After an impressive rookie season, Prescott disappointed last year. He went from fourth in the league in YPA to 20th, his completion percentage dropped by five points and, worst of all, his interceptions ballooned from four to 13. The only thing that kept him afloat was a second straight year with six rushing touchdowns, along with an uptick from 4.9 YPC to 6.3. While his decision-making was suspect, especially in the red zone where he threw three interceptions (2nd in NFL) and took six sacks (3rd), Prescott didn't get a lot of help from the rest of the offense. The line lacked depth and suffered injuries, most significantly to Tyron Smith; Dez Bryant caught just 52.3 percent of his targets and the wideouts averaged a mere 3.8 yards after catch; and, of course, Ezekiel Elliott was suspended six games. Without Elliott, Prescott broke 200 yards passing just twice and threw seven interceptions as defenses dropped into coverage without fear of the running game. Smith missed the first two of those games and Prescott was sacked 12 times, accounting for more than a third of his season total. The Cowboys added depth to the line this offseason, but health is probably more important. Big changes came to the pass catchers - namely, Bryant was released and tight end Jason Witten retired - but there is seemingly little to get excited about. The Cowboys added Allen Hurns, who hasn't played a full season since 2014, and Tavon Austin, whose best position might be punt returner. Incumbent starter Terrance Williams is coming off foot surgery and was arrested in May. In a run-first offense, Prescott might be relegated to a game-manager role, but his rushing ability at least gives him some stability.

Prescott was handed the starting job last year when Tomo Romo got hurt in preseason, and the rookie never gave it back. He stepped into a great situation for a young quarterback with perhaps the league's best offensive line protecting him -- he was sacked only 25 times (23rd) and knocked down an additional 2.6 times per game -- and a workhorse running back in fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliott with whom to share the playmaking duties. With Elliott chewing up five yards a rush, little was asked of Prescott other than to not make mistakes. And that he did superbly, throwing only four interceptions for a 0.9 INT rate that ranked second to only Tom Brady's. His completion percentage and YPA both ranked fourth in the league in an impressive debut that proved his athleticism, arm strength and leadership are legit as he took the Cowboys to the No. 1 playoff seed in the NFC. Although Elliott is still the show, Prescott likely will see more pass attempts this year (23rd last year), and if playmaking wide receiver Dez Bryant stays healthy for the first time in three years, that should mean bigger passing numbers for the quarterback, giving him a shot to stay in the top 10 at the position due in large part to his running upside (six TDs last year).

After a stellar career at Mississippi State, Prescott was drafted in the fourth round to potentially become the Cowboys' quarterback of the future, but Tony Romo suffered yet another debilitating injury this preseason, thrusting the rookie into the limelight for earlier than expected. While Prescott has the size, athleticism and arm strength NFL teams look for, as well as proven leadership qualities, his pocket awareness was considered shaky coming out of college and his throwing mechanics needed overhauling. Alas, through three exhibitions, he's tossed five touchdowns and rushed for two additional scores.