Tom Brady, Bruce Arians expect to see this version of Dak Prescott in first game back from ankle fracture

Tom Brady did not mince any phrases when requested about Dak Prescott. The seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback has loads of respect for Prescott, coming off a season-ending damage that rivals the severity of Brady’s 13 years in the past. 

Prescott’s ankle fracture within the fifth recreation of the 2020 season ended his 12 months — requiring two ankle surgical procedures and an intense rehab course of to get the Dallas Cowboys quarterback again on the sphere in time for Week 1. Brady tore his ACL in Week 1 of the 2008 season, requiring a full reconstruction of the ligament. He additionally performed by final 12 months with a completely torn MCL that required surgical procedure within the offseason — so he is aware of the work Prescott has put in to get again on the sphere. 

Brady expects the Cowboys quarterback to play on the degree he was earlier than the damage occurred. 

“He is a very gifted player,” Brady mentioned to reporters Tuesday. “Actually for the reason that day he got here into the league, he is proven to be an excellent chief for the workforce. We’re simply anticipating him to play like Dak Prescott does – very gifted, unfastened within the pocket, throws ball, they’ve quite a bit gifted ability gamers.

“Dak’s an excellent player. They’ve among the best offenses and a really gifted protection, they’re very deep at linebacker, they’ve push up entrance and I believe they’ve a really gifted secondary. It is a massive problem for our workforce.”

Prescott was on tempo for a report setting 12 months earlier than the ankle damage. The Cowboys quarterback had 1,856 passing yards and 12 touchdowns (9 passing, three dashing) for a 99.6 ranking in 5 video games final 12 months. He was on tempo to throw for five,939 yards earlier than the ankle damage. Solely Prescott and Patrick Mahomes averaged over 300 passing yards per recreation over the past two years — Prescott leads the league averaging 321.8 yards per recreation. 

With Prescott on the sphere, Brady is aware of the Buccaneers are in for a shootout. 

“For us offensively, we’ll should do job placing our protection in place,” Brady mentioned. “I do not suppose we can provide any additional possessions. Turnovers will likely be a giant issue, subject place goes to be necessary, getting off the sphere on third-down and us staying on the sphere, retaining the ball out of their arms goes to be necessary.”

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians is not taking Prescott’s mobility evenly. He expects to see the identical Dak Prescott he is coached in opposition to previous to the damage. 

“Realizing him personally like I do, there is not any change in him [or] the best way he will play,” Arians mentioned. “He solely is aware of a method play, and that is full velocity.”