Sometimes in order to get a clear picture of what a player is, you have to see how that player preforms when everything goes to hell. Great players can crumble. Pedestrian players can rise. As Mike Tyson famously said, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
In 2023, Dak Prescott, inevitably like all NFL quarterbacks, got punched in the mouth. Unlike many of the others, Prescott rose to the occasion. Plays didn’t always unfold how they were supposed to. Routes were mixed up, blocking assignments missed, and breaks in pass protection endured. In many of these situations Prescott thrived.
Not only has Prescott graded in elite territory as a passer overall, but he also posted a top-three passing grade when facing pressure. His ability to scramble, keep his eyes downfield and move through progressions allowed him to post 14 big time throws to just six turnover worthy throws (PFF) in these pressure situations. Of those grading in the top-10, only Matthew Stafford threw fewer turnover worthy throws (5).
With an average distance of target of 10.3 and an adjusted completion percentage of 69.9%, Prescott posted a whopping 97.3 passer rating when under pressure. That was tops amongst his peers who graded in the top-10. The impressive ranking backs up his place as the No. 1 third down QB in the NFL. On third downs Prescott ranked No. 1 in success rate and EPA + CPOE composite.
Don't blitz these QBs 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Tfx390qYbh
— PFF (@PFF) July 9, 2024
Prescott stumbled in a few key games, namely that horrific playoff debacle, but he was in rarified air over the course of the entire season. He was specifically elite when pressured, whether that was against the blitz or otherwise. It’s something Prescott will need to continue in 2024 if the Cowboys hope to have any success as a team.
Among the 27 projected starting QBs returning in 2024, Anthony Richardson ranked 5th in catchable throw% vs pressure in 2023.
Top 5:
Dak – 74.5%
Purdy – 65.4%
Lamar – 65.1%
Carr – 64.2%
AR – 63%Bottom 5:
Bryce – 36.7%
Stafford – 50.7%
Goff – 51.9%
Hurts – 54.9%
Levis – 55% https://t.co/NZjFzuKcX0 pic.twitter.com/zilCp7UgwZ— Jay Robins 🧾mark (@RobinsLucas) July 9, 2024
There are plenty of unknowns heading into the new season but one area of concern in which most agree is the pass protection of the offensive line. Two rookies are expected to lock down starting spots. Both players are undergoing a change of position, and both come with significant concerns regarding their pass protection. It’s safe to say Prescott will be feeling the pressure again.
Making things worse is the step back the Cowboys seemingly took at the running back position and the general unknown at receiver. There are five critical Cowboys who must step up in 2024 but even then, Prescott has to be Superman if Dallas hopes to hold onto the NFC East crown.
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