Dak Prescott overrated NFL quarterback discussions are intensifying as the Dallas Cowboys’ longtime starter is labeled one of the league‘s most overrated signal-callers ahead of the 2025 training camp. NFL observers, analyzing the high-profile yet often turbulent performances by the Cowboys and their quarterback, have placed Prescott in the spotlight, examining both the praise and criticism that follow him and the Dallas organization each season.
Quarterbacks consistently fuel NFL debates, and evaluating their impact has become a tradition as teams gear up for the upcoming season. Prescott, who has started for the Cowboys almost a decade, boasts seven playoff appearances—a significant achievement—but the Cowboys’ powerful brand is often said to amplify every storyline around him. Despite Prescott’s reputation as a reliable top-10 starter who managed to outlast multiple coaching shifts and secure financially impressive contract extensions, he remains a polarizing figure in these rankings. Supporters recognize his longevity and role as the face of Dallas, yet detractors highlight his challenges with ball security and injuries over several of his last five campaigns. Notably, as he approaches his 10th season, Prescott has recorded only two postseason wins, a statistic cited by critics to suggest his career in Dallas has not quite fulfilled the monumental hype that comes with leading the Cowboys—a franchise where expectations are always sky-high.
Across the NFC East, these quarterback evaluations paint a broader regional picture. Where Prescott is viewed skeptically, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles is seen differently. Despite being a reigning Super Bowl MVP, Hurts is considered by some as underrated compared to other elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. While Hurts played a more understated role during the Eagles’ recent historic Super Bowl LIX campaign, he has delivered two championship-caliber performances on the biggest stage, and at just 26, continues to redefine perceptions.
Other Quarterbacks Emerge as Conversation Shifts Across the League
This reassessment of starting quarterbacks extends beyond the NFC East. The quarterback carousel across the NFL remains in motion, as several starters face scrutiny not just from the media but from within their own organizations. Analysis by Cody Benjamin and his team spotlights networks of veteran quarterbacks who, ahead of training camp, must contend with not just expectations for on-field performance but also narrative headwinds—whether these involve questions about health, contract status, or their team’s chances of postseason success.
Many teams are also dealing with significant changes on their roster, including complete overhauls of offensive skill groups and adjustments to key leadership positions. The upcoming training camp promises to provide evidence of which quarterbacks can live up to or defy these labels when new season pressures begin to mount.
Pittsburgh’s Offensive Transformation Adds New Drama
In Pittsburgh, storylines are shifting rapidly, not only due to another quarterback transition but to a substantial revamp of the Steelers’ offensive talent. While the arrival of Aaron Rodgers is the headline act in Steel City, the Steelers have also signed DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, and Kaleb Johnson to reshape a unit that struggled with consistency last year. The integration of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, whose career with the Falcons and Titans emphasized a run-heavy approach, presents a sharp contrast to Rodgers’ previous roles in pass-oriented systems under coaches like Matt LaFleur.
Last year, Arthur Smith’s Atlanta Falcons ranked fifth in rushing frequency over his three seasons, while his previous tenure as Tennessee’s play-caller produced similarly run-focused rankings. However, Aaron Rodgers has historically steered offenses with pass rates significantly above league averages, both in Green Bay and, most recently, with the New York Jets. Expectations now hinge on whether this high-profile partnership between Smith and Rodgers can find common ground, with much depending on Rodgers’ willingness to operate within the system. Steelers fans and league observers await training camp for signs of cohesion between these dramatically different philosophies.
“I don’t think there’s any question about it. And I think Aaron’s at a point where he knows you don’t want him to be throwing the ball 40 times a game at this point. … Listen, you can turn the ball over to him at the end of a half, at the end of a game and know he’s been there before and I think he will operate that very, very efficiently.”
—Bill Cowher, Hall of Fame coach
Anticipated Impact of Rookie Wide Receivers in 2025
The NFL’s influx of rookie talent at wide receiver in 2024 has set the stage for fierce competition and high expectations. At the top of the rookie rankings stands Tetaroia McMillan, with Travis Hunter drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars following a notable trade-up. Analysts, such as Chris Trapasso, believe Hunter’s exceptional talent and positional versatility make him a wild card with untapped potential.
There is a sense of anticipation around how the Jaguars will balance Hunter’s skills on both offense and defense. While Hunter is regarded as possibly the most gifted rookie receiver available, his productivity could be affected by how much responsibility he takes on both sides of the ball. Scouts and coaches note that Hunter’s evolution as a receiver began at Jackson State and continued during his time at Colorado. His ability to elude press coverage, utilize his athleticism, track the football, and cause problems for defenders after the catch are all cited as standout qualities that should translate well at the next level.
NFL Schedule Expansion Deliberations Delayed
While speculation about an expanded NFL regular season has persisted, league officials are expected to hold off on substantive discussions regarding an 18-game schedule until after the 2025 season. Commissioner Roger Goodell has addressed the topic publicly, suggesting a general league consensus about eventual expansion, yet the timeline remains protracted. According to reporting from The Washington Post, formal negotiations between NFL owners and the NFL Players Association are projected to begin no sooner than early 2026. Should this planning process unfold as currently projected, a move from 17 to 18 regular-season games might not be implemented before 2028, making it a significant story to monitor for years to come.
The 2024 Philadelphia Eagles Join Modern NFL Elite
In a nod to American football history, recent rankings highlight the greatest teams of the modern era. The 2024 Philadelphia Eagles have secured a place among the legends, ranked ninth on Bryan DeArdo’s updated list of top squads. This recognition underscores the magnitude of the Eagles’ recent achievements during a season that included a dominating postseason run.
Analysts emphasize that the Eagles’ ability to control games set them apart; in the NFC title game and Super Bowl, Philadelphia eased off pressure once victory appeared secure, highlighted by their commanding 40-6 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs with just over eight minutes remaining in Super Bowl LIX. Observers suggest that if the Eagles had continued at full force, they might have challenged long-standing records for margin of victory, including the 1989 San Francisco 49ers’ mark in championship play. Performances during this campaign reinforce the Eagles’ status among the top teams of their era, and their place in football history seems all but secure heading into the future.
What’s Next for Dak Prescott and the NFL Stars Under Scrutiny?
The spotlight on Dak Prescott, as one of the most debated figures among NFL quarterbacks, epitomizes the pressures and expectations that come with leading a franchise as storied as the Dallas Cowboys. For Prescott, the conversation about being an overrated NFL quarterback is both an evaluation of his personal record and a reflection of the Cowboys’ ongoing pursuit of postseason breakthrough and league prominence. With the 2025 season approaching, Prescott, the Cowboys, and their rivals in the NFC East—all included in this year’s quarterback assessments—will look to influence the narrative on the field, where statistical success and postseason achievement remain the most convincing counters to offseason speculation and lists.
Across the NFL, transformations in roster composition, anticipated debates over schedule expansion, and the emergence of new rookie talent promise a season of complexity and excitement. As the league prepares for these changes, quarterback scrutiny and the pursuit of excellence among teams such as the Eagles and Steelers will remain central storylines for fans and analysts alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Dak Prescott removed?
A. Five days after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had surgery to end his season, the team placed him on injured reserve on Monday. Last week, Prescott had an operation in New York to fix a hamstring that he partially tore in November.