3 Reasons Dak Prescott is a Dark Horse MVP Pick in 2023
3. Dallas Will Contend Once Again
An MVP contender needs to be on an actual Super Bowl contender, more often than not. Impressive stats are nice, but usually less so on a squad that doesn't win much. After all, voters want to see how a candidate's numbers have a positive effect on his team, not just the box score.
Prescott has this factor definitely on his side in 2023. The offensive upgrades I mentioned above put the quarterback in prime position to show out. It's also worth mentioning that Dallas' offense will likely rely on Prescott even more this season after Ezekiel Elliott's departure. The two-headed monster in the backfield has been severed, with just Tony Pollard remaining. The Cowboys will turn to Prescott and the passing game more than ever before. If this team is winning games, it's likely going to be thanks to the QB's arm.
A Super Bowl contender needs a defense that's just as good as its offense, and Cowboys fans know they've got one of the league's best. Dallas placed No. 2 in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA metric last season, showcasing their dominance across all facets. This unit also ranked No. 5 in scoring defense and forced a league-leading 33 turnovers, which helped set up even more possessions for Prescott and the offense.
The 'Boys didn't sit on their hands this offseason when it came to improving the defense, however. Jerry Jones went out and traded for former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore to solidify the team's second cornerback spot opposite of Trevon Diggs. They also invested in the defensive line by spending their first-round pick on another Michigan man in Mazi Smith.
An improved skill-position group along, an upgraded defense and one of the best offensive lines in the league is a recipe for even more success. There's no reason the Cowboys can't replicate their 12-5 finish from a year, and there's even a chance they unseat the Eagles in the NFC East.
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