While several NFL analysts recently labeled the Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott as one of the league's most underappreciated players, a former NFL linebacker rejected that narrative, citing the QB's postseason struggles.

During an episode of Speakeasy Podcast on July 17, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho called out Prescott’s assessment of being an “underappreciated player” in the league, doubling down on the criticism of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

“This is the biggest lie I've seen on social media this offseason,” Emmanuel Acho said during the Speakeasy Podcast on July 17. “Dak Prescott has not become a punchline because of Jerry Jones' roster building. Jerry Jones built a roster where the Dallas Cowboys had like nine All-Pros in a singular season, including special teams players that are All-Pros."

Emmanuel Acho, during the same Speakeasy Podcast on July 17, argued that Prescott couldn't make it to the playoffs for two consecutive seasons despite Jones having built a better roster for the first time since 2007.

“Dak Prescott became a punchline because he didn't know how to throw the football over the line," Acho said during the Speakeasy podcast on YouTube (@speakeasy). "I'm not going to stand for people blaming Jerry Jones. Has Jerry made his mistakes? Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely. But Dak Prescott has made more and more meaningful moments.”

Acho remembered the 2022 NFC divisional round against the San Francisco 49ers, where Prescott completed 23 of 37 passes for 206 yards, two interceptions, and one touchdown, finishing with a 19-12 loss.

The Cowboys lost to the Green Bay Packers 48-32 in the 2023 Wild Card round despite winning 15 consecutive home games that season, as Acho noted during the podcast.

Acho further argued that Jones has built an elite roster around Prescott, signing All-Pro players like running back Ezekiel Elliott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, offensive lineman Tyron Smith, guard Zack Martin, and Tyler Smith. Yet Prescott’s playoff record stands at 2-5. 

As Acho pointed to Prescott as the reason for the Cowboys' lack of playoff success, the franchise signal-caller is looking to change that narrative in the 2026 season.

Dak Prescott sets clear Super Bowl expectation before Cowboys camp

During a recent media availability at an event on July 17, Prescott told reporters that winning the Lombardi Trophy is his ultimate goal and that a championship mindset should motivate his teammates.

"That's always been my mindset," Prescott said to the media during an event, per X post of Jon Machota. "It's the one thing I truly love about the Cowboys organization and the fanbase, it's that or nothing. As I said, wherever that was, that's what being a competitor is. I love those expectations, and they'll always be there."

Prescott further said that if his teammates or coaches don't share the same mindset, then they are in the "wrong business" and not the kind of people he wants on his team.

With training camp approaching, Prescott believes that a Super Bowl title remains the only acceptable outcome, as he looks forward to bouncing back from a disappointing 7-9-1 2025 season.

What are your thoughts on Emmanuel Acho's verdict on Dak Prescott? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey