Mike McCarthy on Dak Prescott's season: 'I thought he did some great things'

In his first offseason press conference with the media, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy wasn’t quite ready to provide his full assessment of quarterback Dak Prescott‘s season. McCarthy says he knows Prescott did “great things” statistically, but they’re still analyzing whether his growth was at the team’s desired level.

“I think the assessment is something we need to continue to look at through the evaluation process. We need to look at, ‘Did we grow as much as we want to?'” McCarthy said. “I’m sure those outlooks will be positive in nature. To summarize, we came up short. So we’re all part of that and it starts with me. But statistically, I thought he did some great things.”

The starting quarterback’s massive contract could hamper Dallas’ ability to add more talent around him if they don’t either restructure his deal or give him an extension. The Cowboys owe him $31 million in 2023, fully guaranteed, and he will count $49.1 million against the salary cap. A restructuring could free up $22 million for next season.

Asked what the Cowboys can do to continue to help Prescott get over the “playoff hump,” McCarthy again leaned on the team’s offseason evaluation process.

“I think the one thing that doesn’t get talked about much when you talk about advancing your football team, there are offseason grades and about who you bring in,” McCarthy said. “There will be self-improvement within our roster and I love our three draft classes. That all plays into that jump I know we’ll make internally.”

Prescott vows to bring Cowboys back to playoffs

Dak Prescott understands how close his team was to finally reaching the NFC title game on Sunday for the first time since 1995. That’s why, after the game, he vowed to bring them back as soon as possible. Prescott shouldered the blame for the 19-12 loss to the 49ers and, though many factors contributed to the outcome, his two interceptions did not help.

“If I had the answers, then we would’ve won tonight. Too early. Too soon,” Prescott said after the loss. “And I promise you we will, though. In my time playing on this team, for this organization, we will. Yeah, it sucks that it’s 365 days away to get back to this position, but we’ve got to take it day by day, step by step, and that’s what I’ll do.

“I know that’s who I am. I’ll respond the right way. As I said, when we get this team aligned, the guys that we get back, coaches, we’ll do what’s necessary to be right back here and win the next time.”

The Cowboys could lose a chunk of starters from this year’s squad to free agency before next season but thanks to his massive contract, Prescott will still be around, for better or worse.