‘Dak-Friendly’: Cowboys' Prescott 'Unluckiest' QB?

PFF data suggests that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been victimized by some of the unluckiest interceptions in recent memory. Is that what Jerry Jones means by becoming “Dak-friendly”?

Unlike many who claim that the universe is out to get them, Dak Prescott may have a bona fide case, as Pro Football Focus provided the data to back him up. … and in the end, it justifies what team owner Jerry Jones is saying about the new “Texas Coast Offense” becoming “Dak-friendly.”

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback may not be one for excuses but PFF provided him some statistical assistance in the form of their data featuring the "unluckiest" passers since the 2016 season, Prescott's rookie year. In ranking the quarterbacks least responsible for their interceptions, Dallas' primary arm ranked fourth, as the study determined that only 39.1 percent of his aerial turnovers were his fault.

"The Cowboys probably don’t need to worry too much about his 17 picks from a year ago repeating itself in 2023," PFF's Gordon McGuinness wrote. "Nine interceptions in his career have come from dropped passes, tied for the most in the league since 2016."

Matt Ryan of Atlanta and Indianapolis is tied atop that unintentionally dubious list with Prescott. Even if the football gods might frown upon Prescott, the eighth-year man can at least take solace in the fact he's in good cursed company: Cincinnati star Joe Burrow (34.3 percent) tops the list, the 2021 AFC champion beating out Justin Herbert (37.1) and Mac Jones (38.5). 

In these instances, PFF labeled "quarterback fault" as one of four categories of incompletion or interception, usually resulting from an over or underthrow.

Now along comes Jones getting ripped for saying Dallas wants to be “Dak-friendly” - absurd criticism because that’s what every coach wants his particular offense to be for him particular quarterback. That’s Joe Burrow, that’s Mac Jones, that’s all of them.

Meanwhile, PFF's data might partly put to rest the infamous "tipped or 10" debate that followed Prescott in the final stages of offseason preparation. Already burdened with the excessive duties that Dallas' franchise quarterback spot holds, Prescott will face further scrutiny after leading the league with 15 interceptions and losing two more during the Cowboys' Divisional playoff loss in San Francisco. 

The 65 he has thrown since his NFL entry is the eighth-highest tally in the league in that span, though it should be noted that, among the top 10 offenders, five have passed Prescott's game total of 97. At the same time, Dak throws an average of nine picks a year. … which is actually a pretty “friendly” number as is.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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