Much has been said about the stunning starts for Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott, but one important stat highlights just how impressive the rookie quarterbacks have been to begin 2016.
According to Pro Football Focus, Prescott leads all NFL quarterbacks with zero “turnover-worthy throws” this season, while Wentz ranks second with just one.
As a reference point, consider that Ryan Fitzpatrick (10) and Carson Palmer (nine) have the most turnover-worthy throws:
Most turnover-worthy throws among #NFL QBs this season:
1. Ryan Fitzpatrick, 10
2. Carson Palmer, 9 pic.twitter.com/aMD1E0Ksg9— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 28, 2016
Of course, the term “turnover-worthy throw” is subjective. But the traditional numbers speak for themselves.
Prescott and Wentz have combined for 202 attempts without an interception. They represent two of the three quarterbacks (Philip Rivers being the other) with at least 75 attempts and zero interceptions this season.
According Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich, Wentz has pushed the ball down the field without forcing things.
“He can put the ball anywhere, and you have to defend the whole field,” Reich said, via USA Today. “He’s not afraid to make throws to the side. When they have to defend the whole field, it brings a different dynamic. He’s fearless like that, yet he’s doing it without forcing anything. That’s probably what’s most exciting.”
Prescott doesn’t have Wentz’s touchdown numbers, but he’s getting better and better every week.
“I thought he executed well, threw the ball well from the pocket, made a lot of big-time throws, threw the ball well when he was moving around, made some plays with his feet, just made a lot of good decisions, handled the game well,” head coach Jason Garrett said after the Cowboys’ Week 3 win over the Bears, via Pro Football Weekly.
Turnovers have often plagued young quarterbacks, but both Prescott and Wentz have already showed an advanced ability to avoid dangerous throws and game-changing interceptions.
