The Thing about Dak and the Preseason

[CalPolyTechnique]

We're all excited by what Dak Prescott has shown this preseason and most of what we've read analyzing his play has been qualified with "it's preseason...teams aren't game-planning for him...vanilla defenses," which may all be true (to an extent), but are undercutting what Dak has done thus far.

First, the defensive schemes he's been facing are not that vanilla; he's not playing against defenses employing Senior Bowl schemes that can't blitz or are forced to run a 43. These teams are trying to get their personnel up-to-speed and comfortable with their own respective alignments and coverages so the notion of vanilla defenses is overstated.

Secondly, what's impressed me about Dak is the quality of throws he's been making. He's been hitting guys on the move, throwing to spots on deeper throws and carrying the safety/linebacker on certain coverages. That's impressive. What we've seen in previous years were guys like Dustin Vaughan become Checkdown Charlie and throwing to the easy read in the flat/comeback route.

Finally, if all these aspects brought up to temper the praise of Dak were true, we'd see a lot more rookie or young prospect QBs performing at a much higher level than they typically show.

Bottomline, I agree with being conservative with the praise, but I think there are very legitimate reasons to be excited at what Dak has shown.

 

[marchetta]

He's facing the same defenses that every QB is facing in the pre-season. And, he's playing as well, if not better, than any of them. Nuff said.

 

[CowboyRoy]

We're all excited by what Dak Prescott has shown this preseason and most of what we've read analyzing his play has been qualified with "it's preseason...teams aren't game-planning for him...vanilla defenses," which may all be true (to an extent), but are undercutting what Dak has done thus far.

First, the defensive schemes he's been facing are not that vanilla; he's not playing against defenses employing Senior Bowl schemes that can't blitz or are forced to run a 43. These teams are trying to get their personnel up-to-speed and comfortable with their own respective alignments and coverages so the notion of vanilla defenses is overstated.

Secondly, what's impressed me about Dak is the quality of throws he's been making. He's been hitting guys on the move, throwing to spots on deeper throws and carrying the safety/linebacker on certain coverages. That's impressive. What we've seen in previous years were guys like Dustin Vaughan become Checkdown Charlie and throwing to the easy read in the flat/comeback route.

Finally, if all these aspects brought up to temper the praise of Dak were true, we'd see a lot more rookie or young prospect QBs performing at a much higher level than they typically show.

Bottomline, I agree with being conservative with the praise, but I think there are very legitimate reasons to be excited at what Dak has shown.

There is no reason what so ever why EVERY Cowboys fan shouldn't be extremely excited about this kid.

 

[JeffInDC]

We're all excited by what Dak Prescott has shown this preseason and most of what we've read analyzing his play has been qualified with "it's preseason...teams aren't game-planning for him...vanilla defenses," which may all be true (to an extent), but are undercutting what Dak has done thus far.

First, the defensive schemes he's been facing are not that vanilla; he's not playing against defenses employing Senior Bowl schemes that can't blitz or are forced to run a 43. These teams are trying to get their personnel up-to-speed and comfortable with their own respective alignments and coverages so the notion of vanilla defenses is overstated.

Secondly, what's impressed me about Dak is the quality of throws he's been making. He's been hitting guys on the move, throwing to spots on deeper throws and carrying the safety/linebacker on certain coverages. That's impressive. What we've seen in previous years were guys like Dustin Vaughan become Checkdown Charlie and throwing to the easy read in the flat/comeback route.

Finally, if all these aspects brought up to temper the praise of Dak were true, we'd see a lot more rookie or young prospect QBs performing at a much higher level than they typically show.

Bottomline, I agree with being conservative with the praise, but I think there are very legitimate reasons to be excited at what Dak has shown.

MORE THAN ANYTHING, he's shown that there is a REAL prospect to be groomed behind Romo - one that may not even be close to maximizing his potential. I think what I'm impressed with the most is NOT the throws or the athleticism................it's the look in his eyes when they get close-ups of him during these games. He looks way too calm to be a rookie. And, THAT is what may help him the most going forward.

 

[BrassCowboy]

We're all excited by what Dak Prescott has shown this preseason and most of what we've read analyzing his play has been qualified with "it's preseason...teams aren't game-planning for him...vanilla defenses," which may all be true (to an extent), but are undercutting what Dak has done thus far.

First, the defensive schemes he's been facing are not that vanilla; he's not playing against defenses employing Senior Bowl schemes that can't blitz or are forced to run a 43. These teams are trying to get their personnel up-to-speed and comfortable with their own respective alignments and coverages so the notion of vanilla defenses is overstated.

Secondly, what's impressed me about Dak is the quality of throws he's been making. He's been hitting guys on the move, throwing to spots on deeper throws and carrying the safety/linebacker on certain coverages. That's impressive. What we've seen in previous years were guys like Dustin Vaughan become Checkdown Charlie and throwing to the easy read in the flat/comeback route.

Finally, if all these aspects brought up to temper the praise of Dak were true, we'd see a lot more rookie or young prospect QBs performing at a much higher level than they typically show.

Bottomline, I agree with being conservative with the praise, but I think there are very legitimate reasons to be excited at what Dak has shown.

this is very well put, and fair. I like Dak, and if you read my posts after the draft I think you will see me seeing I think he could be someone special, that he has the tools, he shows command, and knows how to handle pressure because that is what he did at Mississippi State with that crappy Oline. He still put up good numbers.

We seen some of that poise and collectiveness while under pressure in the Miami game. twice after nearly throwing ints both times - he continued without missing a beat, not showing fear, stuck with his gameplan. That was much more vet-like. Also, when the Miami dolphins started to blitzed him over and over, he slipped through and made his throws as well as ran when he needed to.

I don't think the majority of us are overreacting when we say he may be something, but for those who say QB controversy - ok, them people need to press on the brakes a little.

 

[Shinaoi]

I think it's a little bit of both. Obviously if you unleashed him over a 16 game season he would have his ups and downs, but it's still promising to see. He looks like he has enough talent to play in the nfl.

 

[Seven]

Plus.....the dude has some serious wheels.

There's always the threat of him taking off.

He keeps it up defenses and will be rreeeeaaaalllll honest.

 

[Vanilla2]

If it were any of the top 3 qbs drafted playing well you wouldn't hear anything about vanilla defenses

 

[jchap2k]

Also, if you look at the pictures of him during plays right before a throw, he has this HUGE freaking smile plastered across his face. This tells me that not only is he doing well (which is obvious so far), but that he is also having lots of fun doing it. It cracks me up, some of his pictures. Such a big smile, like he is thinking "YES! Dak will be a TD throw!"

 

[DFWJC]

I don't think anyone can realistically say Dak is not being given enough credit.

 

[Falco78]

He is definitely something special, great to see we might have Romo's replacement already learning the game for when he is needed in 2-3 years

 

[Idgit]

It's like he's playing a video game and cruising through the levels. Each level gets harder and harder. It's a great sign that he's passing the easy ones without losing any lives. That doesn't mean he's going to cruise through the hard levels, though. It means he's got a good shot to beat them early. Or, given time, he has the skills that he can probably figure them out.

It's not like it is with Romo where we know he can beat those levels because we've seen him do it many times. But all Dak can do is beat the levels he gets to play. The fact that he's doing that more easily than other more established QBs is a great sign. The reads are going to get tougher, but, man, if he can hit guys downfield in stride like that on top of burning you with his legs, he's got a big head start already. It's pretty unbelievable how well things have gone for him.

I'm going to hold my breath that he looks nearly as good the next two weeks of PS. Not that I don't expect him to, but if he does, it's a pretty good indication that we've got a really good young player to develop. And we got him at the bottom of the 4th round. That's crazy.

 

[Cowboys22]

He's facing the same defenses that every QB is facing in the pre-season. And, he's playing as well, if not better, than any of them. Nuff said.

That's the point I've been trying to make. Some people act like other rookie QBs are facing regular season type defenses. I'd love to see a redraft done by fans of every team and see how many Rams, Eagles, and Broncos fans would take Dak over their real picks. Would anyone here trade Dak straight up for any other rookie qb? I know I wouldn't.

 

[MileyDancer]

Like I've said, it's hard NOT to get excited. I'm sensitive, so I am trying to not get my hopes up; he could very easily replace Romo (when that happens) if he continues to improve. By what I've read, he has the work ethic to do so.

 

[aikemirv]

I don't think anyone can realistically say Dak is not being given enough credit.

Yeah, I don't think so either. I think you just see fans not wanting to get their hopes up too much. That is where I am at. With most positions physical ability is obvious and you know right away that the player is going to be good. There is just so much that goes into being a successful QB at the NFL level that we won't know for a year or 2 of playing whether he is going to be the guy that is QB in Dallas for the next 10 years after Romo.

All I know right now is he could not be doing any better than he has. It just seems too good to be true. Not only is there not a rookie QB in the NFL playing better this preseason, there is not any QB playing better!

 

[Bullflop]

Any longtime, hardcore Cowboys fan like myself can easily recognize an exceptional rookie QB when sees one. Dak hasn't left any doubt as to his qualifications thus far, despite the fact that there's much to be proven in terms of winning vs. stiff competition and the test of time. The upcoming preseason test vs. Seattle's defense definitely promises to be one vs. stiff competition. Here's hoping Dak's good reviews continue unabated.

 

[Nightman]

MIA and LA have the some of the best DL in the league.....Dak's poise and ball fakes and reads have all been top notch......SEA will be another good test

 

[Clove]

I think it is best for him to sit and learn this year, there's a whole lot to playing QB in the NFL and he's making it look easy. That said, if Romo were to go down, he could possibly lose his job. I think, and I could be wrong, but with him playing for Mississippi State for 5 years, it's like the third year is when most players come out. So he's like 2 years pro right now.
Having said all of that, this Thursday is a clincher for me. If he goes out and owns Seattle, I think the internet would flip.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

I don't think anyone can realistically say Dak is not being given enough credit.

Jason Whitlock says Dak Prescott is not a starting NFL QB. This was after the Miami game. But he's a fat slob so who cares.

 

[DFWJC]

Jason Whitlock says Dak Prescott is not a starting NFL QB. This was after the Miami game. But he's a fat slob so who cares.