The Cowboys questions no one is asking

fivetwos

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A hard truth most fans refuse to accept. Prescott has improved some, but people should go back and look at the scouting reports leading up to the draft or even in the draftzone from before he was drafted. They’ll notice a trend of the same deficiencies that everyone attached to him then are the same ones he has now. His shortcomings have been disguised by having elite weapons and an elite OL for much of his professional career. When he doesn’t have either of those things, we’ve all seen the results.
Funny you mention.

I went back in posting history looking for something else and saw a scouting report on Prescott before that draft.

It mentioned he had a tendency to hold the ball too long while waiting for a receiver to be more open.

He seems to have little confidence in his own arm unless the team is up or down by more than one score.

I also didn't realize how much his legs meant to his game. Once that was eliminated I can see why his game took a serious nosedive.
 

AzorAhai

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Funny you mention.

I went back in posting history looking for something else and saw a scouting report on Prescott before that draft.

It mentioned he had a tendency to hold the ball too long while waiting for a receiver to be more open.

He seems to have little confidence in his own arm unless the team is up or down by more than one score.

I also didn't realize how much his legs meant to his game. Once that was eliminated I can see why his game took a serious nosedive.
Sadly they all mentioned the same things. Struggles with ball placement on intermediate throws, struggles with anticipating throws, too quick to throw underneath, gets antsy when pressured focusing on it and not his reads while taking sacks. I mean look at this draft report and nearly every one of his weaknesses is still a weakness. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dak-prescott/32005052-4528-5723-d1b2-96e92ebc1241
 

fivetwos

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Sadly they all mentioned the same things. Struggles with ball placement on intermediate throws, struggles with anticipating throws, too quick to throw underneath, gets antsy when pressured focusing on it and not his reads while taking sacks. I mean look at this draft report and nearly every one of his weaknesses is still a weakness. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dak-prescott/32005052-4528-5723-d1b2-96e92ebc1241
Yep. I mean seriously already with all the discussion about this guy.....

He is good but not great. Needs to be used properly.

The time to win with him was during his rookie deal, but we were busy trying to create Tom Landry out of Jason Garrett.

Now that the contract situation was bungled into him being paid like someone who should carry a team himself, we have an OC that wants to feature him and his arm.

It won't work and it's an awful pairing.

That's Jerry Jones and his football sense at work.
 

Kingofholland

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If a scientist was studying Dak's ability at QB then the first 6 games of 2021 would be removed as the outlier. Because he has never played that well before or since, so in any experiment the outlier should be removed.

Dak is something in between those first 6 games and those last 11 games games. He's closer to the last 11 games though.

Well technically the scientist would also need to remove the worst games as outliers too ;). So where does that leave us?
 

CT Dal Fan

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Well technically the scientist would also need to remove the worst games as outliers too ;). So where does that leave us?

Over the last four games of 2021 Dak had 13-0 TD-to-interception ratio too. That tells me he got back to his form pre-calf injury. Then came the playoff game against the 49ers and everything seemed to lapse back again.

I have been one of Prescott's biggest supporters. I don't think he's as bad as some people think. I am not doubting his talent, his leadership, even his accuracy as I have seen him make big time throws on a consistent basis instead of agonizing over the throws he misses as many do.

But I want to see Dak rise up and carry this team when they are down. Because when the team plays well, so does Dak. When the team doesn't play well, he's right down there with them. That needs to change. I think he realizes that and nobody is rooting for him more than me.
 

pansophy

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If a scientist was studying Dak's ability at QB then the first 6 games of 2021 would be removed as the outlier. Because he has never played that well before or since, so in any experiment the outlier should be removed.

Dak is something in between those first 6 games and those last 11 games games. He's closer to the last 11 games though.
Could argue he played that well at the beginning of 2020 as well.
 

MountaineerCowboy

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Well technically the scientist would also need to remove the worst games as outliers too ;). So where does that leave us?
Exactly where I said..

Somewhere in between the first 6 games and the last 11 games, but much closer to the last 11 games.
 

morasp

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Dak's draft profile

Overview
Hard to find an NFL comp for Prescott because he's built like Donovan McNabb, but lacks McNabb's ability and polish. Prescott has NFL size, mobility and enough arm, but the tape shows a player who must improve his mechanics, poise and quickness through his progressions if he is to become a full-time starter in the NFL. There are absolutely draftable traits and upside, but he will need extended work to smooth out his flaws. Until then, a team would be wise to utilize him on short-yardage packages.

Strengths

  • Thick, muscular frame
  • Has proven over last three seasons that he can withstand a pounding
  • Has enough natural arm strength and hip snap to fit throws into an NFL window
  • Stands tall and delivers a tight spiral with over-the-top delivery
  • Very little windup and gets ball out with the flick of a wrist
  • When pocket is clean, can deliver accurate strikes around the field
  • Played with improved vision and care for football this season and eliminated many of the ill-fated throws that turned into interceptions in 2014
  • Still a work in progress, but continues to show a level of growth as a passer
  • Threat with his legs, scoring 37 rushing touchdowns over last three seasons and had 94 rushes of ten yards or more during that time
  • Can be used as goal-line rushing option
  • Willing to extend plays outside of pocket with legs but look to finish the play with his arm
  • Mentally tough enough to carry a heavy offensive burden for the Bulldogs over last three years
  • When protected better in 2014, showed an ability to challenge deep and strike with accuracy and touch
Weaknesses
  • Beat up this year thanks to poor protection
  • When he wasn't being sacked, he was being hit hard
  • Not as competitive a rusher in 2015
  • Sacks and usage in run game might be taking a toll
  • Increase in short pass attempts from 86 to 208 this year reason for higher completion numbers
  • Accuracy on intermediate and deep throws dropped sharply
  • Pocket poise has been compromised
  • Hyper aware of pressure around him and lacks awareness to slide and find temporary shelter to make throw
  • Concern over pressure too often trumps ability to get through progressions
  • Must speed up the pace of his reads
  • Footwork is a mess
  • Slight stride onto stiff upper leg with little weight shift
  • Restricted follow through and too often tries to muscle throws with upper body
  • Throws to target rather than leading or throwing them open on short/intermediate throws
  • Too respectful of underneath coverage and must be more willing to challenge the defense
  • Needs to improve anticipation
 

RD21

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Dak's draft profile

Overview
Hard to find an NFL comp for Prescott because he's built like Donovan McNabb, but lacks McNabb's ability and polish. Prescott has NFL size, mobility and enough arm, but the tape shows a player who must improve his mechanics, poise and quickness through his progressions if he is to become a full-time starter in the NFL. There are absolutely draftable traits and upside, but he will need extended work to smooth out his flaws. Until then, a team would be wise to utilize him on short-yardage packages.

Strengths

  • Thick, muscular frame
  • Has proven over last three seasons that he can withstand a pounding
  • Has enough natural arm strength and hip snap to fit throws into an NFL window
  • Stands tall and delivers a tight spiral with over-the-top delivery
  • Very little windup and gets ball out with the flick of a wrist
  • When pocket is clean, can deliver accurate strikes around the field
  • Played with improved vision and care for football this season and eliminated many of the ill-fated throws that turned into interceptions in 2014
  • Still a work in progress, but continues to show a level of growth as a passer
  • Threat with his legs, scoring 37 rushing touchdowns over last three seasons and had 94 rushes of ten yards or more during that time
  • Can be used as goal-line rushing option
  • Willing to extend plays outside of pocket with legs but look to finish the play with his arm
  • Mentally tough enough to carry a heavy offensive burden for the Bulldogs over last three years
  • When protected better in 2014, showed an ability to challenge deep and strike with accuracy and touch
Weaknesses
  • Beat up this year thanks to poor protection
  • When he wasn't being sacked, he was being hit hard
  • Not as competitive a rusher in 2015
  • Sacks and usage in run game might be taking a toll
  • Increase in short pass attempts from 86 to 208 this year reason for higher completion numbers
  • Accuracy on intermediate and deep throws dropped sharply
  • Pocket poise has been compromised
  • Hyper aware of pressure around him and lacks awareness to slide and find temporary shelter to make throw
  • Concern over pressure too often trumps ability to get through progressions
  • Must speed up the pace of his reads
  • Footwork is a mess
  • Slight stride onto stiff upper leg with little weight shift
  • Restricted follow through and too often tries to muscle throws with upper body
  • Throws to target rather than leading or throwing them open on short/intermediate throws
  • Too respectful of underneath coverage and must be more willing to challenge the defense
  • Needs to improve anticipation
Wow. This could've been written last week. Very detailed, & concise.
 

morasp

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Wow. This could've been written last week. Very detailed, & concise.
I would like to see them take a look at Desmond Ridder if he falls. He's not Joe Burrow but has some similar trailts and year to year improvement and a lot of his strengths are Dak's weaknesses.

Overview
Four-year starter and four-year winner whose hard work at his craft altered his standing from good college quarterback to early-round draft pick. There is nothing special about Ridder's size or arm talent but his improved confidence and field command has really helped him mature at the position. He plays in rhythm and operates with consistently repeatable footwork and mechanics. He's intelligent and processes quickly, which should help him find where the football needs to go regardless of passing scheme. Getting the ball to NFL targets accurately and safely, however, is not a given. Despite favorable mechanics, his accuracy and ball placement need work and he doesn't have the arm strength or release quickness to consistently survive off-target throws against pro coverage. He can run but is more of a pocket passer who can win with his legs than a true dual-threat quarterback.
Strengths
  • Jump in production and play from 2020 to 2021.
  • Team captain who plays with confidence and command on the field.
  • Mobile and athletic but looks to win from the pocket.
  • Pocket poise with easy slide away from pressure points.
  • Quick to process what the defense shows him.
  • Uses eyes to hold single-high safety and set up a deep shot.
  • Patient in allowing routes to mature and uncover.
  • Mobility to elude pressure and reset launch point outside the pocket.
  • Machine-like mechanics and footwork.
  • Operates from a well-balanced platform.
  • Able to pump and alter target choice when needed.
  • Changes speeds and alters touch underneath.
  • Throws the out route with timing and break anticipation.
  • Speed to turn a scramble into a chunk play.
Weaknesses
  • Deep balls have a tendency to come up short.
  • Gives safeties time to range over the top from the post.
  • Average arm strength for tight-window throws.
  • Windup slows overall release quickness.
  • Slower operation time led to 26 career batted passes, per PFF.
  • Struggles in throwing receivers open.
  • Inconsistent accuracy on intermediate throws.
  • Rarely gets all the way through his progressions.
  • Average elusiveness could bring heavy punishment as a runner.
  • Below-average placement and velocity for pro throws.
  • Peels back and over the top of the pocket, leading to sacks.
Sources Tell Us

"He's a humble leader who leads by example and football is important to him. You will never have to worry about (whether he's) working on his game to get better." -- Area scout for AFC team
 

Cowfan75

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Why on earth would Payton want to come out of retirement for one last coaching fling with Jerry? For laughs? From the vibe Daddy & Son are giving off right now, this is a throwaway season. No money to do anything, no willingness to do the tough things that need to be done. So it's status quo, in other words. Think Payton wants to come back and try to build up a team with an awful culture, that has zero discipline, that's still suffering from contract fallout, and saddled with an owner who doesn't like FA? Is he planning on coaching for another decade?
 

CBfaninWV9

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I recall Sean Payton overseeing a coach on the Saints several years ago. He was the def coordinator, Williams, I think. From what I have seen, that Williams was a scumbag who blatantly put bounties on prominent players during their games and encouraged career ending injuries to opponents. I even think the league investigated the guy because of it. It was the Saints who finished off the career of my favorite non-Cowboy QB, Kurt Warner. If Payton was aware then he is a scumbag too and don't want any part of him in Dallas. If he wasn't aware then he's clueless and lacks "institutional control" of his teams. We don't need a choirboy as HC, but we don't need a guy like that either. I'm not a MM hater, but maybe it is time to move on with someone other than Sean Payton.
 

diamonddelts

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1. Ego
2. To be the guy who pulled it off.
3. The atmosphere.

Lots of successful people believe in their heart of hearts, that they can do what other haven't, or can't. Generally speaking, it's one of the reasons they are successful.

All BS aside, how would a coach who came in here & pulled it off be treated/remembered..? Well, the two who have, are in the HOF. For someone like Payton who already has a ring, he'd guarantee his spot in the HOF if he came to coach the Cowboys & won a Super Bowl. Will he get in now if he never coaches again..?

I think plenty of guys would look at it as a challenge. An opportunity to step on a big stage. Perhaps the biggest stage in all of pro sports coaching. Lots of cash, even more notoriety/fame, the chance to become immortal to the most popular/talked about sports franchise there is.

Hell no.
 

tyke1doe

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If Lamb were on the Bengals or Vikings, he'd be a super star by now.
There's something about the Dallas Cowboys aura that transforms our stars into firecrackers.
Dak and Zeke are nothing like their first year. Same with LVE and La'el Collins and Jarwin.
Hopefully, Parsons doesn't get sucked into the abyss of mediocrity known as the Frisco Fiasco.
Sigh. :(
 

kskboys

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Why on earth would Payton want to come out of retirement for one last coaching fling with Jerry? For laughs? From the vibe Daddy & Son are giving off right now, this is a throwaway season. No money to do anything, no willingness to do the tough things that need to be done. So it's status quo, in other words. Think Payton wants to come back and try to build up a team with an awful culture, that has zero discipline, that's still suffering from contract fallout, and saddled with an owner who doesn't like FA? Is he planning on coaching for another decade?
Which means we prolly won't be any better in 23. At some point, if you want to contend, you must look toward the future. We refuse, wasting talent, careers, and trade value prolifically.
 

Cboyfan4ever

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Sadly they all mentioned the same things. Struggles with ball placement on intermediate throws, struggles with anticipating throws, too quick to throw underneath, gets antsy when pressured focusing on it and not his reads while taking sacks. I mean look at this draft report and nearly every one of his weaknesses is still a weakness. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dak-prescott/32005052-4528-5723-d1b2-96e92ebc1241
His college deficiencies have certainly reared their ugly head in the pros.
 

Alexander

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BTW, none of these are questions nobody has asked.
They simply are not talked about much.

Wait, so we didn't rip off the entire league when we drafted Lamb?

So--you are telling me our QB now has a case of the yips to go right along with his spotty accuracy and decision-making? Get out of here.

And you want to say Sean Payton might not want to work with a dysfunctional franchise that can't even figure out how the cap works?

EvPepno.gif
 
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