How good is Dak Prescott?
This question is asked in some form just about every day. How much should the Cowboys pay him? Is he worth QB1 money? What would he look like without Ezekiel Elliott by his side? Is he a product of his offensive line?
All questions which detract from the, at this point, obvious fact that Prescott is certainly good enough to get the job done. And in case you weren't sure, his coaching staff continues to hammer this point home to the media.
The former fourth round pick's fourth season was his best individual performance yet, despite achieving arguably the lowest amount of team success so far in his career. Still, it was clear that Prescott had unlocked something in the passing offense – something which offensive coordinator Kellen Moore spoke to this week.
“I think he had really a good command, a lot of confidence to him. He was running the show – run game, pass game, involved in all aspects of the offense. Certainly that's something we can build on” – Kellen Moore told DallasCowboys.com
Prescott threw for over 4,900 yards, 30 touchdowns, and completed 65.1% of his passes in 2019. He also posted a QBR of 70.2, placing him fourth in the NFL. Yes, Prescott saw increased opportunity to throw the ball in 2019 compared to some previous years, but that emphasis on passing could've went either way.
Rather than resulting in a big spike in turnovers, or an exposure of Prescott as nothing more than a “game manager,” he exhibited total control of the offense and led them to one of their best statistical seasons in quite some time. He grew at the line of scrimmage as the season went on, and seemed to gain more freedom in the offense as well. So much growth, in fact, that many fans seemed to be clamoring for more of the reins to be handed over to the young quarterback.
With that being said, though, the team still finished just 8-8 and missed the postseason. Owner Jerry Jones certainly hopes that swapping out Jason Garrett and company for Mike McCarthy and his staff will push the team over the hump, and allowing Prescott to maintain continuity on the offensive side of the ball is a smart start.
Prescott posted career highs nearly across the board under Kellen Moore's offensive play calling, so why fix something that doesn't appear to be broken?
Given McCarthy's past, I'd expect the Cowboys to lean even further into Dak Prescott's passing ability during the 2020 season.
That is, if this contract ever gets done.
