FRISCO - When ESPN's Stephen A. Smith disrespects Dak Prescott?
It's meant to be taken about as seriously as when Wile E. Coyote chases the Roadrunner.
It's a cartoon.
But what about when somebody from ESPN who purports to be a "Big J journalist'' does the same?
We've seen Dak struggle by the numbers. ... as recently as last year. Even before his season-ending injury, the stats were not there as he threw for 1,978 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
We've also seen Dak excel to the point he's an NFL MVP candidate. That's what happened when a healthy Prescott totaled 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns and only nine interceptions back in 2023 when the Cowboys last won the NFC East, a performance that put him behind only Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens in the voting.
So ...
What about 2025? Which Dak is on tap?
At first glance, However, ESPN's Mike Clay having Prescott ranked No. 12 in his quarterback projections for 2025 doesn't seem all that insulting. After all, there's been a long-standing debate about whether Dak is "top 5'' or "top 10'' or whatever.
So "top 12'' doesn't sound so bad.
But wait. Clay's projections have Denver Broncos' second-year man Bo Nix ranked ahead of Dak. And he has Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy - who has never played a down of NFL football - ranked one spot behind Prescott having not played a down of NFL football to this point.
Even the most loyal Cowboys fan can concede that at this moment, statistically or otherwise, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) and Josh Allen (Bills) are super-elite. Also easy to concede: The Cowboys have revamped the roster and the coaching staff. Will newcomers Brian Schottenheimer and George Pickens help Prescott skyrocket to the top of the rankings?
We can't know that.
But will we bet that a healthy Prescott is a better bet to put up the numbers to win a game than the NFL's collection of rookie/rookie-like QBs?
Yes, ESPN silliness aside, we will take that bet.