Dan Orlovsky backtracks after harsh criticism of Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky had some major backtracking to do on Monday night after witnessing Dallas Cowboys star quarterback Dak Prescott go 25-for-33 with five touchdowns versus the Buccaneers.

“Simply put, Dak was fantastic tonight,” Orlovsky tweeted. “He was everything he hasn’t been all season tonight – Decisive, Aggressive, Confident, Convicted, Free. One of the best games I’ve seen him play. Credit where it’s due.”

Even in his praise, the former NFL journeyman was critical of Prescott.

Doubting the Cowboys’ offense and Prescott’s management of it ahead of the game, Orlovsky ranked the Dallas quarterback as the 12th best amongst the 14 playoff quarterbacks. The former Mississippi State star ended up with the highest QBR of all 14 signal-callers in the first round of games.

Orlovsky changes tune following five-touchdown game from Prescott

The ESPN analyst’s tone was much more negative after Prescott’s 14-completion game versus Washington in Week 18.

“Not right now,” Orlovsky said last week when asked if Prescott was playing well. “Yesterday was the worst game I’ve seen Dak play, and this is the worst season I’ve seen Dak play. Everybody has made this big deal and I’ve said this for like two and a half months now, the consistency of the ball going to the wrong place is concerning. It’s disturbing. It’s alarming. Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, they’re the No. 1 offense in the NFL since Dak’s come back.’ Guys, watch the games. Don’t just look at the stats and the box score.

“There’s so many opportunities for the ball to go to the other team on a consistent basis. Everyone’s like, ‘Look at Dak get to No. 4 in the progression.’ He’s an NFL quarterback. Yeah, congratulations.”

On top of leading his team to victory, Prescott also broke his interceptions streak, which was up to seven games going into the wild card matchup.

Prescott and the Cowboys now advance to the divisional round next Sunday versus San Francisco. The 49ers are red hot after winning 10 straight but if Prescott’s numbers on Monday are any indication, he’s ready for the challenge.

As for the quarterback’s attitude towards his haters, he simply isn’t listening.

“I didn’t listen,” Prescott said after the game. “I simply just didn’t listen to anybody else’s opinions, anyone else’s thoughts. Made sure I was conscious of what I put in my own head. I have a great supporting cast and teammates and that’s all that matters to me.”