Four Dallas Cowboys players named AP Award finalists, including Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons

Four Dallas Cowboys players have been named finalists for the Associated Press' 2023 NFL Awards for MVP, Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

Which Dallas Cowboys are nominated for the 2023 AP Awards?

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was named a finalist for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, WR CeeDee Lamb is also an OPOY candidate, and LB Micah Parsons and DB Daron Brand are nominated for Defensive Player of the Year.

What have these players achieved this season and what are their chances of winning the award?

QB Dak Prescott

Prescott has been in the MVP conversation for most of the season as he has thrived under head coach Mike McCarthy's play calling. In 2023, Prescott had 4,516 passing yards, 410 pass attempts, 36 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 69.5 completion percentage.

This year, he posted career-highs in completion percentage, ratings, and touchdowns. His passer rating of 124.4 this season is the second-highest in Cowboys franchise history behind Tony Romo.

MORE: How has the Dallas Cowboys QB performed this season?

Prescott led the league this year with a passer rating of 117.9 on third-and-long. He also completed the longest pass of his career to date with a 98-yard bomb to Lamb in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions.

Even if Prescott had an MVP-worthy season, the Cowboys' early exit from the playoffs would likely affect his chances of winning the award.

WR CeeDee Lamb

Lamb has proven to be one of the top receivers in the NFL. This season, he gained 1,749 receiving yards, setting a franchise single-season record, surpassing Michael Irvin's 1,603 in 1995.

This year, Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions, officially marking the most receptions in a season in Cowboys history. The chemistry with Prescott was evident throughout the season, and he quickly became the quarterback's go-to player.

Lamb entered the season atop nearly every receiving grade, which is impressive considering his involvement in the offense didn't pick up until after the team's loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. is.

Lamb is likely to win Offensive Player of the Year, but a deeper playoff run would have made his chances even better.

EDGE Micah Parsons

Parsons is a clear difference-maker for the Cowboys and one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. This season, he totaled 14 sacks, the most on the team and the eighth-most in the NFL this year.

With his sack total, Parsons joins Reggie White as the only players in NFL history with at least 13 sacks in his first three seasons.

MORE: 2023 Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Ratings

Despite not having a standout season this season, Parsons remains one of the best players in the NFL. His influence and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks will take Dallas' defense to a new level.

Unfortunately, he didn't have that kind of gaudy track record, which could hurt his chances of being named Defensive Player of the Year.

CB Daron Brand

Brand had a historic season and holds the NFL record for most pick-sixes this season with five. Not only does he lead the NFL and the Cowboys with nine interceptions, but this is the second year he leads the team in picks (five in 2022).

Brand becomes the first non-offensive player to score five touchdowns in a season since JJ Watt in 2014. Given his record-breaking year, there's a good chance he wins DPOY.

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