The Facts: HC Mike McCarthy, while vacationing in Florida, knew what he wanted to do earlier this month after hearing that Prescott had finally signed a long-term deal. "It's a lot easier to do cartwheels on the sand, I'll say that," McCarthy said during a news conference Thursday. "Obviously I was very excited." It's hard to blame McCarthy for being excited, knowing that Prescott is locked in for four more years. "Dak is the keystone of this team," McCarthy said. "I'm excited about Year 2 on offense. In a lot of ways, we didn't feel like we got to have a Year 1."

Diehards Line:Prescott played only five games last season because of a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. He threw nine touchdowns to four interceptions before he was hurt. With Prescott, Dallas' offense ranked first in yards per game and third in points. Without him, the Cowboys ranked 27th in yards and 23rd in points. During Prescott's news conference earlier this month, the quarterback said he wants to be a "smarter player" and understands that there are times he doesn't have to be a physical runner. He said he needs to know that he can treat a scramble differently depending on the game situation -- whether he should slide or dive for a first down. McCarthy said the modern game allows quarterbacks to play smarter. "Quarterbacks are clearly protected more, that's why you see wide-open offenses," he said. "I don't think it's going to be a huge adjustment for him. I don't think he needs to lower his shoulder and stiff-arm maybe as much. ..." We'll be watching for more on his recovery as the season draws nearer