There is an old metaphor from Robert Horry that says, “Pressure can burst a pipe, or pressure can make a diamond.”
The metaphor is saying pressure exposes the strength of the mind in an individual, but it can have the ability to bring out the best in something.
That is most definitely the case with Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott. With Prescott, the pressure seems to refine him like a diamond.
The pressure first started for Prescott when he was selected by Dallas in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft. At that time, Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, said, “I’m not going to go jump from Dallas’s tallest, so let’s put this in perspective, and I live with second-guessing and disappointments. That’s a part of this business. But if I had to do it all over again? I’d give the three.”
In the quote, Jones openly expressed disappointment in his perceived lack of aggression to move up to get quarterback Paxton Lynch. Imagine being drafted to back up quarterbacks Tony Romo and Kellen Moore and the owner openly shows disappointment in selecting you.
This pressure did not stop for Prescott. Moore breaks his ankle, and the Cowboys’ front office continues their public campaign of doubting Prescott. Doubt was even more evident when they openly pursued acquiring quarterback Nick Foles.
How did Prescott respond to the front office noise of openly shopping for a backup?
The pressure brought out the diamond in Prescott. In his first preseason game versus the Los Angeles Rams, Prescott completed 10 of 12 passes with a pass rating of 154.5. The only reason why Prescott didn’t have a perfect passing rating was that his tight end, Jeff Swaim, dropped two balls.
Everyone knew that the 2016 Cowboys was Romo’s team and quarterback controversies usually cause quarterbacks to play poorly by looking over their shoulder. To become the future franchise quarterback, Prescott had instant pressure to perform if he wanted to have any chance at unseating a beloved Romo. Prescott accepted the stress that usually burst pipes as he helped to lead America’s Team to a franchise-record 11-game winning streak to hold off an outstanding quarterback in Romo.
Prescott was challenged to take a perceived declining primary receiver in Amari Cooper and was somehow expected to have instant chemistry with no offseason. A tough task at first sight, but with his new weapon, Prescott was able to lead the Cowboys to a playoff berth and a division title.
Prescott was snubbed from the 2019 Top 100 list, and public perception over his contract negotiations are mostly negative. The hate for Prescott should have Cowboy fans delighted. Pressure doesn’t burst the mental metal pipes of Prescott but causes him to be locked in. Hate and doubt for Prescott are perfect for America’s Team because it brings out the best in him.
So, keep hating on Dak Prescott, because the hate only makes him and the Cowboys better.
2 Responses
No disrespect but there are so many errors in this article… I host a site myself and ALWAYS triple read anything before publishing it… snubbed from top 10? think you mean top 100… a declining primary receiver in Amari Cooper? I think you mean Dez Bryant. Also mis-quoting jerry jones in your first paragraph leaving out important key words… just a heads up
-Ant P
Thanks Ant. My orginal said top 100 list.
Cooper was considered on the decline when Dallas acquired him. A first round trade was considered a reach.
The quote from Jerry is a direct quote. Literally exactly what he said when he wanted to draft up for Paxton.
Thanks for your input