Dak Prescott vs. His QB Peers: Underrated, Overhyped, or Right Where He Belongs?
Every NFL season brings new narratives, and one that never seems to fade is the debate surrounding Dak Prescott’s place among the league’s top quarterbacks. Is he elite? Overpaid? Underrated? With so many signal-callers emerging or dominating the league, it’s time to put Prescott’s career in context.
The Numbers Don’t Lie—But They Don’t Tell the Whole Truth
Since entering the league in 2016, Prescott has consistently put up solid numbers. He has multiple 4,000+ yard passing seasons, boasts a career passer rating around 98, and is typically among the top-10 in touchdowns when healthy. In 2023, he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finished second in MVP voting.
However, his postseason record remains a blemish: 2–5 in the playoffs, with no appearance past the divisional round. For some, that’s enough to exclude him from elite conversations—especially when compared to players like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, who have either won or played in Super Bowls.
Comparing Dak to His Peers
Let’s line him up against some of the NFL’s biggest names:
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Patrick Mahomes: 2x MVP, 3x Super Bowl champ. There’s no comparison here—Mahomes is in a league of his own.
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Joe Burrow: Took the Bengals to the Super Bowl in just his second full season. More playoff success, despite fewer years in the league.
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Jalen Hurts: Led the Eagles to a Super Bowl in 2022 and has become a dual-threat monster. Dak has better stats in many categories, but Hurts has a more clutch narrative.
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Justin Herbert: Incredible arm talent, but no playoff wins. Statistically, he and Dak are comparable, but Herbert is younger with a higher perceived ceiling.
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Lamar Jackson: A former MVP with insane rushing numbers, but struggles in the playoffs too. Yet, he is widely considered more “special” than Dak.
Prescott falls somewhere in the upper-middle tier: more accomplished than some, less decorated than others.
What’s Holding Him Back?
Critics point to three key issues:
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Inconsistency in Big Games
Prescott has often been brilliant against average or struggling teams but tends to disappear—or worse, turn over the ball—in crucial matchups. -
Injury History
Since his devastating ankle injury in 2020, Dak has missed parts of multiple seasons. His most recent hamstring injury in 2024 again raised questions about durability. -
Team Around Him
Some argue Prescott has had one of the NFL’s most talented rosters during his tenure, especially with weapons like CeeDee Lamb and a top-tier offensive line. Yet results haven’t matched expectations.
Is He Overpaid?
His $60 million-per-year contract extension sparked backlash from fans and pundits alike. Many believe Dallas overpaid for a quarterback who hasn’t proven himself in the postseason.
But let’s be honest: Quarterback salaries have exploded. Jared Goff, Daniel Jones, and even Kirk Cousins are getting monster deals. Prescott’s contract is expensive, yes—but not outrageous in today’s market.
Dak’s Strengths That Deserve Respect
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Leadership: Coaches and teammates constantly praise his work ethic and locker-room presence.
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Mobility and Intelligence: Even after injuries, Dak can extend plays and is rarely outsmarted on the field.
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Durability (Pre-2020): From 2016–2019, he didn’t miss a single start.
These traits, combined with a strong arm and experience, make him a reliable starter—if not a playoff superstar yet.
The Verdict: A Good QB in a Tough Era
In any other era, Dak Prescott might be viewed as a franchise savior. But in a league dominated by Mahomes magic and Burrow brilliance, he’s often overlooked. He’s good—very good—but fans want greatness.
As 2025 kicks off, Dak faces a defining season. With a revamped offense, new targets like George Pickens, and a chip on his shoulder, he may finally silence doubters—or prove them right.
So what do you think—Is Dak Prescott top-tier or just average with a great PR team? Let the debate begin.
