to statistics. However, he faces an issue every year.
He performs exceptionally well during the regular season as a quarterback but struggles to secure wins during playoff games.
Dak’s career path is quite remarkable, resembling that of a Hall of Fame quarterback who encountered similar challenges before ultimately clinching a Super Bowl victory.
That Hall of Fame quarterback is Peyton Manning.
I know it may sound unbelievable, but the evidence — in terms of statistics and playoff wins — is out there.
Comparing Dak Prescott’s current career trajectory to that of Peyton Manning at a similar point to see how similar these two careers appear to be.
Peyton Manning and Dak Prescott Year 8
Let’s look at Peyton Manning’s 8th year in the league:
- Passing yards: 3747
- Touchdowns: 28
- Interceptions: 10
- Yards per game: 234.2
- Completion percentage: 67.3%
- QB rating: 104.1
- Record: 14-2
- Playoff record up to 8th year: 3-6
Here is Dak Prescott’s 8th year in the league:
- Passing yards: 4516
- Touchdowns: 36
- Interceptions: 9
- Yards per game: 265.6
- Completion percentage: 69.5%
- QB rating: 105.9
- Record: 12-5
- Playoff record up to 8th year: 2-5
These quarterbacks have strikingly similar in-season statistics and playoff records.
Both had impressive regular season performances but struggled in the playoffs. However, in his ninth year, Peyton was able to overcome his playoff issues and win a Super Bowl.
Peyton Mannings’ supporting cast in year 9
The Super Bowl season for Peyton Manning was not all on him; he had help from his supporting cast.
Some of the players who assisted him in the Super Bowl run were:
He boasted two top-tier wide receivers in Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, a reliable tight end in Dallas Clark, and a strong offensive line.
The running game had two running backs taking the carries with Dominic Rhodes taking the bulk of the carries.
It’s a familiar scenario: the defense excelled at pass coverage yet struggled with run defense, but they were able to get to the quarterback with good pass rushers.
Overall, it was a good team providing solid support for Manning.
Dak Prescott’s supporting cast going into year 9
As Dak Prescott enters his ninth year, his supporting cast hasn’t seen major changes, though he’s lost some offensive linemen.
He’ll start the season with superstar wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Brandin Cooks is his second receiver and a decent option, though there’s room for improvement.
Tight end Jake Ferguson is emerging as a star.
The offensive line may feature a few rookies, but it’s anchored by three solid, talented players.
The running game remains uncertain, but a committee approach led by Ezekiel Elliott is expected to be effective.
The defense, boasting superstars at nearly every position, is anticipated to be the team’s stronghold.
With Mike Zimmer leading the defense, a coach with a traditional approach focused on stifling the opponent’s running game, the team’s strategy is clear.
The supporting casts appear to be evenly matched, yet the Cowboys boast a stronger defense. This could be a positive sign for the season, particularly after observing the rookies’ performance on the field.
Can Dak Prescott have a Peyton Manning career?
Manning was seen as a great statistical quarterback who had great success in the regular season. Prescott is seen as a great statistical quarterback who has great success.
Could it be that Dak Prescott is on track to have a career similar to that of Peyton Manning?
Consider this: Peyton Manning won his first Super Bowl in 2006 in his 9th year in the NFL. Now, Dak Prescott is entering his 9th year with a team built similarly to Manning’s 9th-year team.
When you look at this generation of football players, you could see a new Tom Brady type in Patrick Mahomes, a Philip Rivers type in Justin Herbert, and a Michael Vick type in Lamar Jackson.
We could see Prescott fill the shoes of the Peyton Manning mold and go on to have the same type of career.
If Dak Prescott’s statistics and other intangibles align to mirror the 2006 Indianapolis Colts, we might be in for an incredible season finale for the Dallas Cowboys.