FRISCO, Texas – This is the age of young quarterbacks in the league, but many people forget that Dallas Cowboys’ offensive leader Dak Prescott is only in his third season as a starter. Tony Romo did not start until his fourth season in the league, but Prescott gained the role his rookie year leading the silver and blue to 13-3. He is a young quarterback still learning and evolving, along with many other young athletes at the position in the league currently:
Baker Mayfield- 23
Josh Allen- 22
Josh Rosen- 21
Sam Darnold- 21
Carson Wentz- 25
Jared Goff- 24
Deshaun Watson- 23
Marcus Mariota- 25
Jameis Winston- 24
Nathan Peterman- 24
Mitch Trubisky- 24
Patrick Mahomes II- 23
C.J. Beathard- 24
“ Dak was put into a challenging role at the outset, “ Jason Garrett remarked. “He comes in every day with a great spirit and is a natural leader. He has a contagious way about him that people tend to follow. When times have been good and when times have been challenging, he is the same guy. That is a really important thing if you are in a leadership role and especially as a quarterback in the NFL. “
Prescott did not have several seasons as the backup QB to learn and become familiar with a new NFL offensive scheme from the sideline out of college, he had to learn as he went on the field as the starter his first season in the league. Romo got injured during the pre-season, and Prescott quickly showed his ability at the Pro Level and earned the respect of his new teammates in his new leadership role. He took command of the offense and earned his captain patch.
With having the title “Quarterback of America’s Team, “ comes the added scrutiny and spotlight surrounding his position. He is still learning as every move he makes is analyzed on and off the field. His numbers are not what they were in 2016, and as the leader of Dallas’ offense with a 3-5 record, everyone has an opinion. That comes with the territory as predecessors such as Troy Aikman, Danny White, and Tony Romo could attest to. The team has made it abundantly clear that “he is their guy” and they will do whatever means necessary to help the young quarterback from Louisiana succeed. Prescott has proven to be a threat on the run and is ranked fifth in rushing yards among NFL quarterbacks in 2018, and his 82 rushing yards against Jacksonville were the most by any NFL quarterback in a single game this season. He is nowhere near a finished product, which comes with experience, and he is still in his third season at 25 years old. He upped the expectations after such an incredible rookie season, but the Dallas Cowboys know the caliber of player they have in the locker-room.
