Dak Prescott’s MVP-like effort helped the Dallas Cowboys defeat the New York Giants 49-17. 404 yards, 4 passing touchdowns, and one rushing. All of which in three quarters. Prescott finished the afternoon with a 138.8 ranking, not far off from a perfect game. Here’s why Prescott’s nearly spotless performance puts him in the MVP conversation very quickly.
Dak Prescott’s Near Perfect Game in 49-17 Victory Puts Him in 2023 MVP Running
Even Distribution
Dak Prescott completed passes to seven different receivers in Dallas’ uplifting victory. The talks of his wide receivers having trouble seemingly vanished, as the ball was distributed just about everywhere. 7th-round rookie WR Jalen Brooks got his first NFL touches thanks to Prescott’s field vision. Dak ran through his progressions well, completing 26 out of 35 passes, or 74%. Elite field vision and pocket poise put Prescott in the MVP conversation.
Take a look around the league today. Prescott finished with a higher QBR and overall ranking than Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, two MVP club visitors. While it’s only one week and it all comes down to consistency, Dak Prescott’s incredible performance proves his MVP campaign is here, and should be taken seriously.
The NFL’s most storied MVP’s always did it all. Prescott did it all in Dallas’ 49-17 victory, putting an exclamation mark on an impressive Cowboys win. Look for another showing of even ball distribution against Carolina next week.
Favoritism Is Good…Sometimes
It’s not often that Quarterbacks in today’s NFL have a consistent favorite target. In the world of Keenan Allen and Ja’Marr Chase, sometimes their partners steal the show. The two targets listed have MVP caliber Quarterbacks at the helm, and another superstar is flourishing. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb connected for 151 yards and a touchdown, putting him in Sunday’s top performers. Lamb’s superstar status is well likened to a Dak Prescott MVP bid.
Less than a month ago, fans were panicking over Lamb’s slight performance issues. Where are they now? Probably wearing his jersey somewhere.
The good news is that the pressure placed on CeeDee is going to bend but not break him. Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup had great days, each quickly silencing any rumors regarding struggles or poor play. Prescott and Cooks connected for 173 yards and a touchdown, 13 yards short of his best career game. Dak Prescott finding multiple receivers in the Red Zone should further ease any concerns over the offense, and boost his MVP bid higher.
“But it’s the Giants defense!”
Relax, keyboard warriors. Dak Prescott and the MVP award aren’t together yet, they’re just talking. Anything could happen. Dallas’ offense generated great momentum against New York’s defense. Yes, it is a below-average defense with injured players. Why does Dak Prescott deserve MVP after carving up a struggling team?
Because he didn’t even finish the game. Prescott showed his willingness to take one for the team against Dexter Lawrence. Prescott found the end zone both via his arm and his legs. He rotated the ball around the field and didn’t make panicked throws. He’s doing it all at a consistent level, proving doubters wrong left and right. While it’s only the Giants’ defense, Prescott certainly could be on a path for an MVP bid if he continues this performance.
Prescott has a chance for another flashy game against Carolina next Sunday. His MVP odds are trending up as he will face yet another struggling defense.
Main Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
