“Dak Prescott: Stellar Stats, Lingering Doubts, and the Cowboys’ Quest for Playoff Glory”
The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2024 season with quarterback Dak Prescott in the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract signed in 2020, ranking him 13th in average annual salary among quarterbacks. Prescott, who was the MVP runner-up last season with 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and nine interceptions during a 12-win season, has helped Dallas maintain top-five offensive production for three consecutive years. Despite these achievements, NFL scouts, executives, and coaches have mixed opinions about him.
Recently, ESPN released its list of the top ten quarterbacks for 2024, based on votes from NFL personnel. Prescott was ranked 10th, one spot lower than in 2023. Over the past five seasons, his rankings have varied from as high as seventh to being unranked. Last season, Prescott was among the top five in the NFL for passing yards, touchdowns, quarterback rating, and game-winning drives, and he finished third in the MVP race. Nevertheless, he dropped one spot in ESPN’s rankings, just ahead of Brock Purdy and Jordan Love.
An NFC executive commented that Prescott consistently performs well enough to be in the top ten but lacks the ability to elevate his team to the next level. Another NFL personnel member echoed this sentiment, saying Prescott is very good but not quite capable of carrying the entire team in crucial matchups.
Higher-ranked quarterbacks on ESPN’s list include Jared Goff, C.J. Stroud, and Justin Herbert. Despite strong regular-season performances, the Cowboys have not reached the conference title game since 1995. Prescott and the team aim to defend their NFC East title and achieve playoff success next season. They will have All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who recorded 135 receptions, 1,749 yards, and 12 touchdowns, back on the roster. The defense, which allowed only 18.5 points per game (5th best in the NFL), struggled significantly in their season finale, conceding 48 points to the Green Bay Packers during Super Wild Card Weekend, with Packers quarterback Jordan Love passing for 272 yards and three touchdowns.