'Coach Dak Prescott': What's the Benefit?

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott might once again take on the role of play-caller in the team’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. ... a clever bit of big-picture strategy from head coach Mike McCarthy.

McCarthy hinted on Tuesday that Prescott may step into this role, just as he did in last year’s preseason finale.

Prescott’s involvement in "coaching'' last year was particularly significant as it marked the first season Mike McCarthy took over play-calling duties following the departure of former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore . Moore, who had been with the Cowboys as a coach since 2018—first as the quarterbacks coach and then as the offensive coordinator—was instrumental in shaping the offense that Prescott had grown accustomed to.

With Moore now coaching for the Los Angeles Chargers , there was heightened curiosity about how Prescott would transition to McCarthy’s system and how the Cowboys' offense would evolve under the new play-calling. Prescott’s deep understanding of the playbook under McCarthy’s direction became even more crucial during this transition and it ended with an MVP runner-up for the All-Pro quarterback.

And that's the benefit of this move seen as "clever'' by most ... with the only critics of it, frankly, being those who are pre-disposed to be "anti-Dak'' or "anti-McCarthy'' or both.

Last year, Prescott’s brief stint as the play-caller resulted in an impressive showing from backup quarterback Will Grier , who completed 29 of 35 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for two additional scores in a 31-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders .

This experience demonstrated Prescott’s deep knowledge of the team’s offensive system and his ability to make strategic decisions.

"Demonstrated'' it. And expanded it.

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This preseason finale also offers a key opportunity for the Cowboys to evaluate Trey Lance , the former No. 3 overall pick. Jerry Jones stated on Tuesday that Lance will be on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster, though he emphasized the need to see more from the young quarterback. A strong performance in this game could further solidify Lance's role on the team. Prescott’s potential involvement in calling plays could provide valuable insight and guidance for Lance as he looks to make his mark.

As the Cowboys prepare for their regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 8, Prescott’s role in this preseason finale highlights his leadership and the depth of his understanding of the team’s offensive strategy.