Dallas Cowboys compare Tony Romo, Dak Prescott to Tom Brady, Drew Bledsoe

DALLAS, Aug. 29 (UPI) — Dak Prescott is obliterating the preseason for the Dallas Cowboys.

Now he’s ready to step into Tony Romo’s shoes as the teams week one starting quarterback.

The Cowboys, who were trying hard to acquire Denver Broncos’ Paxton Lynch in the first round of April’s draft, now prefer the fourth-rounder, according to Monday Morning Quarterback.

Still, Cowboys COO and director of player personnel Stephen Jones told MMQB that a healthy Romo is the starter. But he also said that Romo is “aware” of other possibilities.

“I can’t imagine a scenario where Tony’s not our quarterback when he’s ready,” Jones told Peter King. “But things happen. You know that. You know what happened to Bledsoe and Brady. I’m sure Tony’s aware of that. But the reality is, Tony’s going to come back for us and play great, we believe.”

In 2001, New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe had his season ended due to injury. Bledsoe, a three-time Pro Bowl selection at the time, never got his job back. A young Tom Brady led the Patriots to its first of three consecutive Super Bowl victories that season.

The difference? Bledsoe had a 3-3 playoff record before losing his job. Romo is 2-4 in the playoffs. Romo, however, has a 93 post season quarterback rating, while Bledsoe rated at 54.9.

Romo, 36, could miss up to six games this season, after breaking a bone in his back. Prescott leads the NFL with 454 passing yards, five touchdown passes, and zero interceptions this preseason. He has completed 78 percent of his passes and has a 137.8 quarterback rating. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is the only player with a higher rating this preseason.

Prescott and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry lead all rookies this preseason with two rushing touchdowns.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the Cowboys are now searching for a backup to Prescott. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that the rookie is projected to open the season as the Cowboys starter, along with rookie Ezekiel Elliott as its starting running back.