Cowboys’ Dak Prescott looks forward to making an impact in running game: ‘My confidence is through the roof’

There’s a definite possibility that you’ll see Dak Prescott moving a bit more during the 2022 season. At least, that’s what head coach Mike McCarthy hinted at during mandatory minicamp — noting how the Dallas Cowboys are keen to include the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback more in fast offense going forward. It’s an aspect of his game that hasn’t been used often after his days at Mississippi State, when he was often viewed as a double threat, and one that was almost completely erased last season when he returned to the field after suffering a devastating ankle injury that ended his 2020 campaign early.

The latter was obviously intended by McCarthy and company, but Prescott is now perfectly healthy from everything that plagued him last fall and, more importantly, he is no longer tied to the psychology that comes with returning from a serious injury comes along.

Put simply, he’s poised to get back to his best form in all aspects of his game.

“I feel great,” said Prescott of the minicamp. “Just like you said, not being restricted, being able to do any exercise, anything, and it counts. It is important. Just being able to get out there and have that many reps with these young guys, such a young reception corps, such a young team, just being able to rotate those guys with me, being able to get those reps , to be able to explain some of the things to them, but that’s good quality replays for me and some of these guys that we’re actually going to need in the fall.”

McCarthy describes Prescott as “leaner” and “faster” — despite being the same weight — two attributes that are key factors in Cowboys’ willingness to finally bring consistency to the number of drafted runs he sees going forward. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s suddenly being asked to become Lamar Jackson, ie play multiple 100-yard games a season, but it does show that he’s physically ready whenever they call his number; or when he spontaneously decides to sprint out of the pocket to move the chains (the latter was also often absent in 2021).

Prescott himself notes that he’s “definitely” leaner than he’s ever been in his football career and while that may not equate to faster, it could mean he’s a more difficult runner to control.

“I certainly do [feel leaner and more mobile]”, he said. “I go into every off-season trying to be a better player and a better person than the year before. So, at this stage, at this point, I definitely feel like I’ve achieved that. I think I’m so much further than I was at this point last year. Being able to get the team reps like you said, being able to move more, paying attention to my whole body and just focusing on everything, not just my leg.

“It’s a huge difference.”

As previously mentioned, Prescott made his mark at MSU with his ability to pressure opposing defenses both as a passer and as a runner. As a junior, he rushed for 986 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, and in his last three seasons with the Bulldogs amassed 2,491 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns on the ground. He used that mobility to build his passing skills and set school records en route to being chosen as the fourth-round pick for the Cowboys in 2016.

Since then, he’s been scaled back mightily as a ball carrier, despite mistakes on the once-vaunted offensive line in Dallas. Prescott’s best season as a runner was 2017 when he rushed for 357 yards. He had six rushing touchdowns this season (same career best) and averaged 6.3 yards per carry (another career best), but the Cowboys were deliberately cautious about missing their franchise QB hits in the open field. and even more so on his return from a broken ankle.

For his part, however, Prescott believes he is able to channel his inner bulldog for the Cowboys.

“My confidence has gone through the roof,” he said. “I either feel good in motion or not. So to say it’s my best on the move, I feel like I can make any pitch on the move, yes.”

Following this plan will add another wrinkle to an offense now without Amari Cooper or Cedrick Wilson and possibly Michael Gallup as well, for the Cowboys to start the season while also working to figure out their offensive line rotation. However, that doesn’t mean Prescott suddenly becomes the third running back on the team. Rather that the Mississippi State version could have an appearance or two in a game if needed.

“Yes, I expect 20 carries per game.”

He’s kidding, folks.