The lows for the interval have been below the asphalt Dallas Cowboys this season. That loss on nationwide tv to the San Francisco 49ers was ugly, and it was Dak Prescott at his worst. Three interceptions by no means look good on a stat sheet, however the Cowboys have been already trailing 28-10 halfway by means of the third quarter when he threw the primary. What was really brutal was that their offense solely gained seven yards on their first 4 possessions.
At the moment, the Cowboys are sixth within the NFC and seem like a lock to make the playoffs. Their protection is likely one of the finest within the NFL, with a number of eye-popping performances. Nonetheless, a have a look at the DVOA numbers exhibits that the Cowboys even have a high 10 offense.
The largest cause for his or her offensive success was the play of Prescott. For the reason that Cowboys Week 7 bye, their offense has been piling up the factors. They scored greater than forty factors in two of the final three video games. In all these video games, Prescott has rushed for over 300 yards and no less than three touchdowns. For the reason that bye, his 1,082 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns are one of the best within the NFL.
Even counting his gritty efficiency in opposition to the 49ers, Prescott has been taking part in MVP-level soccer all season. In a season the place no participant has confirmed himself to be a transparent favourite, he’s as deserving of the award as anybody.
Prescott ranks third within the NFL in Complete QBR, first in completion proportion and fourth in yards per try. His seventeen passing touchdowns are simply two behind leaders Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa. He has thrown fewer interceptions than Allen, Tagovailoa, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, whereas nonetheless rating because the seventh most passing yards within the league.
Of the various criticisms Prescott has obtained all through his profession, one is that he solely performs nicely with a clear pockets. At any time when Tyron Smith goes down or the Cowboys offensive line does not carry out like a Tier 1 unit, his effectiveness as a passer drops considerably. However in keeping with Professional Soccer Focus knowledge, Prescott is the quarterback who has carried out finest below strain this season. In case you do not wish to consider the info, simply have a look at that 37-yard cross he accomplished to Brandin Cooks whereas being drilled straight within the chest by Dexter Lawrence.
The Cowboys nonetheless have eight video games remaining, however they’ve already confronted among the hardest defensive competitors. They defeated the Jets from New York And New England Patriots each with greater than 20 factors.
There is not any escaping the crimson stain on the Cowboys’ document from that 42-10 loss to the 49ers. Nonetheless, their performances since that defeat, I am inclined to consider that these performances have been extra indicative of a nasty day on the workplace than a sign of issues to come back.
Prescott is taking part in one of the best soccer of his profession, and no quarterback has been higher during the last three weeks. He makes use of his legs to purchase time and lengthen drives, put the ball in the suitable spots and lead the Cowboys to very large level totals.
If he continues this sort of play for the remainder of the season, he ought to win league MVP.
