FRISCO, Texas — Dak Prescott said Thursday that he has gone back to Minnesota film to prepare for Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, who is in his first season as an NFL coordinator.
Washington hired Jones in January from the Minnesota Vikings, where he was the defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Jones was LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2021. Commanders coach Dan Quinn took over defensive play-calling after 10 games last season, and Washington finished last in the NFL in yards allowed.
Prescott can see Washington’s two schemes coming together on tape, going back to the first preseason game.
“You check where he’s been from, and as you say, his roots, and going back and watching some Minnesota stuff, and that’s where he was last year in their game against us, and some of their matchups that they had,” Prescott said. “Would they play like the old Minnesota D against us? And you’ve got the preseason tapes and you’ve got game one.”
“But particularly in this team, too, I mean, the head coach is a defensive guy, a guy that familiar with understanding what he’s trying to get done,” Prescott continued. “And so I think even just from game one of the preseason, you can see the mesh of the two different schemes are coming together. The similarities, the difference. This is more DQ. This is more DC.”
“And so it’s about just getting as much information as you can, but not overthinking it and doing the things that we’re really good at,” Prescott added.
Washington opened with a 24-22 loss at Philadelphia.
Dak Prescott On Protection And Pocket Presence
Prescott plays against the pass rush more than the coverage.
“It’s fun for one, I guess, right, knowing you’re the one being hunted,” Prescott explained. “But at the end of the day, it’s about making sure the other 10 guys know the protection and know their part in helping protect me, right, and just protect me as long as I’ve got the ball in my hand.”
“And so in that sense is making sure the ID is right, making sure everybody knows who’s hot, where the adjustments are, and then getting to certain plays that we feel like can hurt them when they show us certain looks,” Prescott noted. “So it’s not just me and my mindset. It’s about making sure the other 10 guys know that they’ve got just as much to do in it. And for me, it’s about always playing against the pass rush more than the coverage. And so just getting the ball out of my hands the best I can.”
Knowing where his outlets are is part of how Prescott handles pressure.
“It just comes with experience,” Prescott said. “You just said it comes with feel. And as much as anything, it’s knowing what’s behind that pressure, knowing the defense and knowing where my outlets are, understanding, making sure the guys up front understand, yeah, you get edge, stay with the guy. I can help you. We’re working together in this thing.”
“And, yeah, at the end of the day, just trying to get the ball out of my hands when I’m in trouble,” Prescott continued.
Dak Prescott Says Using His Legs Is Part of the Job
Prescott ran twice for 14 yards against the New York Giants on Sept. 13. Scrambling and making something happen down the field is part of what he wants to bring.
“I’m healthy and I feel good,” Prescott said. “And as I said, going back to last year when I told you guys, that’s when I play my best, is right, being able to use my feet. It helps the team, whether it’s getting a couple of yards or just getting out of danger or scrambling and making something happen down the field once I get out of the pocket.”
“Yeah, I mean, that’s what’s being asked of me to play this position, is use everything that I’ve gotten,” Prescott added. “So I’m going to try to do that.”
The Dallas Cowboys host Washington in their home opener Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT on Fox.
