Cowboys: Dak Prescott's trend is unparalleled in the NFL
Let's all put some respect on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's name. Because man, oh man, the dude deserves it. The recent red zone woes for the offense shouldn't take away from what was a surgical performance from the quarterback in the Week 4 win. Because it really was exactly that as he completed 82.4% […]
Let's all put some respect on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's name. Because man, oh man, the dude deserves it.
The recent red zone woes for the offense shouldn't take away from what was a surgical performance from the quarterback in the Week 4 win. Because it really was exactly that as he completed 82.4% of his passes. That mark was +10.7% above expected in Week 4, per Next Gen Stats. Sunday was Prescott's seventh game with a completion percentage over expected (CPOE) over +10% since 2022. No other QB has more than five during that span.
For those unfamiliar with the stat, here's why it matters: CPOE is "based on numerous factors such as receiver separation from the nearest defender, where the receiver is on the field, the separation the passer had at time of throw from the nearest pass rusher, and more."
In other words, it's a truer measure of accuracy than completion percentage alone, which ignores all of the circumstances surrounding a quarterback's performance. A checkdown completion is the same as a 20-yard explosive throw for completion percentage but not for CPOE.
As for Week 4 alone, the Cowboys did a good job finding those vertical plays and mixing them in with their West Coast quick-passing scheme, something they severely lacked in Arizona a week ago.
Early in the game, Prescott found CeeDee Lamb on a fade route from 20 yards out for the first touchdown of the game. He hit him right in stride. He also found Jake Ferguson over the seam for a big-time play. And it could've been more, too. Perhaps his best throw of the day was to Luke Schoonmaker, who couldn't haul in a would've-been touchdown for the rookie.
All in all, Prescott went 8-of-11 in throws that went 10+ yards downfield. This will be essential for the Cowboys, who are seemingly emphasizing quick-game elements in their offense. That's only good if you can only produce explosive plays like Dallas did on Sunday.
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