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 appears to be like good on a stat sheet, however the Cowboys had been already down, 28-10, halfway via 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 seem like a lock to make the playoffs. Their protection is without doubt one of the greatest within the NFL, with a number of eye-popping performances. Nevertheless, a take a look at the DVOA numbers exhibits that the Cowboys even have a high 10 offense.
The largest purpose for his or her offensive success has been Prescott’s play. Because the 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 a minimum of three touchdowns. Because the 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 by which 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 numerous criticisms Prescott has obtained 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 just isn’t performing like a Tier 1 unit, his effectiveness as a passer considerably decreases. However, in line with Professional Soccer Focus information, the quarterback who has carried out the most effective whereas underneath stress this season has been Prescott. When you don’t need to imagine 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 a avoiding the crimson stain on the Cowboys’ file of that 42-10 loss to the 49ers. Nevertheless, their efficiency since that beatdown I’m inclined to imagine that efficiency was extra indicative of a nasty day on the workplace than an indicator of issues to return.
Prescott is taking part in a number of the greatest soccer of his profession, and during the last three weeks, no quarterback has been higher. He’s utilizing his legs to purchase time and prolong drives, placing the ball in the suitable spots and main the Cowboys to large level totals.
If he continues this kind of play for the remainder of the season, he ought to win league MVP.