Dak Prescott: "I've been doubted my whole life"

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When the Dallas Cowboys began their 2021 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dak Prescott, albeit in a two-point loss, showed that he was one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks by going throw for throw with Tom Brady with 403 yards and three touchdowns.

Prescott continued to play lights out and had 16 touchdowns to just four interceptions after six games. Unfortunately, he suffered a calf strain against the New England Patriots and sat out the next week. He’s struggled since returning with eight touchdowns to six interceptions, and the doubts about his ability to be one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks have resurfaced, much like when it was time for him to sign his four-year, $164 million deal back in March.

The Cowboys’ top signal-caller isn’t phased by the rumblings, instead, he’s using it to fuel him.

“I think I’d be lying if I said I haven’t heard it, but yeah, in a sense it does (provide motivation),” Prescott said. “But I’ve been doubted my whole life. It’s been said I can’t do this or can’t do that. So in a sense, I’m actually glad it’s kind of come back. I’m glad that’s the way people feel and there’s a lot of that being said right now.”

Quarterbacks, no matter how fair or unfair it is, receive most of the credit when things go well and too much blame when things go wrong. Ezekiel Elliott, Prescott’s closest friend on the team, was quick to defend his quarterback when he was asked if he was in a slump.

“I mean, there’s 11 of us out there, so I wouldn’t say you could put anything on one player because it takes 11 guys to make a play,” Elliott said. “And I think we all need to play better. The whole offense collectively.”

The Cowboys had a comfortable 27-14 lead over the Washington Football Team last Sunday with a little over four minutes left. However, after Prescott threw an interception that was run back for a touchdown, the Cowboys ended up surviving 27-20.

Prescott doesn’t often make bad decisions like the one he did on that particular throw. However, despite what the outside world says, he doesn’t believe he’s in a slump but recognizes that his level of play hasn’t been what is expected of him.

“I do realize I’m not playing my best ball, haven’t been playing it, have made some poor decisions you could say,” Prescott said. “I wouldn’t say it’s slump material, but I’m definitely not up to my standards or expectations.”

The Cowboys take on the New York Giants on Sunday who added a plethora of players to the Reserve/COVID list this week with several of them being defensive backs. It’s the perfect opportunity for Dak Prescott to regain his mojo and ride that momentum into the playoffs.