Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys: 5 reasons Dak Prescott will be better in Year 2

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:46 a.m. ET

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Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws as running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) blocks during the game against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Dak Prescott had perhaps the best season ever for a rookie quarterback, but there are many reasons the Dallas Cowboys signal caller can improve in Year 2.

The Dallas Cowboys struck gold in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Everyone knows the story nowadays. How the late-round quarterback out of Mississippi State found his way to Dallas. Then, with a little good luck (or bad luck if you ask Tony Romo or Kellen Moore) became a Day 1 starter.

The rest is history, as Rayne Dakota Prescott took the NFL by storm. First he broke a record held by Tom Brady — most consecutive passes to start a career without an interception. Then, as a rookie, led the Dallas Cowboys to the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

His 23 touchdowns to only four interceptions was one of the best TD-to-INT ratios for a rookie in NFL history. Add another six scores on the ground, and the former Bulldog found the end zone 29 times for the Dallas Cowboys in his rookie year.

He capped off his rookie season with a Pro Bowl nod and an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Though many players suffer from a "sophomore slump" in their second year, here are five reasons why Dak Prescott will shine in Year 2.

Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) and wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) and wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) before the game against the Carolina Panthers game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 Continuity

The Dallas Cowboys made sure that Dak Prescott would have some consistency from year one to two. This offseason they managed to retain both free agent wide receivers Terrance Williams and Brice Butler. Obviously Dez Bryant hasn't gone anywhere and neither has Cole Beasley.

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Jason Witten, the iron man, is still holding down the fort at tight end. And Prescott's best friend on (and perhaps off) the field, Ezekiel Elliott, will be manning the backfield once again. What does that add up to?

Simple. Every single weapon Dak had his rookie year will be back for his sophomore season. He'll even have continuity with his center, Travis Frederick. That last one might be overlooked, but the importance of good chemistry between a quarterback and his center can't be understated.

This continuity will allow Prescott to improve his timing on routes that require it. Think Dez Bryant's signature back shoulder fade in the red zone. Plus, Prescott will have excellent chemistry with each of his pass catchers.

When plays break down, hopefully Dak will be on the same wavelength as his receivers. Then there's the fact this his partner in crime will be joining him in the backfield. Prescott and Elliott will forever be joined by the hip in Dallas Cowboys history.

Elliott knows how to block for Prescott, and Dak knows how to set up plays for Zeke. Those two alone should be able to keep this offense humming. But there are still four more reasons Dak has room to grow.

Feb 4, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott talks to the press after being awarded Offensive Rookie of the Year during the 6th Annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 Maturity

One of the things that surprised people most about the newest Dallas Cowboys signal caller was his poise. Dak Prescott stood in the pocket and looked like a ten year veteran instead of a first year player. That was in part thanks to his maturity.

Prescott is a manifestation of the saying "wise beyond your years". The way Dak handles himself just isn't reminiscent of a young, immature player. He leads by example. So much so, that veterans like Jason Witten and Sean Lee are making sure that Prescott has more of a platform to lead this team in OTAs.

Think about that for a second. Class acts Jason Witten and Sean Lee are yielding some of their veteran leadership responsibilities to Dak Prescott. Part of that is because he's the quarterback and expected to be the leader. But mostly, it's because Prescott can do it.

Furthermore, Prescott can acknowledge where he needs to improve. At the Pro Bowl, he actively sought advice from Drew Brees, hanging out around the veteran and absorbing all the knowledge he could. That level of self-reflection is impressive for such a young player.

Being able to improve on those areas, though, will largely come down to the next reason.

Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett shakes the hand of quarterback Dak Prescott (4) before the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3 Jason Garrett

Ever since the beginning, the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys has taken a personal interest in the development of Dak Prescott. When it became obvious that Prescott was going to be the primary backup, at least, to Romo, Jason Garrett sprung into action.

All throughout training camp, Garrett established a tradition. He would stay after practice to play catch with Dak Prescott. Whether it was a plain old back and forth, or target practice, Garrett made sure he was taking charge of Prescott's development.

Having a head coach that is so invested in the future of the franchise is so beneficial. Like Dak and Zeke, Jason Garrett and Prescott will be joined by the hip for the remainder of their careers. And the best part is, his efforts seem to be working.

Prescott has fully subscribed to Jason Garrett's mantra of trusting the system. Taking the season one day at a time and improving whenever he can. If Dak Prescott is to further his game in his second season, his head coach will be instrumental in making it happen.

So much so, in fact, that the next two reasons Prescott will improve sound like they were torn straight out of Garrett's philosophy book.

May 25, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws during organized team activities at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 and No. 1 Mentality and His Process

These two reasons are so interconnected that it just made sense to cover them together. Dak Prescott will be better in his second year simply because he wants to. Prescott has all the tools to succeed.

Dak is willing to work hard to see his goals come to fruition. His work ethic is off the charts. Jerry Jones has even gone on the record comparing it to Peyton Manning's. That's a lofty comparison, but the Cowboys owner/general manager/main hype man has it exactly right.

The thing about the greats is that they work hard. They aren't content being great. They want to be the best. So they work hard to maximize every ounce of potential they have. And it seems as though that is exactly what Dak Prescott is doing this offseason.

Prescott is willing to put in the work necessary to be a great. He prepares himself well for games. He's practically been staying late after practice since he got here, thanks to his daily catch sessions with Jason Garrett.

Let Dak Prescott trust his process and prepare himself like he did in year one, and he'll instantly improve in year two. Think back to watching Prescott get better and better every game of the 2016 season. Now apply that over an entire offseason of work with veterans who can guide him.

Then ask yourself: Will Dak Prescott be better in Year 2? All signs point to yes.