'He's Incredible!' Dak Prescott Praises Dallas Cowboys Breakout Tight End Jake Ferguson
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott deserves a ton of credit for the MVP-caliber year that he’s put together, epitomized so far by Sunday’s shellacking of the Philadelphia Eagles, 33-13.
However, he's the first to tell you, he's had help. The offensive line has played well, receiver CeeDee Lamb has cemented himself amongst the league’s elite, and tight end Jake Ferguson’s breakout has opened up the offense.
Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson hurdles an Eagles defender in the Cowboys' Week 14 win.
USA TODAY Sports
The second-year tight end’s rise continued in Week 14 when he surpassed 70 receiving yards for the fourth time this season. He failed to find the end zone but was a strong contributor to a passing attack that diced up the Philadelphia defense. The Eagles’ defense is at its weakest up the middle, and Ferguson took advantage.
Prescott, coming off a dominant night, took notice.
“Hell of a player. Confidence is through the roof with him,” Prescott said of the tight end who likes to say he's a "big biscuit.'' "He’s a fun guy to play with. Active, he will do whatever it takes to make those dirty blocks, being selfless. Wants to make the catch. Wants to jump over guys. It’s incredible.”
Ferguson’s successful hurdle caught spectators’ attention, but he was a threat after the catch on multiple occasions. He has become a formidable target and a legitimate playmaker that was badly needed given the inconsistencies of running back Tony Pollard and receivers Michael Gallup and Brandin Cooks.
On Sunday, Ferguson caught five of his eight targets for 72 yards. On the season, he’s produced 51 catches for 570 yards and five scores. Only Lamb has more targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns among Dallas pass-catchers.
Prescott ensured that Ferguson’s impact wasn’t just felt in the box score.
“He’s really emerged in a sense as more than just a playmaker but a leader on this team,” Prescott said. “Just the way that he’s continuing to take care of business, but doing it in a fun and light way, communicating with guys.
“Super, super proud of him and his efforts. And I’m telling you, he’s only going to get better.”
Ferguson will have another opportunity to showcase his improvements in Week 15 when the Cowboys visit the Buffalo Bills. Beating Philadelphia is fun, but it won’t be meaningful unless it helps clinch the NFC East. With Ferguson helping to fuel Prescott’s red-hot stretch, that possibility has grown increasingly likely with each passing game.
