Rookie Quarterbacks: Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott

Philadelphia Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz and Dallas Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott
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The NFL careers of rookie quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott are off to a great start.

Wentz, drafted 2nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, and Prescott, drafted in the 4th round by the Dallas Cowboys, have looked sharp through two weeks of regular season action. In fact Prescott has already broken a rookie QB record:

Wentz, who has also kept the ball away from opposing defenses, is not far behind Prescott’s record-breaking efficiency. That has certainly played a part in leading the Eagles to 2-0.

These two young passers are in somewhat different situations. Dak Prescott is certainly the future of the Cowboys, but his status as the current starting quarterback for the ‘Boys will likely be somewhat in limbo until Tony Romo retires (if Romo can make a healthy return, that is). Carson Wentz, on the other hand, is the unquestioned starter with Sam Bradford being shipped off to Minnesota. Neither one was supposed to start right away.

Despite their differing circumstances, they are both definitely trending in the same direction–up. If I had to pick one common theme I see in Wentz and Prescott, I would say it is their poise. Both play with the poise of a veteran, calmly going through their progressions and not panicking under pressure. We’ve all seen rookie quarterbacks that panic with the slightest pressure or rush into bad decisions when thrown into the fire before the game slows down for them. But I would be comfortable with either of these two rookies at the helm with the game on the line with time running out in the 4th quarter.

It’s not just their poise, though. Their natural talent has definitely been on display during these past two weeks as well.

Check out Carson Wentz’s Week 1 performance:

Does anything jump out at you? His poise, arm strength, size, and surprising mobility are hard to miss. Not to mention, this guy is tough. Remember, he had fractured ribs just a few weeks ago. He could definitely benefit from some quarterback sliding lessons, but it’s hard not to like Wentz’s energy and toughness. Wentz’s poise, toughness and intelligence have shown up best against the blitz.

A rookie isn’t supposed to be able to stand in and go 11-for-12 against the blitz. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson credited Wentz’s preparation and film study, as well as support from backup Chase Daniels, for his success against the blitz.

Now let’s take a look at Dak Prescott’s regular season debut:

What about Dak’s game stands out to you? Dak is very poised and aware in the pocket, and has some Russell Wilson-like escapability. He has the athleticism to make plays with his legs, but has the discipline to keep his eyes downfield to make a potentially bigger play with his arm. He throws well on the run, which works well with his ability to extend plays. Dak makes very smart decisions with the football in his hands, which shows in the fact that he has yet to throw an interception.

Both quarterbacks have the tools to develop into franchise quarterbacks and lead their respective teams for years to come. For this season, Carson Wentz is on pace for 3,744 yards and 24 TDs, while Dak Prescott is on pace for 4,152 yards. Dak hasn’t thrown for any touchdowns yet, but after a Week 2 performance where Dez was targeted 12 times and went for over 100 yards, the touchdowns should start to come in bunches for Dak like they did in the preseason.

Coming into the 2016 season, we knew there would be two rookie quarterbacks to watch this year. It’s just that we figured Jared Goff, the Los Angeles Rams’ top overall pick, would be one of the two. While Goff has struggled to adjust to the NFL, Prescott has stepped up for the Cowboys.

The career paths of Wentz and Prescott will likely be compared for years to come as they change the landscape of the NFC East. We will get to see them face off head-to-head in Week 8 and again in Week 17. Getting to see the two rookies duel it out would be exciting enough, but the Week 17 matchup may carry some serious playoff implications or even decide the NFC East division champs.

Prescott and Wentz have gotten off to a hot start and the two will undoubtedly be in the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year at the end of the year–especially if they can continue to lead their teams to wins. There’s sure to be more serious accolades in their future, but for now, they’ll have to settle for number 1 and 2 in the voting for our Week 2 Rookie of the Week Award.

(Photo Credit: MITCHELL LEFF & RONALD MARTINEZ / GETTY IMAGES via Sports Illustrated)

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