Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, at 30 years old, is still presumably in the thick of his playing career. But he won’t be suited up for Dallas’ preseason tilt with the Las Vegas Raiders tonight. Instead, he’ll be on the sideline in street clothes. However, he’ll still be an active contributor to Dallas’ offensive output — just from a vastly different perspective.
Dak Prescott Calling Plays?
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy traditionally delegates play-calling duties to an assistant coach in his team’s final preseason game, per The Dallas Morning News. But he’s opted to have his veteran signal-caller call the shots this year instead.
Dak Prescott will be calling the plays on offense tonight against the Raiders
CeeDee Lamb said at the beginning of training camp that the offense now runs through Dak. It was also mentioned that Dak will have more freedom this year to call the offense as he sees it. This’ll be… pic.twitter.com/KHfJTbbskP
— Ernie (@es3_09) August 26, 2023
From McCarthy’s point of view, the experience should be doubly beneficial for both he and Prescott.
The two-time Pro Bowl QB will get a whole new vantage point on the inner workings of his offense. He’ll (presumably) have to script a series or two and cater it to his group’s strengths. And then he’ll have to make adjustments based on what’s working and, more importantly, what isn’t.
A quarterback of Prescott’s ilk doubtlessly has free rein to audible based on what he sees out on the field. But those are often snap decisions, ones made just moments beforehand.
A good play-caller should be thinking several steps ahead. They should have a keen eye for counters and mismatches. They have to be hyper-aware of things like the game clock and down/distance.
Sure, the same could be said for any signal-caller worth their salt. And Prescott has displayed those kinds of traits throughout his pro career. Yet, he’s likewise had memorable moments that spoke to a lack of situational awareness.
On this day in 2022, the #49ers beat the #DallasCowboys in the Wild Card round, surviving a late Dallas comeback thanks to Dak Prescott's brain fart.
This is the 49ers' first ever playoff win in Dallas. #Random49ers #FTTB pic.twitter.com/bRj0z6TADI
— #Random49ers (@Random49ers) January 16, 2023
Reportedly, this is all part of McCarthy’s plan to have his players take greater “ownership of the offense.” Prescott bought in on that front, but the opportunity has a little added meaning for him as well.
The recent trade acquisition of Trey Lance has firmed up Dallas’ three-deep QB rotation, and it’s a group that’ll no longer include Will Grier.
Grier was informed of his odd-man-out status ahead of Saturday’s game against the Raiders. He’s expected to see the lion’s share of snaps in the game. It’s something of a parting gift from the Cowboys, giving Grier a chance to put solid play on tape for potential suitors.
Prescott and Grier have evidently grown close, with the former reportedly arriving to AT&T Stadium pregame in Grier’s jersey. Now it’s on Prescott to help put his friend in optimal position to succeed.
Dak Prescott calling plays leads to a Will Grier TD, it’s our year. pic.twitter.com/q86wPDimQc
— Zirksee🍽️ (@Zirksee) August 27, 2023
Prescott’s audition at OC is off to a rocking start so far. His Cowboys have two first-half touchdown drives, as of this writing. Grier, to his credit, has been lights out. He’s completed 15 of 20 passes (75 percent) for 128 yards and a touchdown thus far. He’s also got the rushing touchdown above.
Grier is merely hoping to prolong his playing career. And thanks, in part, to Prescott’s tutelage he may just get the opportunity to do so yet.
Prescott may have even found a post-retirement career path to consider in the process.