Cowboys' Jones committed to building around Dak: 'He's long term'

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is committed to building around Dak Prescott despite concerns about the quarterback's regression since his rookie campaign.

"He's long term," Jones told USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell. "Anything we need to see and need to know, I see with him."

Prescott excelled as a game manager when the Cowboys went 13-3 in 2016, but his numbers - along with the Cowboys' record - have declined as he's been asked to do more.

"He's not a 'bus driver,'" insisted Jones. "He's a weapon. And as mobility diminishes (on a given play), then you'll pick up where he is with that great decision-making, with the mind he's got."

Prescott has been a target of criticism this year. In a season where quarterbacks across the league are setting passing records, Prescott has been held below 200 passing yards four times.

Through six games, Prescott has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,144 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.

"I take offense with any serious, projected criticism about his accuracy," Jones said. "He can get the ball within the circumference of where receivers can catch it. They need to help."

Jones said he views Prescott as favorably as he once viewed Cowboys greats Troy Aikman and Tony Romo. Prescott became the starter in 2016 after filling in admirably for Romo, who missed several weeks with a fractured vertebra.