This season, there were only two choices for NFL Comeback Player-of-the Year. Both the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott and the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow saw their 2020 season fall short. However, they both came back in 2021 to perform at high levels.
On Thursday, Burrow won the award and pulled a mini upset over Prescott. Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner, responded to Prescott’s loss by saying that the NFL should have made it possible for the two quarterbacks to share the award.
“They should have had Co-Comeback Player of the Year,” Jones said when speaking to TMZ. “Dak deserved that. Just, frankly, heroic the way he came back. The way he actually performed, the No. 1 offense in the NFL. That should have been a Co-Comeback but I don’t want to take anything away from Burrow.”
Prescott was recovering from a serious lower leg injury he suffered in Week 4 of last season. Prescott was out of the season. There were also questions about whether he would be able to play in the 2021 season opening. Prescott played in every game except one this year, but he had periods of difficulty.
Burrow tore his ACL in his rookie season. Because it is a very common injury in the NFL, Burrow was able quickly to recover and get back to full health. Burrow is a great story and was awarded the NFL Comeback Player Award.
Statistically, Burrow had more yards passing and completed more throws than Prescott. The Dallas signal-caller, however, threw four more interceptions and threw more touchdowns.
The playoffs could have made a difference. Prescott and his Cowboys failed to make it to NFC Championship, losing in Divisional round to San Francisco 49ers. Burrow, who has been a hero for Cincinnati, is preparing to play at the Super Bowl Sunday.
Even if you think Burrow did deserve the award, Jones was always going to defend his guy. Over the offseason, Jones signed Prescott to a lengthy contract extension. He committed to Prescott for four seasons, even after the injury.