Dak Prescott’s Ninth Season: A New Chapter with Brian Schottenheimer
Dak Prescott is gearing up for his ninth season with the Dallas Cowboys, a tenure that has seen him play under three different head coaches. The quarterback’s journey has been marked by resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to the team’s success. As the Cowboys enter a new era with Brian Schottenheimer at the helm, Prescott is optimistic about the future. During the hiring process, Prescott made it clear to owner Jerry Jones that he wanted Schottenheimer, a move that underscores the quarterback’s influence and the team’s respect for his opinion.
An Old-Fashioned Approach to the Game
Prescott recently addressed the media for the first time since Schottenheimer’s appointment, expressing his enthusiasm for the new offensive coordinator. "Understanding the type of coach he is, the type of man he is, the way that he approaches the game, I think the best way to exemplify that is the son of a legendary football coach," Prescott said, referring to Schottenheimer’s father, former NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer. "He’s not going to take anything about this game lightly. He enjoys the work in it, kind of old fashioned." Prescott’s comments highlight the values and work ethic that Schottenheimer brings to the table, qualities that Prescott finds admirable and exciting for the team’s future.
A Proven Track Record and a Promising Future
Schottenheimer has over two decades of experience as an assistant coach, including the past two years as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator. Although he did not call the plays during this period—Mike McCarthy retained that responsibility—Schottenheimer was a crucial part of the game planning process. "He was a big part in the on-game process, which call was being made," Prescott noted. "I was on the headsets the latter part of the year [after being injured], so I heard all of that. Very professional guy who is ready and deserves every bit of this opportunity." This respect from Prescott speaks volumes about Schottenheimer’s capabilities and the trust he has earned within the team.
A Focus on the Running Game
One of Schottenheimer’s key priorities is to strengthen the Cowboys’ running game. Last season, the team adopted a committee approach, with Rico Dowdle leading the charge and surpassing 1,000 yards. However, the absence of a dominant bellcow back was evident. "We just got to get to running the ball, being a little bit more consistent on that," Prescott said. "Then, from there, go back and look at the numbers. I’ve always enjoyed play-action pass or just being able to get back to that, but you’ve got to start with the run game, and when you have that, the rest of the offense can open up." This focus on the running game is a strategic move that could open up more opportunities for Prescott and the passing attack.
Potential Draft Targets and Future Plans
With the upcoming draft, the Cowboys have the opportunity to bolster their running back corps. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, a talented running back who grew up near the team’s practice facility, could be a first-round target. Alternatively, the team may opt to select a running back later in the draft. The addition of Klayton Adams, the new offensive coordinator, was also influenced by his success with the Cardinals’ run game. "We just got to get to running the ball, being a little bit more consistent on that," Prescott reiterated. "Then, from there, the offense can really flourish."
A Team Committed to Success
As the Cowboys prepare for the new season, the synergy between Prescott and Schottenheimer is a promising sign for the team. Prescott’s leadership and experience, combined with Schottenheimer’s expertise and strategic focus, create a strong foundation for success. The emphasis on the running game and the potential draft picks highlight the team’s commitment to building a well-rounded and competitive offense. With the support of owner Jerry Jones and the coaching staff, the Cowboys are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
