Cowboys: Four ways to get the most out of Dak Prescott in 2021
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is coming off his statically best season of his career, including the team-record for touchdown passes in a season (37). This off-season, he's displaying a very fit version of himself, which includes the return of his mobility. An aspect of his game that has helped make him one of the […]
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is coming off his statically best season of his career, including the team-record for touchdown passes in a season (37).
This off-season, he's displaying a very fit version of himself, which includes the return of his mobility. An aspect of his game that has helped make him one of the best QBs in the game.
Prescott's developed passing skills have kept this offense on top of its game. From his rookie season to now. With the plethora of new faces on the offensive side of the ball, he'll need to continue to do so. Especially in the areas that give him the most success.
Like every other QB, there are plays where Dak is playing his best, and it's almost assured to work. The numbers don't lie. These are the plays that give Dak and the offense the most success.
Play-action
It was obvious that the play action was affected by Prescott's calf injury. The number of play action attempts decreased after the New England game and so did his passing numbers.
For perspective, comparing Dak's previous two seasons in which he started 16 games (2019 and 2020), the head coach and offensive coordinator combination of Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore actually took away from one of Dak's best areas of passing.
In 2019, Prescott threw 129 play-action passes in for 1,239 yards (9.6 yards per play). Compared to 2020 where he threw 118 passes in play action for 953 yards (8.1 YPP).
Per Sports Info Solutions, Prescott's positive play rate of 57.6% ranked second among all quarterbacks with at least 54 play-action pass attempts in 2021. His 8.2 ANY/A was 10th-best, his 116.1 QB rating was fourth-best, and he averaged the 15th-best EPA/att (0.17 EPA/att) among qualifying quarterbacks (32 players).
Prescott even threw 13 touchdowns out of play-action, which tied for the third-most in the NFL last year, per Pro Football Focus.
With the return of Dak's mobility, play action needs to return, as well. Despite Prescott's prowess, only 25.6% of his dropbacks registered as as play-action passes. That ranked 17th out of 32 quarterbacks with at least 58 pass play-action pass attempts in 2021, per Pro Football Focus.
The threat of Dak potentially running the ball returning will force defenses to respect that aspect of his game again. Which will likely translate to completing more passes on roll outs.
R.P.O.
The return of Dak's mobility should also factor heavily into his usage of the read-pass option. A staple of the Prescott arsenal, the QB's ability to run with the ball or throw it, as well as the option to hand it off inside with Ezekiel Elliott or Tony Pollard has made defenses need to respect the possibility of either player in the backfield running the ball. Often times, it meant a receiver was open and Dak would find them.
Last season, Prescott only ran the RPO 42 times all year for just 210 yards. 9.5% of those plays were a QB run. Partly due to Dak's calf taking away his running ability, as well as defenses no longer needing to blitz in order to slow down the offense. Instead play coverage, and blitz only three to four players each play.
Compared to 2019, the Dallas Cowboys ran the RPO 99 times for 453 yards, in which 16.7% of those were a QB run.
The mobility factor not only influences defense to respect the play action but the potential for Dak to keep the ball himself. There's more than one way Dak's feet make him a better thrower.
Down Field to His Left
Despite being a right-handed QB, according to Next Gen Stats, Dak actually moves the Dallas Cowboys offense at a higher rate going to his left at 10-19 yards down the field (126.1 passer rating) and 20+ yards (125 passer rating). Both rank among the best in the league.
This is ironic considering the majority of his touchdown passes were actually to his right. As were the majority of his bad throws throughout the season.
In fact, high- and low-pressure percentages don't take away from his high probability rate in this area of the field. According to PFF, Dak is one of the best passers in the league when it comes to throwing the ball in pressure versus no pressure plays.
This isn't to say he's unable to throw to his right, as he ranks well above the league-wide average on either hash mark. Going to his left, however, seems to be his green pastures and high likelihood for success.
Crossing Routes in the Middle of the Field
Dak has highest success rates throwing it deep, primarily to his left. However, his most consistent passing plays come when his receivers come across the middle of the field.
As the routes progress, Dak will either stay in the pocket or move to the side of the field the coverage gives him. Allowing the route to open up, and shortening the length between passer and receiver.
The great thing about these passes is not only does it give the receiver time to progress on his route, but the forward momentum allows them to not need to slow down on the reception. Prescott has made a lot of plays, having his receivers use this type of play, and has had a number of great route runners to make them work.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
