Dak's true test awaits

[CowboyRoy]

The one thing Dak Prescott had going for him that last year's backups didn't was the presence of Dez Bryant.

The running game is better with Elliott and Morris, but was effective last year with McFadden. However, the passing game couldn't accomplish much with Williams and Butler as the outside receivers.

On top of that, we also have the added absence this year of Tyron Smith and La'el Collins (although technically Collins stepped in last year because Leary was fighting an injury, so that's a wash).

If Prescott can succeed in the same situation that last year's backups failed, then it will show that he can do what Romo has been able to do and elevate the play of the players around him. I know he already has shown he can win, which last year's backups, couldn't do, but he has been winning with one of Dallas' top weapons on the field. Without that weapon, the playing field is even and we'll get to see what he can do in comparison to what happened last year.

I'm curious to see how it goes and suspect that he'll fare better without Dez than Weeden, Cassel and Moore.

Dak also has Linehan with more power and freedom. And Zeke and Morris are leagues better than McChicken ever was.

But the bottom line is that Dak is also just a better QB then either of the two guys from last year.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Dez did come back and it didn't matter because Weeden has no vision and Cassell has no arm.

And Garrett had no stones.

 

[plasticman]

Dak Prescott.is a rookie. If the Cowboys must depend on Dak playing at the level expected of a seasoned veteran then it's a long season.

Both Cassel and Weeden came to us with starting experience.

In Dak's case, its up to the rest of the team to elevate their play and help their rookie, his responsibility is to protect the ball and get it to the playmakers.

Dez let us down in game #1, he got hurt again in game #3. Zeke is getting stronger.

But where are the other guys? What happened to Williams, Escobar, and Morris?

Dak has already passed any fair test for a rookie. It's on the rest of the team.

 

[DogFace]

Very well done EGG. I'm more mocking that the goal posts keep being moved for Dak's success.

Overall you are right, though. He will have to pass more tests before he is an established success.

 

[CowboyRoy]

As long as we win, I don't care about interceptions. QBs throw them every week and virtually every game. Not throwing interceptions is an overrated accomplishment. If Dak goes all season without throwing one, that would be great, but we all know that won't happen. So let's remember not to overreact when he does.

We are running the ball in the endzone and Dak is one of the guy running it in. When you can run it, you dont have to pass it.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Dak Prescott.is a rookie. If the Cowboys must depend on Dak playing at the level expected of a seasoned veteran then it's a long season.

Both Cassel and Weeden came to us with starting experience.

In Dak's case, its up to the rest of the team to elevate their play and help their rookie, his responsibility is to protect the ball and get it to the playmakers.

Dez let us down in game #1, he got hurt again in game #3. Zeke is getting stronger.

But where are the other guys? What happened to Williams, Escobar, and Morris?

Dak has already passed any fair test for a rookie. It's on the rest of the team.

Dak is already playing like a seasoned veteran. The guy is unbelievable.

 

[Fletch]

It is interesting but he has much higher skill than any of those 3.

If it is not there, we will see him run more imo.

Which he rarely does unless it is unless necessary.

 

[KJJ]

The one thing Dak Prescott had going for him that last year's backups didn't was the presence of Dez Bryant.

About all we have with Dez nowadays is his presence.

 

[tyke1doe]

If Dak is somehow able to lead the Cowboys to a win without Dez or without a healthy Dez, it will speak volumes to his intelligence, leadership and ability to lead this team with or without Romo.

In fact, I would move him one step closer to the category of quarterbacks who give you confidence that they're going to win every time they step on the field.

Putting ... back ... the ... anointing ... oil.

 

[Verdict]

He has already faced 7 tests, as he has played in 7 games already. Each week has been an "I really mean it, this really is a test"! Then it is followed by a qualifier of some sort, such as "Yeah, but that test didn't count because of __________"

Inevitably, Dak will eventually have a bad week because he is human. Then every urine in their cereal complainer, who has been waiting ever since he was first drafted will pile on him and claim that they knew he was a fraud all along.

That will be followed by about 15 threads on the first page about what a fraud he is, with each saying the same thing, but the comma will be in a slightly different place so it will naturally need its own thread. Anyway, that's just how I see it playing out.

 

[the_h0wey]

The one thing Dak Prescott had going for him that last year's backups didn't was the presence of Dez Bryant.

The running game is better with Elliott and Morris, but was effective last year with McFadden. However, the passing game couldn't accomplish much with Williams and Butler as the outside receivers.

On top of that, we also have the added absence this year of Tyron Smith and La'el Collins (although technically Collins stepped in last year because Leary was fighting an injury, so that's a wash).

If Prescott can succeed in the same situation that last year's backups failed, then it will show that he can do what Romo has been able to do and elevate the play of the players around him. I know he already has shown he can win, which last year's backups, couldn't do, but he has been winning with one of Dallas' top weapons on the field. Without that weapon, the playing field is even and we'll get to see what he can do in comparison to what happened last year.

I'm curious to see how it goes and suspect that he'll fare better without Dez than Weeden, Cassel and Moore.

I'm not worried at all. He has shown me enough that I have the utmost confidence in him. No reason to think he won't step up and play just as good as he's been playing.

 

[big dog cowboy]

The one thing Dak Prescott had going for him that last year's backups didn't was the presence of Dez Bryant.

Except this year Dez is the #3 target.

 

[gimmesix]

But the bottom line is that Dak is also just a better QB then either of the two guys from last year.

So far he looks like it, but I'm on the cautious side with my judgments and would like to see more before giving him any crowns.

 

[DFWJC]

San Francisco isn't really a huge test compared to most other teams, but do agree it'll be a challenge without Dez

 

[dallasdave]

This is his test. Is he better than the absolute crap we played with last year? #Believe

Last year we had 2 clowns who claimed to be NFL QB's at backup QB !!! And also played like backups in the Arena Football League.

 

[Techsass]

The only knock I've had on Dak is that I think he doesn't take enough chances with his throws. So far I think he's been right. The guy goes through 2-3 reads every passing down. If he isn't comfortable with what he sees, he moves on to the next guy. A 4 yard gain is better than a pick, even if you need 5 for a 1st down. Punting is usually better than giving the other team a short field. It's only at the very end of a game that it might be worth the risk.

 

[gmoney112]

The only knock I've had on Dak is that I think he doesn't take enough chances with his throws. So far I think he's been right. The guy goes through 2-3 reads every passing down. If he isn't comfortable with what he sees, he moves on to the next guy. A 4 yard gain is better than a pick, even if you need 5 for a 1st down. Punting is usually better than giving the other team a short field. It's only at the very end of a game that it might be worth the risk.

Dak has a YPA of 10 over the last two games, no QB in the NFL has a higher YPA.

 

[Techsass]

Dak has a YPA of 10 over the last two games, no QB in the NFL has a higher YPA.

Despite what I wrote, I don't think Dak is a dink & dunk QB. He just doesn't throw many bombs. I am surprised he has the highest YPA.

 

[kevm3]

If Dak does bad, "Well, he's clearly not ready. He has a lot to learn still." If he plays well, "San Francisco wasn't a great team. He'll need to put 30 on Seattle to show me he's the real deal." People who don't care for Dak won't be swayed by this game if we does well. Only if he plays bad. Anyone who watched the guy can see he is legit. In my eyes, there's not much for him to prove other than consistently doing what he's already been doing.

I'm glad Dak isn't playing circus ball. If there's nothing down the field or it's a high risk throw, don't throw it down there. Give me the 9 yard pass and have Elliott go forward for a yard as we get first down after first down and march down the field for points. Deep balls are nice for highlight reels, but if you're getting down the field throwing short and intermediate passes, that's fine. What matters is that points get put on the board. I really hope the coaching staff doesn't try to force him to throw deep just so he can 'silence the critics'. Let him take what he feels are the best percentage throws as long as we keep on moving the chains.

 

[CowboyRoy]

So far he looks like it, but I'm on the cautious side with my judgments and would like to see more before giving him any crowns.

Let me know when you see it. This kid is unbelievable. At this point I am willing to say that he gives us a better chance to win than Romo at this point.