Schottenheimer treating Dak like a rookie? “Development phase” comments taken out of context

In a recent interview, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer made a comment about quarterback Dak Prescott that didn’t sit well with some people. Schottenheimer, who was brought on as the HC this offseason (previously Dallas’ offensive coordinator), was asked whether or not newly acquired quarterback Joe Milton III was in the developmental phase.

In his response, Schottenheimer said that even Prescott, who’s going into his 10th NFL season, is in the developmental phase.

Schotty’s comments taken out of context

Obviously, if that’s all you read, you can understand why people might be upset. Prescott is not a rookie and he’s no stranger to being the leader under center. He’s been in the league since 2016 and always with Dallas. Milton, on the other hand, is going into just his second season after playing limited time with the New England Patriots in his rookie season.

But when you see the full picture of what Schottenheimer was saying, you realize he meant that all his quarterbacks need “tweaking”.

“I think Dak is in the developmental stage, and that sounds crazy for a guy that’s played that much, but there’s things that we’re tweaking with Dak,” said Schottenheimer. “I don’t think it’s just for Joe. Joe is a guy that we obviously know all about the talent, but the system that he came from in Tennessee created some challenges in terms of what he has to learn.”

“But the minute these quarterbacks think that they’ve figured it all out, that’s when it’s probably time for them to think about doing things different because the way defenses attack in this league, it makes it almost impossible to ever relax,” he said.

Indeed, Prescott is 31 years old, he’s led the Cowboys to four postseasons, and he’s a three-time Pro Bowler. But he is also coming off of a season-ending hamstring injury last season and some of his worst career stats even before that, and he’s now working under a completely different system with Schotty in control.

Perhaps “developmental phase” isn’t exactly the right choice of words, but what I think Schottenheimer meant here is that the Cowboys are all working towards a better year than last year’s 7-10 season, with additions like wide receiver George Pickens and rookie guard Tyler Booker to help Prescott on offense. And Prescott will need to evolve to be the kind of player that leads them to the postseason and beyond, because for all his experience, that’s what is still missing.

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