Quarterback Dak Prescott often faces harsh critics outside the Dallas Cowboys' facilities. But he received high praise from former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, a coach who has worked closely with him behind the scenes.
Moore called Prescott one of the best players he's ever met and said he would continue to root for the passer even after taking a job with the Los Angeles Chargers. Prescott is in a pivotal year for his legacy after back-to-back clunkers in the NFL playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers.
"The best person, I think the best leader I've ever been around, easily," Moore said on The Season with Peter Schrager podcast. "And in all honesty, player or coach or anything. I think his ability to connect with a team in all spectrums is rare and I've never seen it in any other way."
Prescott threw two interceptions in a 19-12 divisional-round defeat to the 49ers in January, one year after he struggled in a loss to the same team in a wild-card match-up. The performances led to a meeting with coaches about how he makes his throwing choices on the field.
"We went back and looked at his decision-making opportunities and the interceptions and potential interceptions and just talking through it," said head coach Mike McCarthy.
Moore departed after last season, leaving McCarthy to take over offensive play-calling responsibilities. It may take time for Prescott to adjust to a different coaching rhythm. But the quarterback has confidence in the "refreshing" switch, knowing McCarthy used to call plays for MVP Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers.
"Just being able to understand, being in the same wavelength and understanding why he's calling a play, what's the purpose of the play, what he expects out of that, and making sure we're on the same accord there. It has to be that constant communication," Prescott said earlier this offseason. "[After last week's OTA] he said, 'You know what, go look at everything we put in and make sure we're running the things you like and the things we're good at. If it's something you're a little iffy about, let's get it out. Let's master what we're great at.'"
The Mississippi State product added: "Just having that clear communication, being able to work with him day in and day out, it's new. It's refreshing. It's fun for both of us."
Prescott encounters constant pressure as the leader of one of America's most popular franchises. He's the subject of weekly talk show debates on national TV stations. Sometimes, he's failed to live up to lofty expectations. The 29-year-old has a 2-4 record in the playoffs. Last year, he also underwhelmed in the regular season, throwing a league-high 15 interceptions.
Entering a campaign where his Cowboys occupy a daunting division headlined by the Philadelphia Eagles, Prescott must show Moore's comments on his leadership were more than friendly lip service.
"His work ethic, his command, I think he's incredible," Moore said. "We've all been through that Dallas journey and he has a phenomenal way of being able to deal with probably more than your average NFL starting quarterback. And he handles it beautifully. He's certainly a guy you forever root for."
