Despite leading one of the NFL's most productive offenses last season, the Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, has continued to face criticism for the team's lack of postseason success. One NFL analyst believes it's because of owner Jerry Jones that Prescott faces such backlash.

During an episode of ESPN’s First Take, analyst Kevin Clark explained that Prescott has become an easy target for criticism, as he is unfairly blamed for missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.

"I think he's the most underappreciated, because he's become a punchline," Clark said. "He's become a punchline because of the sins of Jerry Jones' roster-building, and Cowboys fans who always overhype their team.”

Moreover, Clark believes Prescott, who had been part of the MVP conversation as he trailed Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in 2023, should be among the top three or five MVP contenders.

"I will be disappointed if in December, Dak Prescott's not in the [MVP] conversation,” NFL analyst Kevin Clark said during ESPN's First Take Show. "Doesn't mean he's going to win, but I think he's going to be top three, top five at worst."

Clark pointed to Jones' roster-building decisions as the reason for failing to meet the fanbase’s expectations. The analyst hyped Prescott to be “the best play-action passer” in the league last season, citing his chemistry with wide receivers George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb.

"When he threw to his top targets, George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, down the field, it was about 15 yards per play when he's in play action - video-game type numbers," Clark added on the show. "I think he's unbelievable.”

Prescott led the league in completions last year as he completed 404 of 600 pass attempts (67.3%) for 4,552 yards and recorded 30 touchdowns, with a passer rating of 99.5.

Clark believes that the Cowboys have a high-powered offense and only need an average defense to be a legitimate NFC contender. That could lead the way for Prescott to be in the MVP conversation for the 2026 season.

Brian Schottenheimer's offense sets high expectations for Dallas

During the same episode of ESPN's First Take, NFL analyst Harry Douglas shared that the Cowboys offense could be "lethal" in Brian Schottenheimer's second year as a head coach.

"So I love everything about this offensive system that we've seen last year, and it starts with Brian Schottenheimer as head coach and also play-caller," NFL analyst Harry Douglas said on the same show. "I expect Dak Prescott to be in the MVP conversation, with an opportunity to win it, because they're so lethal offensively."

Statistically, Dallas boasted one of the NFL's most elite attacks last season, finishing second in both total offense (391.9 yards per game) and passing offense (266.3 yards per game).

Douglas expects the Cowboys' offense to improve with a healthier roster and consistency at the offensive line, which might boost Prescott's MVP chances.

Do you agree with Kevin Clark that Jerry Jones is taking the heat off Dak Prescott, or does the quarterback carry the blame for Dallas' postseason struggles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore