Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been under the microscope after a career-worst season in 2022.
While the defense has rightfully gained all the attention amid Dallas’ 3-1 start, Prescott quietly had his best game of the season in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots, throwing for 261 yards and a touchdown while completing 84% of his passes. Team owner Jerry Jones was encouraged by the performance and expects the progression to continue throughout the season.
“I thought we did a better job than I thought we could do,” Jones said as he appeared on DFW’s 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday morning. “I thought we protected Dak really well. … More importantly, I thought Dak was really on, and I think we could expect that type of execution from Dak and the receivers as we go forward. I don’t think that was an aberration.”
The vertical passing game was vital to the Cowboys’ offensive rhythm on Sunday. According to NFL Next Gen stats, Prescott made several more deep throws than he had in each of the season’s first three games.
”The more we are able to affect the passing game and get those guys on what I call crossing routes, the more we can get that done,” Jones said, per 105.3. “It will open up our vertical [passing game] even more so. You see what these receivers can do for us, and I really don’t think we’ve even come close to seeing what [Brandin] Cooks can do for us. I’m excited for what’s in the future here from those receivers.”
Curiously, the Dallas passing attack has made its mark by using the outside portions of the field. Prescott has thrown 136 passes through four games, but only eight have been to the middle of the field.
“That’s what the defenses are dictating, but also, he’s great at it,” Jones explained. “Arm strength’s one of his best things, and boy, he throws that ball good and crisp to the outside as well as the downfield pass. … You probably have not seen us do as much in there because we haven’t needed to do as much in there, and there’s no question that it’s riskier in the middle there when you’re throwing the ball.”
“I think all of that’s coming,” he added. “I think by the time we get a couple months down the road, we’ll have seen seriously more inside throws.”
Prescott’s performance and the overall feeling around the offense have Jones excited ahead of their matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, who had eliminated the Cowboys from the playoffs two years in a row.
“This is the best I’ve felt about our offense,” Joens remarked. “… We will do what we can do the best — and that is maximize what we’re doing with Dak and execute. … We were able to execute the other day. They were letting us do some stuff out there on those corners that really gave us some wind, and we’re going to need some wind early in San Francisco.”
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EXTRA POINTS
— The Cowboys released injury updates on running back Rico Dowdle, guard Zack Martin, and linebacker Micah Parsons on Monday. All are expected to have a chance to play in Sunday’s game in San Francisco. Offensive tackle Tyron Smith is also “improving.”
— New England Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon will have surgery to repair a torn bicep. It is unclear if he will return this season.
— Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has returned to practice and might play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
— Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a fractured finger on Sunday. It is not expected to affect his availability moving forward. The team is currently on a bye week.
