Dak Prescott’s improved play, confidence goes beyond Jerry Jones’ unwavering support

Jerry Jones has made no secret about his unwavering and seemingly unconditional support of quarterback Dak Prescott.

Jones has repeatedly said Prescott is his quarterback of the future and plans to sign him to a contract extension, despite a stark decline in production since his sensational rookie season in 2016.

Jones tripled down before Sunday’s 22-19 victory against the Atlanta Falcons, saying he wouldn’t trade the third-year quarterback for two first-round picks.

Prescott rewarded his support by directing the seventh fourth-quarter comeback win of his career and leading his 12th game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime.

He completed 22 of 32 passes for 208 yards in the game but none were bigger than the four clutch completions he had on the final drive.

He completed passes of 5 yards to tight end Geoff Swaim, 10 yards to receiver Michael Gallup, 11 yards to running back Ezekiel Elliott and 19-yards to receiver Cole Beasley to set up the game-winning field goal from Brett Maher.

“I want the ball in my hand,” Prescott said. “Always have and always will. Anytime I get the opportunity to get that chance, that’s the way I like it. To just go down there and everyone executes the way they did. Offensive line protecting, receivers getting open, as I said it’s just a bi-product of what we do each and every week. I mean, it was a great drive.”

Jerry Jones was certainly impressed.

“Of course, Dak doesn’t blink,” Jones said. “I can’t imagine anybody feeling better to have this team in the hands of a third-year quarterback in the NFL and have him under center in a game situation like that. You couldn’t feel any better if you’re in my shoes, and I wouldn’t trade it for anybody.”

It was actually a continuing of improvement from Prescott since the start of the season, marked by the addition of Amari Cooper in a bye week trade from Oakland that has resulted in a consistent rotation at receiver and improved play on the offensive line following the firing of position coach Paul Alexander and the promotion off top assistant Marc Colombo in his place.

Prescott has completed 69 of 99 passes for 721 yards with three touchdowns and one interception over the last three games since those moves were made during the bye. The Cowboys are 2-1 in those contests starting with a 28-14 loss against the Tennessee Titans in the first game that featured the lone interception and crucial fumble from Prescott.

He has been his sharpest in two consecutive road victories against the Philadelphia Eagles (27-20) and the Falcons when the changes have really taken hold.

Prescott has been turnover-free in both contests. His two best completion percentages of the season have come in the past two games, 72.2 against Philadelphia and 68.8 against Atlanta.

He is admittedly playing and feeling better, independent of Jones’ unwavering support.

“Yeah, I definitely do,” Prescott said when asked if he is playing with more confidence. “ I don’t know exactly what it is. Part of it is just the offensive line and the mindset they’re playing with gives confidence to everybody. When you step in that huddle, it’s contagious. Then again, just having a consistent rotation outside. Knowing what guys are good at and knowing when to serve guys in the huddle. Knowing what plays he’s going to run and what he’s going to do for our offense.”

Prescott said the changes that have helped everyone’s confidence are the improved results on the scoreboard that has gotten them back in the thick of the NFC East title chase at 5-5 heading into Thursday’s first-place showdown against the Washington Redskins (6-4).

“We’re winning. We’re winning, but we’re using that momentum,” Prescott said. “As I said, everybody is just buying into their role. We’re gelling at the right time. We’re playing complementary football on offense. We’re complimenting the defense. They get turnovers. We’re turning them into points and when you do that, you give yourself a chance. We know we’re going to be in every game. We have this mentality of, as I said, our backs against the wall. We’re going to score, we’re going to win whatever it takes. It showed tonight.”

This story was originally published November 19, 2018 at 7:00 AM.