The numbers were amazing for Dak Prescott in his first season as the Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback. He threw for 3,667 yards with 23 touchdowns and only three four interceptions. Dallas finished the season with a 13-3 record, the best in the NFC. His QBR was third to only Tom Brady and Matt Ryan - the two quarterbacks who played in the Super Bowl.
According to New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, who coaches a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Drew Brees, there probably won't be a Dak Prescott sophomore jinx. He said not to expect a slump but to expect improvement for Prescott.
Dak Prescott in comparison to past rookies
To understand how impressive the season was for Dak, look at some of his contemporaries. Tom Brady didn't play in his rookie year, but when he played in 15 games as a second-year starter, he threw for 2,843 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He is arguably the best quarterback of all time, and Prescott's numbers are better in their first year starting.
Go back in time and look at one of the Dallas Cowboys best quarterbacks in franchise history. In 1989, Troy Aikman started 11 games and threw nine touchdowns and 18 interceptions. His QBR was 55.7 (Daks was 104.9). Aikman's team went 1-15 in the season.
Dak Prescott looking at rookie jinx slumps
Now, those are two of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. It might be interesting to look at rookie quarterbacks who played well in their first season only to crash to earth in the second year. Robert Griffin III had a great rookie year, but injuries derailed his second season. In his second season, Matt Ryan threw for fewer yards and more interceptions.
However, Ben Roethlisberger was almost the same n his second year as his first (he slumped in his third season) and made it to the Super Bowl. Dan Marino did the same thing many years ago. The sophomore slump might actually be a myth and something Dak Prescott never needs to worry about.
Does the Jinx Mean Tony Romo Backs Up Dak Prescott
While a sophomore jinx might not really exist, there are still people who fear it. Tony Romo wants to start and is willing to leave the Dallas Cowboys to do so. However, does Jerry Jones fear letting Romo leave and then watching Dak Prescott struggle in 2017? That is a good question, but if you ask Sean Payton, there is nothing to worry about.
Will Dak Prescott improve or slump in 2017? Are the Dallas Cowboys safe with him at quarterback? Let us know in the comments.
