"It's bad": Dak Prescott acknowledges subpar performance in contrast with struggling QBs like Aaron Rodgers, Andy Dalton
Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys have endured a nightmarish season so far. They are 3-4 and third in the NFC East with only the 2-6 New York Giants below them in the division. They are well off the pace in the race for a playoff spot, and their remaining schedule strength ranks eighth in the league.
Their offense, which ranked first in the league in points per game last season with 30.1, has regressed tremendously this year. Their 21.4 points per game this campaign ranks 21st in the NFL. A critical reason for the stunning drop in offensive production has been the lack of a reliable ground game.
Prescott, who in years past has showcased the ability to be an effective rusher, has practically eliminated that aspect of his game this season.
He was asked about it during his media availability on Thursday and was informed that he had fewer rushing yards this season than veteran quarterbacks Andy Dalton, Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers, which caused him to titter. He said:
"It's bad... A lot of stats are crazy... [It's] bad."
Prescott is averaging a meager 3.1 rushing yards per game, the fewest in his career by some distance. He averaged at least 14 yards in seven of his eight campaigns before this season. His previous career-low was 9.1 rushing yards per game.
Dak Prescott stats: QB struggling in all facets
The veteran quarterback being relegated to a pocket passer has severely affected his numbers. His passer rating of 84.5 is the lowest of his career.
Staying put in the pocket and not taking off with the ball in his hands has also increased his sack percentage to 6.43, the second-highest mark of his career.
Dak Prescott's 46.1 pass completion rate is the third-worst he has managed in nine seasons in the league. He has thrown only 10 touchdown passes in seven games, but, more concerningly, he has tossed eight interceptions.
Despite his struggles, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made it clear that the quarterback won't be allowed to run with the ball and avoid throwing risky passes or getting sacked.
During his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan Radio Show, he said that the team won't risk Prescott getting injured on a rushing play.
The 31-year-old signed a four-year, $240 million contract extension with the Cowboys in the offseason but is yet to deliver a performance worthy of that deal.
However, the front office has admitted that they are holding him back, which explains why their offense has been in a dismal state this season and playoff hopes are fast evaporating.