What's 'Next Step' For Dak In 'Texas Coast Offense'?

One could easily make the case that the 2023 season was the best of Dak Prescott's Dallas Cowboys career . With Mike McCarthy taking over the play-calling duties, Dak was at the top of his game.

He led the league in touchdowns (36), won 12 regular season games (again), threw for the most yards since 2019 (4,516) and his second-highest passer rating (105.9).

Oh, and he finished second in MVP voting, too.

That's a big season in any estimation for a quarterback in his first year with a new play-caller, but what does McCarthy want to see from Dak in year two?

“I think the biggest thing now when you reach a standard of play is just playing to that level with the consistency of it," McCarthy said. "You want to stay away from the peaks and valleys. I think that's the next step.”

McCarthy is right. Last season, Dak was superb for the most part, but he had several down games that took some of the shine off what he had done throughout the year.

The losses to the Arizona Cardinals (25/40, 249 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 32.4 QBR), San Francisco 49ers (14/24, 153 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs), Buffalo Bills (21/34, 134 yards, 1 INT) are what McCarthy is likely talking about.

The gap between Dak's best and worst games has to close and that is exactly what McCarthy is looking for.

Related: Weird Dak Rumor: QB Signed Due to Ankle Injury Worries?

Prescott wasn't spectacular in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, but he did what he had to do in the first half, helping Dallas to a fat halftime lead on the way to an easy win.

Said Dak himself of the offense and how much can be improved upon: “Tons. Usually that’s when teams make that jump from Week 1 to Week 2. And just understanding that we left a lot of meat out there on the bone.”

Now, with the New Orleans Saints coming to AT&T Stadium on Sunday, more of the same is expected of Dak. More meat. Fewer valleys.