I wouldn't say all three, but two at least.
NFL truth: Defenses do not respect Dak. That's not in comparison to Romo, that's straight up. Look at the numbers. 14 sacks in the last 3 games. 5 interceptions says a lot about what the defense is doing. And what they are saying is "Dare you to beat us."
If you look at the numbers, Dak has thrown a total of 100 passes longer than 11 yards. He's completed 40%. Not truly bad numbers but it does give you an idea of where the ball is going. It also helps to know that 13 of his 16 TDs came on 20 yard or less throws.
Another quick comparison: The difference in Romoball and Dak is Romo MADE you shut him down. Gunslinger, all the way. If he was going to lose he was going to lose doing whatever it took to win. Dak tries to pay a perfect game while working back into the game. He doesn't take chances. And that is not the coaches fault he's checking down.
A difference in Dak this year and Dak last year is taking care of the ball. Last year inside the 20 on either end of the field he had QB rating of 72, with 1 interception inside our 20 and 2 inside the opponents 20. This year inside the 20 on either end of the field he's a 57. Part of that is due to 3 interceptions inside his 20 and 3 inside the opponents 20.
Last year Dak had an average yards of attempt of 7.99. This year he is down to 6.68 (ranked 25 in the NFL). In fact, he's only cracked 7.00 four times, against Arizona, San Francsico, the Rams, and Kansas City. Any coincidence 4 of those were wins and the other a close loss?
I'm inclined to believe Dak is also on a pitch count. Last year his completion percentage dipped to 59% after 31 attempts per game. This year he's at 53% after 31 attempts. After 31, his yard per attempt also drops to 5.43. So iIts to the our advantage to keep him under that 31 pitch count where he is most effective. And its to our advantage to keep him in positive down yardage so he doesn't have to make throws outside his comfort zone.
But having all that data in front of him, Mr. NFL Defensive Coordinator wants Dak throwing because the more he throws the more mistakes he makes, the more his game erodes. And having all that data Mr. NFL Defensive Coordinator is willing to gamble that Dak isn't going to beat him (until Dak proves he can beat him).
Being a young QB he has to grow, he has to work on his game. If you think he doesn't see these numbers every week and work on improving them, well, I can't help you. He does. And he knows he needs to improve in these areas. He has the ability. He has to mindset. He just needs to continue working and it will eventually all come together.
Now, anybody who wants to bring the defense into it is forgetting we knew going in the defense was not going to be the strength of this team. The defense is what it is, (14th overall) average at best. Part of our defense was supposed to be a great offense who could move the ball and eat clock.
That just hasn't happened like we planned.
