Dallas Cowboys: Is Dak Prescott a one year wonder?

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) warms up prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) warms up prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had a rookie season for the ages. But was it a fluke, or can Prescott continue to perform among the top QB’s in the NFL?

When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Dak Prescott in the fourth round last season I knew they had a steal.  The only question was how long would it be until Prescott became the Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback?

With Tony Romo as the franchise quarterback, it appeared as though Dak Prescott would have to wait for his chance.  But with Romo struggling with injuries, Prescott got his chance to start a lot sooner than expected.

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Without Romo in the lineup the Dallas Cowboys season looked in jeopardy.  But from the start Dak Prescott was impressive, showing poise beyond his years and looking extremely comfortable in the Dallas Cowboys offense.

As the season progressed I kept waiting for Dak Prescott to hit the rookie wall.  But it was a long wait as he only got better with each passing game.  The Dallas Cowboys got better too, running away with the NFC East title and a 13-3 record.

Dak Prescott finished the season with a 104.9 QB rating, 3,667 yards passing, 23 TD’s against just 4 interceptions.  He Started all sixteen games as well as a start in the playoffs.

Should the Dallas Cowboys expect Dak Prescott to put up numbers like that again?  I think he will and here’s why?

The Dallas Cowboys have the best offensive line in football.  Any quarterback playing behind that line would have a measure of success.  Dak Prescott can stand in the pocket with confidence knowing the protection is consistent.

In Ezekiel Elliot, the Dallas Cowboys have arguably the most talented running back in the NFL.  The ability to run play-action off Ezekiel Elliot gives Dak Prescott clear passing lanes with linebackers and safeties forced to devote energy to stopping Ezekiel Elliot.

Next, the Dallas Cowboys and head coach Jason Garrett do a good job of sticking to the game plan.  The Dallas Cowboys are a running team and they typically don’t put Prescott into a place where he’s forced to pass the ball more than is necessary.

Then there’s Dak Prescott himself.  He always gives the appearance that he’s never rattled, regardless of the situation.  He never seems flustered or to lose control of his emotions.  Typically, for a rookie quarterback that’s unheard of.

Also, Dak Prescott’s footwork and passing mechanics took a huge step forward as a Cowboy from his senior season in college.  He’s only going to continue to improve, so I don’t think Dak Prescott is a one year wonder.

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NFL defenses will find new ways to attack him.  But as long as the Dallas Cowboys continue to pound to rock with Ezekiel Elliot and continue to put him in a position to succeed, then I see Dak Prescott having a second year jump instead of a sophomore slump.