The low factors have been beneath the asphalt for the 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 seems to be good on a stat sheet, however the Cowboys had been already down, 28-10, halfway by the third quarter when he threw the primary one. What was really brutal is their offense gained solely seven yards on their first 4 possessions.
At present, the Cowboys are sixth within the NFC and look 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 take a look at the DVOA numbers exhibits that the Cowboys even have a high 10 offense.
The most important purpose for his or her offensive success has been Prescott’s play. For the reason that Cowboys’ Week 7 bye, their offense has been piling up the factors. They’ve scored 40-plus factors in two of their final three video games. In all of these video games, Prescott has handed for greater than 300 yards and at the very least three touchdowns. For the reason that bye, his 1,082 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns are the most effective within the NFL.
Even counting his tough efficiency towards the 49ers, Prescott has been taking part in MVP-level soccer all season. In a season wherein no participant has established himself because the clear-cut favourite, he deserves the award as a lot as anybody.
Prescott is third within the NFL in Whole QBR, first in completion share and fourth in yards per try. His 17 passing touchdowns are solely two behind league leaders Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa. He has thrown fewer interceptions than Allen, Tagovailoa, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, whereas nonetheless totaling the seventh most passing yards within the league.
Of the various criticisms Prescott has acquired all through his profession, one is that he solely performs effectively with a clear pocket. At any time when Tyron Smith is out or the Cowboys’ offensive line is just not performing like a Tier 1 unit, his effectiveness as a passer considerably decreases. However, based on Professional Soccer Focus information, the quarterback who has carried out the most effective whereas below strain this season has been Prescott. For those who don’t need to consider the info, go take a look at that 37- yard move he accomplished to Brandin Cooks whereas getting drilled proper within the chest by Dexter Lawrence.
The Cowboys nonetheless have eight video games remaining, however they’ve already confronted their stiffest defensive competitors. They beat the New York Jets and New England Patriots each by 20-plus factors.
There isn’t any avoiding the crimson stain on the Cowboys’ document of that 42-10 loss to the 49ers. Nonetheless, taking a look at their efficiency since that beatdown I’m inclined to consider that efficiency was extra indicative of a nasty day on the workplace than an indicator of issues to come back.
Prescott is taking part in among the finest soccer of his profession, and over the past three weeks, no quarterback has been higher. He’s utilizing his legs to purchase time and lengthen drives, placing the ball in the proper spots and main the Cowboys to large level totals.
If he continues any such play for the remainder of the season, he ought to win league MVP.
