Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks around on the field following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Dak Prescott's wizardry in clutch situations waning in 2022

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/14/22

Dak Prescott's wizardry in clutch situations waned against the Packers in a 31-28 defeat.

According to ESPN's Ed Werder, Prescott went 4-for-12 for 49 yards and threw two interceptions on third and fourth down during Sunday's loss. The trend extends beyond the defeat in Green Bay. In four starts, Prescott has completed an NFL-low 43.3 percent of passing attempts on third and fourth down.

@ESPNStatsInfo: Dak Prescott went 4-of-12 for 49 yards and 2 Int on 3rd/4th down Sunday.

Prescott has completed NFL-low 43.3% of his passes on 3rd/4th down with 1 TD and 3 Int. No QB has posted a completion percentage that low on those downs since Tim Tebow in 2011 (42.5%).
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) November 14, 2022

These moments define an elite NFL quarterback when they make big plays that close a game or ignite a comeback, and it's a red flag because Prescott regressed in crunch time.

In 2021, Prescott was better, completing 59.6 percent of his passes on third and fourth down.

Prescott's inability to make spectacular plays fuels skeptics.

"Jerry Jones has not gotten his money's worth out of Dak Prescott," said Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's First Take.

"With that money comes expectations. ... Jerry Jones has not gotten his money’s worth out of Dak Prescott.”

@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/lGX66gVX1K
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 14, 2022

Although Prescott is a good player, making two Pro Bowls, faltering in signature moments hurts his Cowboys (6-3) legacy.

Dallas' collapse overshadowed the fact he surpassed Hall of Famer Roger Staubach for the third-most passing yards in franchise history.

Dak Prescott (22,705) just passed Roger Staubach (22,700) for the third-most passing yards in franchise history.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) November 13, 2022

Prescott can minimize these shortcomings and receive more credit if he delivers later in the season.

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