Dak Prescott is not getting the respect he deserves

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One player has taken the brunt of the criticisms through the ups and downs that America’s Team have incurred lately.

No matter how well the Dallas Cowboys perform or the results, many critics seem to find a fault in Dak Prescott.

Being in the public eye leaves you open to criticism, and there are times when the Cowboys’ QB1 may deserve it.

On the other hand, there are also plenty of examples where Prescott elevated his game to elite status.

It seems those great games he’s had, especially in 2023, have been often brushed aside.

Prescott Underappreciated

The late comedian Rodney Dangerfield would often vent about getting no respect, and that feeling must resonate with the Cowboys quarterback.

It’s fair to assume that playing the most crucial position in the NFL on a team steeped in a tradition of winning puts a massive weight on your shoulders.

To replicate the achievements of former Dallas pivots like Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach and taking over from a four-time Pro Bowler in Tony Romo is a lot to ask of anyone.

Prescott, though, has, in spite of all the criticisms, put together some solid career numbers and kept the Cowboys successful, particularly in 2023.

With Prescott under centre the Cowboys are in position to make the playoff in three successive seasons for the first time since the ’90s.

Yes, Prescott’s had a few brain farts in big moments, such as failing to manage the clock in their playoff loss to the 49ers two seasons ago.

It’s also true that he’s performed poorly at times behind centre during his Cowboys career.

The easiest example of that this season was his disastrous play in the defeat at San Francisco when he tossed three interceptions in a lopsided defeat on Sunday night (42-10).

Judging an athlete on one poor moment is quite common not just in the case of Prescott.

Most hockey fans remember Todd Bertuzzi for his vicious attack on Steve Moore, forgetting his outstanding skill and his highlight-reel goals.

Ask non-sports fans who Zinedine Zidane is, and they’ll probably say that guy who headbutted another player.

To his credit, though, Prescott’s taken is putting together a strong campaign despite the critics.

Thick Skin

One thing that Prescott has been able to do well throughout his career is bounce back after a poor performance.

Since their loss to San Fran, Prescott has thrown eight TD passes over the Cowboys’ previous three games with just one interception while throwing for over 250 yards in each encounter.

Looking at his numbers in 2023, his outing in San Francisco does not reflect how good he’s been this season.