Dak Prescott will bounce back in the 2025 season, and the reasons go beyond wishful thinking.
No quarterback in the NFL draws more heat, scrutiny, or overreactions than the face of the Dallas Cowboys—an honest take is hard to find. He’s either a load-bearing field general or a grossly overpaid game manager.
After a disappointing 2024 cut short by another season-ending injury, Prescott enters this season with a cleaner slate (no looming contract situation) and a stronger roster around him.
Dak has done this before. He’s carried flawed teams and navigated messy coaching turnover. When he’s healthy, he’s been one of the NFL’s most efficient and productive quarterbacks.
2025 sets the stage for something familiar—a big Prescott season.
Why Dak Prescott’s 2025 Season Could Be His Best Yet
So, What Went Wrong In 2024?
To understand what’s coming in the 2025 season, it’s important to understand just how messy 2024 was.
Exhibit ‘A’ is the defense. After looking like one of the best defensive units in 2023, they were abysmal from the jump. Mike Zimmer replaced player-favorite Dan Quinn, and their defensive profile in 2024 was rough. They finished 31st in points allowed, 30th in defensive rushing DVOA, and 28th in yards allowed per game—a total failure that forced the offense to play from behind nearly every week.
The Cowboys also opened the year without a legitimate WR2, and it showed. Defenses keyed on CeeDee Lamb, daring Dallas to beat them elsewhere. They couldn’t. Lamb led the team with 152 targets—nearly double that of Jalen Tolbert, the next closest wideout at 79. After Brandin Cooks went on the IR, Prescott was left forcing throws to players he didn’t fully trust. Guys like Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, and KaVontae Turpin simply weren’t ready to step up yet.
Then there’s the running back situation, which was an afterthought. Jerry Jones let Tony Pollard walk, brought back the ghost of Ezekiel Elliot, and seemed content to use the running-back-by-committee approach. Not bad in theory, the problem was that the committee was bad. By the time Dallas realized Rico Dowdle should be receiving the majority of the carries, Prescott had already suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, and Dallas was not a playoff team.
It was eerily similar to 2020, Mike McCarthy’s first season as head coach. New defensive coordinator, terrible defense, and an underwhelming run game behind a patchwork offensive line. Prescott, then in his physical prime, kept the offense afloat with record-setting yardage totals before a gruesome leg injury ended his season in Week 5.
When the structure around him breaks down, Dak presses—sometimes to fault. But he never folds. He’s at his best when he trusts the offense and the talent around him. In 2024, both failed him.
Why The 2025 Season Sets Up Differently
Coaching Stability
Despite turnover at every major coaching position, promoting Brian Schottenheimer to head coach gives Dak much-needed offensive continuity. Schottenheimer’s philosophy—built on balance and physicality—matches what Dak has always thrived in. The hiring of Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator is another strategic move. Known for his creative run-game schemes, Adams helped guide the Arizona Cardinals to a top-10 rushing finish in 2024 and a top-5 finish in 2023. Together, the two bring much-needed violence and a sense of identity to an offense that desperately needs it.
Running Back Overhaul
Dallas completely overhauled the running back room, adding five new players, including two via the draft. It’s a crowded, competitive group, but one that finally brings a blend of power (Phil Mafah, Javonte Williams), explosiveness (Miles Sanders), and pass-catching ability (Jaydon Blue). The hope is for a true committee approach, but with actual teeth this time—something that can keep the offense balanced and take pressure off Dak. And don’t rule out the possibility of Dallas adding another back to the room before the season starts.
WR2 Upgrade
The acquisition of George Pickens is a win and a game-changer. He’s a true outside threat with big-play ability, and gives Dallas a real WR2 opposite Lamb for the first time in years. Defenses can no longer key in on one target, and the rest of the receiving group—guys like Tolbert, Brooks, and Jonathan Mingo—can fill more natural supporting roles. The Pickens-Lamb combo should make the picture cleaner for Dak and force defenses to pick their poison.
Defensive Improvements
The defense will be better this year because—well, they have to be. New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was a tremendous defensive coach before flaming out as the head man in Chicago. He’ll bring fresh ideas, new energy, and a proven track record as a defensive play-caller. The front office also added several new contributors to bolster depth and competitiveness, and reduce Micah Parsons’ do-it-all burden. And while you never count on health, it’s hard to imagine a repeat of last year’s injury bug. With a more functional defense, Prescott won’t be forced to dig out of two-touchdown holes every Sunday.
The Cowboys have made strategic changes across the board to create a more balanced and supportive environment for Prescott. With these improvements, the 2025 season presents an opportunity for both Dak and the team to rebound from last year.
Bet Against Dak Prescott At Your Own Risk
Prescott’s career has been defined by beating the odds. Whenever doubt starts to creep in, he finds a way to answer it. Tony Romo was a beloved Cowboy who rescued Dallas from the post-Troy Aikman quarterback doldrums. All Dak did was step in as a fourth-round rookie, win 13 games, and go toe-to-toe with Aaron Rodgers in his first-ever playoff game. He never looked back.
He bounced back from a horrific leg injury in 2021 to lead his team to 12 victories. And after missing time with a calf injury in 2022 and never quite looking the same, he had his best season yet in 2023, finishing second to Lamar Jackson in MVP voting. No matter the circumstances, Prescott has delivered when he’s discounted.
Sure, there have been disappointments: the playoff letdowns, the injuries. Look, and you’ll see a pattern: every down year has been followed by one of his best. 2019, 2021, 2023—all top-tier seasons. If the trend holds, Dak Prescott’s 2025 season is lining up for another one.
He’s healthy, he’s motivated, and he’s energized. Prescott will enter the 2025 season with a more physical and balanced offense, real threats at wide receiver, and a deeper, improved defense. All of it gives Dak a chance to remind everyone who he is.
Don’t call it a breakout—he’s already done that. But a bounce back? Comeback Player of the Year? That feels right.
