Imagine if ‘Jerry’s World’ suddenly became ‘Dak’s Domain’, and you’re close to the earthquake former NFL MVP Cam Newton just caused. He’s stirred up a QB debate hotter than a Texas summer, comparing Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott to none other than the Kansas City Chiefs‘ golden boy, Patrick Mahomes.

On his ‘4th and 1’ podcast, Newton dropped a bombshell that’s more shocking than the Cowboys‘ early playoff exits. “If you’ve got the same stat line as Patrick Mahomes, something is clicking in big games,” Newton declared, comparing Prescott’s numbers to the man who’s turned Arrowhead Stadium into his playground.

Let’s break it down like a defensive coordinator studying game film. Over their last 50 starts, Prescott boasts a 33-17 record with 105 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. Mahomes? He’s sitting pretty at 36-14 with 105 scores and 39 picks. It’s closer than a goal-line stand on fourth down, folks.

But Newton didn’t stop there. He went full ‘How ’bout them Cowboys!’ mode, saying he’d take Prescott over a lineup of QB stars that reads like a Pro Bowl roster. “I would prefer Dak Prescott over Kirk Cousins. I prefer Dak over Kyler Murray. I prefer Dak over Jalen Hurts. Justin Herbert? Dak. Trevor Lawrence? I’m taking Dak,” Newton rattled.

Now, comparing anyone to Mahomes is like saying your local high school team could hang with the ’92 Cowboys. Mahomes has three Super Bowl rings, two league MVPs, and a highlight reel that makes Madden look realistic. But Newton’s take puts the spotlight on Prescott’s regular-season prowess, which often gets lost in the playoff noise.

It’s worth noting that in 2023, Prescott was hotter than a fresh plate of Kansas City BBQ, throwing for 4,516 yards and an NFL-high 36 touchdowns. He finished second in MVP voting, closer to the trophy than the Cowboys have been to the NFC Championship in nearly three decades.

The unfair criticism of Dak Prescott?

Newton’s hot take isn’t just about praising Prescott – it’s calling out a double standard. “So if you’re going to sit here and judge Dak Prescott on playoff success, and I’m looking at a list of guys that don’t even have no playoff experience, or not even a playoff win, come on,” Newton argued.

While Prescott’s 2-5 playoff record is as disappointing as a fumble on the one-yard line, it’s not far off from some other big-name QBs. Justin Herbert? 0-1. Kyler Murray? 0-1. Jalen Hurts? 2-3. Kirk Cousins? 1-3. Even $275 million man Trevor Lawrence is sitting at 1-1.

“There’s only one of them that has a Super Bowl,” Newton pointed out, referring to the list of highest-paid QBs. That lone ranger? Patrick Mahomes, standing tall like the Chiefs Kingdom’s version of John Wayne.

The real kicker? Most of these players are cashing checks that would make Oil Tycoon Jerry Jones do a double-take. Lawrence and Joe Burrow are pulling in $55 million a year, while Prescott is still waiting for his payday like a rookie at training camp. There are even whispers of a potential $60 million APY contract for Dak, a number that could make the Cowboys’ star on their helmet spin.

Let’s talk statistics. Prescott’s career stats aren’t a joke. 29,459 yards, 202 touchdown passes, and a 99.0 passer rating are his accomplishments in the game. On the other hand, within fewer games, Mahomes has thrown for 28,424 yards, 219 touchdowns, and has a rating of 103.5. It is closer than a replay review on the crucial catch.

Credits: Stathead

But here is the deal – Mahomes is 15-3 in the playoffs with three Super Bowl MVPs. Prescott? He still hasn’t gotten beyond divisional-round throwing for 1962 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and seven interceptions during his post-season career. That gap is wider than the hole in the Cowboys’ stadium roof.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, “If Prescott gets the Cowboys to a Super Bowl, then the Joneses will gladly pay him whatever he wants.” With a no-tag clause in his pocket, Prescott’s got more leverage than a quarterback with a free play after an offsides call.

Newton’s take has sparked a debate hotter than the Chiefs’ red-on-red uniforms. Is Prescott truly elite? Or is he just another good quarterback in a league desperate for great ones? One thing’s for sure – this controversy isn’t going away anytime soon. What’s your hot take on this debate?