With the free agency and the NFL Draft in the rearview, it's time for the Dallas Cowboys to begin OTAs as well as mandatory minicamp in a few weeks. 

In Dallas, there's never a shortage of things to talk about. However, seeing as the Cowboys failed to reach at least the NFC Championship Game for the 27th year in a row in 2022, getting over that hump will certainly be at the top of the list over the next several months.

When it comes to Cowboys accomplishing this, quarterback Dak Prescott holds a lot of responsibility. In the last few seasons in the playoffs, the Cowboys' offense put together pedestrian performances on their way out after being juggernauts in the regular season, and Prescott hasn't played well.

Dallas is going a different direction offensively with head coach Mike McCarthy calling plays and new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. So, according to The Athletic, Prescott doesn't have any excuses in 2023.

Coach Mike McCarthy tried to blame Kellen Moore for the inconsistencies of Dallas’ offense. Now Moore is gone, and the Cowboys have added the well-traveled but talented Brandin Cooks in hopes of upgrading Prescott’s supporting cast. It’s all on Prescott to show he can finally, fully live up to expectations in what could be a make-or-break year (the Cowboys can get out of his contract after this season).

Prescott did have an issue with interceptions last season, he was tied for the league lead with 15. Yes, he has to be better at protecting the football, but his receivers have to do a better job of catching the ball also as several of those interceptions came off of their hands last season. 

As good as Prescott is when he's on his game, he does need to do one thing more, win against quality teams late in the season. In 2022, the Cowboys were 12-5 but struggled against good teams down the stretch. Of course, there are the playoffs, where Prescott hasn't performed well in the last two season-ending losses for Dallas against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Cowboys have been adamant about their commitment to Prescott long-term, as they should, they win when he's on the field. However, at some point, postseason success has to come, and Prescott has to be better when the chips are pushed to the table.

As long as the Cowboys' offensive line keeps him protected and he has a productive run game to lean on, Prescott will have them back in the playoffs, but wins need to follow.