In the realm of NFL quarterbacks, where every move is dissected and analyzed to the minutest detail, Dak Prescott finds himself in the spotlight once again. The 2024 MVP Runner-Up barely secured a spot on ESPN’s list of the top 10 quarterbacks, ranking tenth among the league’s signal-callers. But is this ranking truly reflective of Prescott’s skills and abilities on the gridiron?
As votes and picks from league executives, coaches, and scouts culminated in this list, one cannot help but question Prescott’s placement. Despite consistently falling short in securing significant playoff victories, the question remains – is Dak Prescott truly the tenth-best quarterback in the league?
Looking at Prescott’s performance this past season, it is evident that he had an impressive year. The Dallas Cowboys QB threw for 4,516 yards, a feat that was overshadowed by Tua Tagovailoa and Jared Goff. However, Prescott only threw nine interceptions, showcasing his ability to protect the football better than most quarterbacks on the list.
When it comes to completion percentage, Prescott shines with an incredible 69.5% completion rate. Surprisingly, he was only bested by players who did not even make the top 10 list. Additionally, Prescott led the league in completions with 410 for the season and ranked among the top for touchdowns, throwing 36 throughout the year.
In terms of regular-season stats and performance, Prescott’s accomplishments warrant higher recognition than a bottom-of-the-barrel ranking in the top 10. In fact, many argue that he should be in the top five, given his contributions to the Cowboys.
Examining the Cowboys’ losses during the regular season, it is interesting to note that Prescott faced tough competition from teams like the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins. Out of these losses, only one opposing quarterback, Josh Allen, made the top 10 list. On the flip side, Prescott managed to defeat teams with quarterbacks who were ranked above him, such as the Jets, Chargers, Rams, and Lions. This raises the question – how can these quarterbacks be ranked higher than Dak?
Another point of contention is Prescott’s performance in the playoffs. It is true that he has struggled in those high-stakes moments, earning a reputation as a “grade-A choke.” While it is unfair to place all the blame on Prescott, as football is a team sport, his shortcomings in the postseason have not gone unnoticed.
Comparing Prescott’s playoff performance to other quarterbacks who made the playoffs, it is clear that he falls short in some key areas. His completion rate drops slightly to 68.3%, and his average yards per pass decrease as well, contributing to his tenth-place ranking among playoff QBs.
In the end, Dak Prescott’s ranking as the tenth-best quarterback in the league raises eyebrows and sparks debates among NFL fans and analysts alike. While his regular-season numbers speak volumes about his talent and skill, his struggles in the playoffs cannot be ignored. As the 2024 MVP Runner-Up, Prescott continues to strive for greatness and aim for the top spot among his peers in the NFL.
