Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott finds himself outside the top 10 in ESPN’s newly released NFL quarterback rankings, sparking debate around the Dak Prescott quarterback rankings controversy. Released amid the 2024 season, these rankings reflect opinions from league executives and coaches, who placed rising stars Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders and <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/jalen-hurts/”>Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of Prescott.
This shift follows Prescott’s challenging 2024 campaign, highlighted by injuries and a subpar stat line that included 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions over eight games. Meanwhile, Daniels’s explosive rookie season earned him the No. 5 spot, and Hurts, still basking in the glow of his Super Bowl victory, secured the No. 9 position. These factors combined to diminish Prescott’s standing despite his reputation as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
Evaluating Prescott’s Performance Against Emerging Talents
This season marks a low point for Prescott statistically, with a 3-5 record and a season cut short by injury. However, Cowboys supporters note that Prescott’s struggles were influenced by a lack of offensive support, including weak coaching, limited wide receiver options, and a struggling running game. These challenges complicate a straightforward assessment of his output.
Daniels and Hurts’ top rankings are understandable given their recent performances—particularly their memorable matchup in the NFC Championship last season. Still, the broad gap between Prescott and these two quarterbacks feels disproportionate to some observers, especially considering the potential for a sophomore bounce-back by Daniels or a regression in Hurts’s performance.
Outlook for Prescott and the Cowboys Amid Rising League Competition
Looking ahead, a return to Prescott’s typical high level of play paired with a dip from either Hurts or Daniels could easily place him back within the top tier of quarterbacks. However, both Philadelphia and Washington appear poised to contend once more, while Dallas wrestles with internal challenges, including an unpopular head coach and ongoing questions about Prescott’s trajectory.
As a result, Cowboys fans are bracing for continued scrutiny and debate from rival fanbases, particularly those from Washington and Philadelphia, who have enjoyed recent playoff success. The Dak Prescott quarterback rankings controversy reveals broader tensions within NFL circles as new stars emerge and established players face renewed pressures.
“Dak Prescott remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league despite the adversity he has faced.” —Anonymous Analyst
“There’s nothing necessarily wrong with putting Daniels and Hurts ahead of Prescott after those two faced off in the NFC Championship last season.” —NFL Commentator
“Brace for another year of slander from these two fanbases.” —Commentator on NFC Rivalries
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Dak Prescott number 4?
A. In the first week of rookie mini-camp, he chose to wear number 4 to honor his mother, whose birthday falls on September 4.