Is Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott implying Mike McCarthy is more genuine than Garrett?
When asked to describe the difference between his current and former coach, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott seemed to suggest on Wednesday that Mike McCarthy was more genuine and more transparent than the Jason Garrett.
In speaking to the media for the first time in about six months, Prescott said McCarthy, the new head coach, embodied all of the things a player could want from a leader. Heads were raised , and eyes were bucked.
“They’re definitely different. But different is good at times,” Prescott said in speaking about McCarthy. “He’s done a great job of coming in and bringing some of his tools or a lot of his knowledge to this offense. He’s a very, very genuine guy. I think that’s the first thing that hit off with the team. When he got in front of the team and when he walks around the building, you feel it. When he talks, you hear it. And then you see it just in his actions. I think that’s huge when you’re coaching a football team and being a leader, to be genuine like that, to be transparent. That’s the way he’s been.”
While that likely unintentionally came off negative towards Garrett, the good news is that Prescott is getting off to a good start with McCarthy.
And it’s notable because Prescott didn’t spend any time with McCarthy since his hiring in January because of his boycott of the off season program, missing all virtual OTAs and mini camp.
He did have the iPad with the playbook on it and watched from afar. He says the return of Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator helps with the continuity of the offense so he doesn’t feel too far behind.
“At times I was able to look over at the stuff they were doing, installing and putting in but as direct contact came, but it was limited,” Prescott said. “There’s some continuity obviously with Kellen so that helped. For me to have that jump start as I got into training camp and not feel behind.”
Although Prescott is a little behind in adjusting to the language of the new offense, McCarthy is impressed with his quarterback’s arm, attitude and demeanor.
“I’ve really enjoyed his personality,” McCarthy said. “He’s very upbeat, very driven. so I’d say he’s kind of picked up where he left off based on what I’ve been told about him as far as he operates. Very detailed in his preparation. He’s a lot of fun to be around.”
The working relationship is just beginning and Prescott is excited to get to know his new coach who is known to be an offensive wizard and quarterback guru, dating back to his tenure with the Green Bay Packers when he worked with the likes of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.
“It’s nothing but excitement coming from my end,” he said, “and I know [from] a lot of the guys in this locker room.”
Prescott and the players have a kindred spirit in team owner Jerry Jones, who says McCarthy’s presence is what excites him the most about the Cowboys’ 2020 season.
“Looking forward to what we are going to be [able to do] with our new coach,” Jones said. “I am excited for every Cowboys fan and every player. I am excited to have Mike McCarthy as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”
