Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott guided his team to a 20-15 victory against the New York Giants on Thursday night, showcasing his skills as a former Mississippi State standout.
In the game, Prescott completed 22 of 27 passes for 221 yards, throwing two touchdowns without any interceptions. His offensive line provided solid protection, allowing only one sack throughout the match.
Analyzing Prescott’s performance, the primary objective for any NFL quarterback is to secure wins, and he achieved that against a division rival. His completion rate was impressive, with just five incompletions compared to the Giants’ Daniel Jones, who had 11.
Moreover, Prescott averaged over eight yards per completion, a statistic that reflects his efficiency on the field. The critical question remains, however: was his performance worthy of the hefty $60 million annual salary he commands as the league’s highest-paid quarterback?
While the performance may not fully justify that salary, it certainly reflects his ability to execute what is necessary to secure victories, especially at this point in the season.
Every NFL team aspires to have a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen—players who can take control of a game on their own. Interestingly, the Cowboys might already have that caliber of quarterback in Prescott.
What tends to hold Prescott back from being universally recognized as one of the elite quarterbacks is his playoff performance, despite a few questionable coaching decisions in critical moments.
To date, Prescott hasn’t yet had that defining “Mahomes moment” in the postseason, but there’s still potential for him to deliver. If he manages to do so in the future, the $60 million investment could be seen as justified.
In conclusion, while Prescott’s recent performance against the Giants was commendable, the real test will be his ability to shine in the playoffs and elevate his team’s success in crucial games. Until then, he continues to perform admirably and lead his team effectively.