Mike McCarthy reveals lofty goal for Dak Prescott in 2023
By Scott Rogust
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy explained a huge goal he has for quarterback Dak Prescott for a crucial 2023 season.
The Dallas Cowboys have made some big moves this offseason, in hopes that it would be enough to bring the team to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1995 season. On offense, they no longer have running back Ezekiel Elliott, but they did bring in former Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks. But when it comes to the play-calling on offense, it will be Mike McCarthy after the team parted ways with coordinator Kellen Moore. So, fans are wondering what exactly McCarthy has envisioned for the offense for the 2023 season.
While speaking with the media at the annual league meetings, McCarthy said that his goal for quarterback Dak Prescott is for him to play 20 games next season. Not just that, but he wants there to be better pass protection, an area where they struggled last season.
The quote comes courtesy of ESPN’s Todd Archer.
A focus for Mike McCarthy is pass protection. Dak Prescott was sacked 20 times; Cowboys were 28th in pass-block win rate, according to ESPN Analytics. “My goal is for Dak to play 20 games next year. If he plays 20 games next year, obviously we’ll be right where we want to be.”
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 28, 2023
Mike McCarthy wants Dak Prescott to play 20 games next season
The number 20 can mean two things — Dallas gets a first-round bye and makes it to Super Bowl 58, or they play in the first round of the playoffs and make it to the NFC Championship Game. Either way, it would get the Cowboys over the Divisional Round hump that they have yet to cross over in nearly 30 years.
An easy way for a team to succeed is for the offensive line to keep the quarterback upright and give them time in the pocket. As Archer points out, while Prescott was sacked just 20 times, Dallas’ pass-block win rate ranks 28th in the NFL. Prescott did, however, lead the NFL in interceptions with 15. Obviously, some of them were tipped by receivers, but still, he led the league.
The Cowboys were missing Amari Cooper last season, who they traded to clear up cap space, and his absence loomed large, especially in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers. But, they now brought in Cooks that Prescott can target downfield along with CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
This could be a make-or-break year for McCarthy, Prescott, and the Cowboys. Now, we wait to see what they do in the NFL Draft, and if their additions can help Prescott play 20 games in the 2023 campaign.
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