Dak Prescott’s 2024 season did not live up to the high standards he set in prior years, marked by a significant hamstring injury that sidelined him for the final nine games. Nonetheless, Prescott ranked as the top quarterback in the NFC East heading into the 2025 season, a testament to his enduring talent and reputation despite recent challenges. His performance drop contrasted sharply with his league-high 36 touchdown passes in 2023, the year he finished as MVP runner-up to Lamar Jackson.
Analyzing Prescott’s Performance and Challenges in 2024
Prescott’s statistical decline in 2024 was evident as his yards per attempt fell from 7.7 to 6.9, accompanied by a career-low passer rating of 86.0. The Dallas Cowboys struggled to a 3-5 record in his eight starts, reflecting difficulties on the field. His injury further complicated matters, preventing him from finishing the season and contributing to what many view as his most difficult professional year. Still, Prescott’s reputation as one of the league’s most efficient passers over the past five seasons remains intact, underlining his value to the Cowboys’ offensive success during that period.
Expert Insights: Prescott’s Ranking and Skills Highlighted
Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports ranked Prescott seventh among the NFL’s top ten quarterbacks for the upcoming season, placing him ahead of NFC East competitors such as Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, and Russell Wilson. McDonald emphasized Prescott’s resilience and skill, calling him a “legitimate floor-raiser” and pointing out that his 2024 slip was an “outlier” from his usual consistent contributions.
“Prescott (32 years old in July) and Smith (34) are the older guys of their group, and they’re legitimate floor-raisers. Prescott is coming off the shakiest season of his career, which was the case before he went down with a hamstring injury. That said, it was an outlier for a quarterback who normally always gives his offense a chance to be competent no matter the circumstances.” —Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports
McDonald also discussed Prescott’s precision and decision-making, noting that his ability to deliver accurate throws deep down the field sets him apart. Despite the high level of competition in the NFC East, Prescott’s talent and mental toughness keep him competitive among the division’s elite quarterbacks.
Context Behind Prescott’s Rankings Compared to NFC East Peers
Prescott’s high placement in McDonald’s rankings might surprise some, especially given that Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels led their teams to the NFC Championship Game last season. However, the Cowboys’ offensive challenges, including a fragile running game and complex passing schemes, often force Prescott to perform under tougher conditions than his counterparts. His ability to manage these difficulties while still maintaining solid play highlights his skill and experience.
Outlook for Prescott and the Cowboys in the Upcoming Season
The Cowboys have invested heavily in Prescott, making him the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL with expectations to return to peak form. An improved offensive line and the addition of dynamic wide receiver George Pickens provide hope for a more balanced and effective offense. Staying healthy will be crucial for Prescott as Dallas aims to reach the postseason once again.
Prescott is expected to rebound and reestablish himself as a top-10 quarterback, renewing confidence in his abilities and silencing those who doubt his capacity to lead the Cowboys back to success. His past seasons demonstrate his high-caliber play, and the coming year will be critical in defining his legacy amid stiff NFC East competition.