Dak Prescott Faces Betrayal Index as Cowboys’ Defense Struggles
The Dallas Cowboys’ season has been marred by frustration, with a disappointing 2-3-1 record as they head into Week 7. At the center of this turmoil is quarterback Dak Prescott, who, despite showcasing elite performance, finds himself in a uniquely challenging position due to the struggles of his team’s defense.
Offensive Brilliance Amidst Defensive Chaos
While Prescott has been lighting up the field, the Cowboys’ defense has been nothing short of disastrous. Injuries have plagued the offensive line and receiving corps, yet Prescott has managed to guide the offense with remarkable skill. However, the stark contrast between his offensive production and the defense’s ineptitude has led to a startling conclusion: Prescott is currently regarded as the most “betrayed” quarterback in the NFL.
According to a “betrayal index” developed by The Athletic, the disparity between a quarterback’s performance and that of their defense and special teams highlights which signal-callers are carrying the heaviest burdens. The index takes into account how quarterbacks rank on offense compared to the defensive and special teams performance, providing a compelling narrative on Prescott’s plight this season.
Statistical Insights Reveal the Disconnect
The betrayal index, as outlined by analyst Mike Sando, utilizes TruMedia’s Expected Points Added (EPA) model to illustrate the gulf between Prescott’s outstanding contributions and the abysmal showing from the Cowboys’ defense. Prescott currently ranks as the second-best quarterback based on his production, measured by EPA per start on passing plays and quarterback rushes. Unfortunately, the defensive unit is ranked dead last among the 33 qualifying quarterbacks this season.
The statistics paint a grim picture: the difference between Prescott’s offensive ranking and the lackluster performance of the defense and special teams stands at a staggering -31. This gulf underscores just how much Prescott has had to compensate for the shortcomings of his teammates, marking him as the quarterback most let down by his supporting cast.
The Path Forward for the Cowboys
For those observing the Cowboys, this statistic comes as no surprise. The team cannot hope for success unless they can rectify their defensive woes. The silver lining in this predicament is that Prescott’s exceptional form suggests that the defense only needs to perform at an average level for the team to find success. However, given the challenges they’ve faced in the opening weeks of the season, achieving that standard may seem like an uphill battle.
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming games, the focus will inevitably shift to how the defense can step up. With Prescott’s talent on full display, the hope is that the rest of the team can rise to the occasion and alleviate some of the pressure that has fallen squarely on the shoulders of their star quarterback.
