Mike McCarthy on Dak Prescott: 'Never seen a QB under a microscope like he is'

Since the day Dak Prescott became the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, he’s been perhaps the most scrutinized player in the league.

When the Cowboys win, Prescott draws praise. When they lose, weekday sports talk is filled with pundits questioning if the 30-year-old can lead Dallas to its first Super Bowl since 1996. His head coach, Mike McCarthy, went as far Wednesday to say he’s the most under the microscope quarterback he’s ever been around.

“I love Dak Prescott as our quarterback,” McCarthy said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. “I think the way he’s built all the way through, obviously his physical skill set is excellent. But what he endures mentally and emotionally compared to the other 31 [NFL starting quarterbacks] is unique. Speaking on experience of being around great quarterbacks [Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, etc.], I’ve never seen a quarterback under a microscope like he is.

“Just his consistency, his personality and work ethic, and how he handles all that, and navigates all that, and he goes out and performs every week, I think it’s special what he has to endure. … I think the intensity of the microscope on Dak, I’ve never seen anything like it. For him to be as consistent, his attitude is very much the same every day as far as how he attacks the preparation part of it, you have to be unique to deal with that. And this is year eight for him, so he’s been dealing with this a long time here. The intensity is nothing like I’ve ever seen.”

Cowboys back Dak Prescott amid criticism

Like McCarthy, linebacker Micah Parsons has had enough of the disrespect aimed towards his quarterback. On the heels of the Cowboys’ 20-17 Week 6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers Monday, Parsons called out the media for their treatment of Prescott and the Cowboys.

“I just don’t condone the bashing of Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys, and have the same energy for the Eagles,” Parsons said on his “The Edge” podcast Tuesday. “We want the same energy for everybody. Because there’s a whole bunch of bashing when it’s Dak Prescott, but not the same when it’s the Eagles.”

Coming off a road win over Los Angeles, there hasn’t much criticism of Prescott to go around. In a game the Cowboys had to have to avoid heading into the bye week on a two-game losing streak, Prescott had his best game of the season. The much-maligned Prescott completed 21-of-30 passes for 272 yards and one touchdown. He added 40 yards on seven carries and a score.