The case for a successful rookie season for Dak

[tyke1doe]

Look, I'm not under the illusions that Dak will step in Day One and perform like a seasoned veteran. But the more I think about it, I'm leaning toward Dak having a successful rookie season. I know this goes against what I've been saying, but here me out.

1. Dak appears to be very smart and mature, which can only help him as a starter.
2. Dak is playing behind the best line in the league. They will keep rushers off him as much as possible. Remember this is the line that helped McFadden get 1,000 yards with half a season starting.
3. Dak will be protected by a stout running game featuring Zeke and Morris. He won't have to pass as much.
4. Dak will benefit from Zeke's pass blocking. The Cowboys will provide him max protection.
4. Dak will have one of the best receivers and tight ends in the game. Teams can load the box if they want. That will give Dez and company one-on-one matchups.
5. Dak will be given simple one or two reads on pass plays. I think the coaches will simplify the offense. I don't think we'll see the same strategy we saw with Weeden and Cassel.
6. Dak can run. But he's not a run-first quarterback. And he's built more stout than John Manziel. He'll use his legs wisely and effectively.

Anyway, that's my hopeful scenario.

What do you think? Support or tear apart.

 

[dfense]

Dak adds the QB option to the offense. Teams will be so geared up for Zeke, that can be a huge addition.

 

[VACowboy]

Look, I'm not under the illusions that Dak will step in Day One and perform like a seasoned veteran. But the more I think about it, I'm leaning toward Dak having a successful rookie season. I know this goes against what I've been saying, but here me out.

1. Dak appears to be very smart and mature, which can only help him as a starter.
2. Dak is playing behind the best line in the league. They will keep rushers off him as much as possible. Remember this is the line that helped McFadden get 1,000 yards with half a season starting.
3. Dak will be protected by a stout running game featuring Zeke and Morris. He won't have to pass as much.
4. Dak will benefit from Zeke's pass blocking. The Cowboys will provide him max protection.
4. Dak will have one of the best receivers and tight ends in the game. Teams can load the box if they want. That will give Dez and company one-on-one matchups.
5. Dak will be given simple one or two reads on pass plays. I think the coaches will simplify the offense. I don't think we'll see the same strategy we saw with Weeden and Cassel.
6. Dak can run. But he's not a run-first quarterback. And he's built more stout than John Manziel. He'll use his legs wisely and effectively.

Anyway, that's my hopeful scenario.

What do you think? Support or tear apart.

I think you're spot on, but a lot depends on the coaches' willingness to adjust the playbook for Dak and Zeke. I don't think we want a running game featuring a lot of zone read where Dak takes a lot of hits, but he is a spectacular ball handler and always a threat to rip off a 50-yarder. What we need is more boot and jet action (which is already in the playbook) as a regular part of the offense. I'd rather see Whitehead or Dunbar on the field than any FB currently on the roster. Dak isn't the only guy who thrived in a shotgun-based offense in college. So did Elliot.

 

[VACowboy]

PS: Dak has wowed us with the long ball, but he has also displayed tremendous accuracy and touch on short throws. I think a variety of run-pass options where he can either rip off a quick 8 yards and get down before taking a hit or toss the ball to a TE or RB in the flat could be devastating. How does a defense prepare for A) zone blocking, B) man blocking, C) zone read and D) Dez, Witten, Bease et all off of five different types of play action?

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

Dak adds the QB option to the offense. Teams will be so geared up for Zeke, that can be a huge addition.

This was clear in the Seattle game. His play action and ball fakes have fooled the camera in each game.

 

[The Quest for Six]

TAP THE BRAKES!!!!!! It was preseason, I haven't seen so much anointing oil thrown around for a player since, well Julius Jones....and how did that work out!

 

[MileyDancer]

This was clear in the Seattle game. His play action and ball fakes have fooled the camera in each game.

He got me on the fake handoff where he ran the ball. But I was too busy putting on my makeup, right @theebs ? Lol

 

[theebs]

He got me on the fake handoff where he ran the ball. But I was too busy putting on my makeup, right @theebs ? Lol

Yes, leave that stuff at home.

 

[MileyDancer]

Yes, leave that stuff at home.

I was at home. Ha!

 

[VACowboy]

TAP THE BRAKES!!!!!! It was preseason, I haven't seen so much anointing oil thrown around for a player since, well Julius Jones....and how did that work out!

People just looooooooove posting that cliche.

I don't think anyone here is putting any player in Canton. No one is saying we'll be better off with Dak at this point than a healthy Tony Romo. The premise of the OP is to make a case that DAK CAN HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON, and I and others agree. We've seen it recently with guys like Rothlissburger, Wilson and Griffin Three, and yes, it was preseason, but Prescott has given no indication that he's incapable of doing the same.

 

[tyke1doe]

People just looooooooove posting that cliche.

I don't think anyone here is putting any player in Canton. No one is saying we'll be better off with Dak at this point than a healthy Tony Romo. The premise of the OP is to make a case that DAK CAN HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON, and I and others agree. We've seen it recently with guys like Rothlissburger, Wilson and Griffin Three, and yes, it was preseason, but Prescott has given no indication that he's incapable of doing the same.

Exactly, it's not like rookie quarterbacks haven't been successful. They have, even if it's not the norm.
I just have this "feeling" that Dak is going to be better than expected for a rookie quarterback, although I won't be surprised in the least if he struggles - being a rookie, of course.

 

[VACowboy]

Exactly, it's not like rookie quarterbacks haven't been successful. They have, even if it's not the norm.
I just have this "feeling" that Dak is going to be better than expected for a rookie quarterback, although I won't be surprised in the least if he struggles - being a rookie, of course.

He's already been better than any rookie in his draft class, better than any rookie QB that I can recall. I said shortly after the draft that Dak seemed different to me than other players. He looked and sounded the part of an NFL quarterback. And everything he has done since, including killing it in every preseason game, working hard, staying humble and putting team wins atop the priority list, says to me he's got everything he needs to be successful in the NFL. Right now. Doesn't mean he will, but that's how it looks to me.

 

[Toro9]

TAP THE BRAKES!!!!!! It was preseason, I haven't seen so much anointing oil thrown around for a player since, well Julius Jones....and how did that work out!

The obligatory post of every Dak thread.


The reason you 'haven't seen so much anointing oil thrown around for a player' (assuming you mean a rookie) is because there hasn't been another rookie who looks so good and who the success of this team for a good part of the season will rely so heavily upon. People are excited and for good cause. Normally, Romo missing games means automatic losses. Dak is giving us some real hope.

 

[Longboysfan]

First time ever for me on this - catching Tyke on a misspell. It's been over 15 years watching and waiting.

I know this goes against what I've been saying, but here me out.

.

I think it's hear.

Me - you can catch any day.

 

[VACowboy]

The obligatory post of every Dak thread.


The reason you 'haven't seen so much anointing oil thrown around for a player' (assuming you mean a rookie) is because there hasn't been another rookie who looks so good and who the success of this team for a good part of the season will rely so heavily upon. People are excited and for good cause. Normally, Romo missing games means automatic losses. Dak is giving us some real hope.

You said it way better than I did.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

We have the best O-Line in football, we still have a darn good pass receiving tight end, a great #1 WR and a great slot receiver. If EE is nearly as good as advertised and Morris has juice left in his legs, then we'll have that great running game. The way to help a deficient QB is thru the run game and Dak can run the ball effectively himself so we can get him in 3rd and short situations, pick the throws we want him to make and he's got two excellent receivers (Beasley and Witten) when it comes to moving the chains and then Dez and T-Will (and Butler) to help stretch the field.



YR

 

[MichaelWinicki]

If he can keep a QB rating of 90, this will still be a playoff club.

Here's what I expect vs. the Giants...

17/25 for 230 yards with 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD and 1 INT.

 

[bsbellomy]

No one is saying we'll be better off with Dak at this point than a healthy Tony Romo.

Actually there are a bunch of people saying that.

 

[bsbellomy]

The reason you 'haven't seen so much anointing oil thrown around for a player' (assuming you mean a rookie) is because there hasn't been another rookie who looks so good and who the success of this team for a good part of the season will rely so heavily upon

There are countless example of players lighting it up in preseason and failing in the regular season.

 

[DallasEast]

Look, I'm not under the illusions that Dak will step in Day One and perform like a seasoned veteran. But the more I think about it, I'm leaning toward Dak having a successful rookie season. I know this goes against what I've been saying, but here me out.

1. Dak appears to be very smart and mature, which can only help him as a starter.
2. Dak is playing behind the best line in the league. They will keep rushers off him as much as possible. Remember this is the line that helped McFadden get 1,000 yards with half a season starting.
3. Dak will be protected by a stout running game featuring Zeke and Morris. He won't have to pass as much.
4. Dak will benefit from Zeke's pass blocking. The Cowboys will provide him max protection.
4. Dak will have one of the best receivers and tight ends in the game. Teams can load the box if they want. That will give Dez and company one-on-one matchups.
5. Dak will be given simple one or two reads on pass plays. I think the coaches will simplify the offense. I don't think we'll see the same strategy we saw with Weeden and Cassel.
6. Dak can run. But he's not a run-first quarterback. And he's built more stout than John Manziel. He'll use his legs wisely and effectively.

Anyway, that's my hopeful scenario.

What do you think? Support or tear apart.

Good OP thread but why did you feel the need to mention Manziel, lol?

I think simplifying the gamebook will be the best option for Prescott and the entire offense. Some fans will not want to consider it but keeping it simple will increase player focus on execution. The unit has the linemen and skill personnel across the board to do real damage IF they run each play as perfectly as possible. Plus, simplying the offense does not mean that wrinkles should be excluded from the gameplan, WHICH the offense can catch defenses off-guard after "lulling" them to sleep on previous downs/drives. If true, coaches will be more on the hot seat than Prescott in my opinion for these reasons.