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Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott critcism is 'insane,' says Michael Irvin

OXNARD, Calif. — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones agrees: Dak Prescott has the intangibles and leadership that Jones wants for his next franchise quarterback. But Jones wants to clarify the leadership praise that Prescott has drawn from his coaches, teammates and more throughout training camp. “So often you’ll have a player that, because they’re special with their charm or they’re special with their ability to human skills, that they’ll imply that he’s not physically what you want,” Jones said Sunday after the Cowboys’ intrasquad scrimmage. “Michael Irvin’s one that you always hear: We couldn’t have done it without his heart and soul and leadership. And it implied a little bit that he was an overachiever, which means a little less talent. And that was not the case. Michael was one of the most talented guys you could ever be around. Dak Prescott.” Irvin caught 750 passes for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns in 159 regular-season games with the Cowboys. The 11th overall pick of the 1988 draft helped the Cowboys to each of their three Super Bowls in the 1990s. Dallas hasn’t returned to the NFC Championship game since the 1995 season. Irvin understands Jones’ argument. “(People) don’t appreciate the charisma as a talent and gift,” Irvin told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday. “It’s got to be the greatest talent in this business we don’t count. This is why Tom Brady has six rings. Rarely, rarely do you get the heart and soul of the football team at the quarterback position. “Dak Prescott has that in him. I tell people: Stop it. Stop being a dummy here. It’s the ultimate gift a quarterback could have, especially in a world where the quarterback is so isolated and put on a pedestal.” Irvin also disagrees with those criticizing physical gifts. Sure, he’s biased toward the team he spent his entire 12-year career with. But the league has changed since his 1990s glory, Irvin said. Faster defensive linemen, faster linebackers and the overall speed of defenses increasingly emphasizes the value of quarterback mobility in addition to accuracy. Prescott’s completion rate through three years, 67.7 percent, ranks 15th among quarterbacks who have attempted at least 100 throws. But he was the fourth most accurate quarterback in 2016. After the Cowboys traded for Amari Cooper in October, Prescott’s completion rate jumped from 62 percent in the first seven games of the season to 72 in the final nine. Irvin sees the latter as indicative of what Prescott can do in 2019, with receivers who fit his skill set better. “Talent must be harmonious with one another. Dak and Dez (Bryant) was not harmonious,” Irvin said. “Now he has guys that fit his talent. And I think now he takes off. (With Cooper,) he can throw the ball while the guy’s in the route knowing he’s going to transition well out of the route and be open. Now I’m throwing anticipatory throws. I’m throwing anticipatory throws and getting the ball out of my hands quickly, and I’m putting the ball in a spot and expect him to get to it. That will improve accuracy.” Prescott will also look to shoulder fewer sacks in 2019. The 56 he took in 2018 were more than his first two years combined. Prescott said Sunday he’ll take the blame for at least half of them. The goal this season: Balance a quicker release with the understanding that sometimes his best plays come on the run as he extends them with his legs. Prescott scored six rushing touchdowns each year in the league. Irvin thinks that harmony is the key to Prescott’s progress. Game management and understanding time of possession, including wearing down defenses and moving the chains in shorter scenarios, are crucial. “Aaron (Rodgers) should have more (titles) but the problem is the dramatic and dynamic you can’t win with all the time," Irvin said. “The dramatic and dynamic in this league has to be something you mix in here and there not something you live on and feed on all day long. “For Dak to understand that — that I have to toe this line, I need to play the game ‘steady Eddie, steady Eddie’ until I have to, until I have to be the dynamic and dramatic? What he just said is why Tom (Brady) has six (Super Bowls) and Aaron has one.” No doubt, Irvin said, running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is currently holding out, is “necessary” to the Cowboys offense working as described. Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones continue to reiterate their praise for Prescott as the face of the franchise. They’re interested in closing a deal with Prescott before the season, but they are willing to let him play out the last year of his contract in a “prove it” scenario. Irvin believes Prescott will prove his worth. The win record (32-16) through three seasons is convincing, Irvin says. “It’s insane sometimes when I hear the analysis on Dak Prescott and this man has won as many games as he’s won,” Irvin said. “It’s like everyone’s looking for a reason not to believe, instead of opening their eyes for all the reasons they should believe.” Follow USA TODAY Sports' Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein . If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders.