Besides quarterbacks, It's not easy for a single player to be a big difference maker. It usually takes multiple impact players. But I'd say in 2016 Zeke was definitely a difference maker. Or you could say our offensive line as a unit. But like someone else said, if we're going to be a consistent 8 win team, or 5-6 win team like it looks now, why the hell would you sign the QB to a huge contract? We can do that with any quarterback. And like I said, you don't even have to put any blame on Dak. Put it on how the GM chose to allocate the cap money. But for whatever reason this team is inept, that's the reality right now.
It reminds me of the story about the baseball player that led the league in home runs and asked the GM for a raise. He refused stating we're in last place with you, we can be in last place without you.