NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, Week 4: Baker Mayfield arrives
By Randy Gurzi
20. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (19)
It’s looking like it may be time to admit Dak Prescott is a problem under center for the Dallas Cowboys. Is he unfixable? No. But as long as they’re adamant about running an offense that requires a more traditional pocket passer, he simply isn’t going to work.
In Week 2, Dak was at his best when Dallas was using him in a spread offense with the zone-read scheme. Then, they would go back to their two-tight end sets and he would struggle. Against Seattle, it was more of the double tight end, heavy sets where they wanted Prescott to sit in the pocket. He did that and was 19-of-34 for 168 yards with two picks. Just ugly.
19. Eli Manning, New York Giants (23)
Sometimes all you need to get your offensive woes fixed is to play someone who is struggling as well. The 0-2 New York Giants met the 0-2 Houston Texans and Eli Manning looked nothing like he had the rest of the season. He completed all but four of his 29 attempts and ended the day with 297 yards and two touchdowns — with no interceptions.
It was the kind of offense they hoped to show with Pat Shurmur now in control after seeing Ben McAdoo run them into the ground a season ago. They have a long way to go, but they’re still in the mix in the NFC East.
18. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders (18)
Derek Carr continues to regress with the Oakland Raiders. He went out on Sunday and again had more interceptions (2) than touchdowns (1). It may be overlooked considering he had 345 yards passing, but Carr simply hasn’t been consistent — or safe with the football.
His pairing with head coach Jon Gruden seemed shaky at best and the two are off to a horrific start with the 0-3 record. The connection between Carr and Amari Cooper is also an issue as the two continue to have no rapport. They connected on just two passes for 17 yards on the day. Things aren’t looking good for them at all.
17. Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts (15)
The most concerning thing about the performance of Andrew Luck on Sunday wasn’t his inability to get the team the final score as the Indianapolis Colts fought hard against the world champs. It was the fact he had to be taken out for the Hail Mary at the end of the game. His shoulder isn’t 100 percent, even this far removed from surgery, which is alarming.