Cowboys' aggressive offensive philosophy explains Dak Prescott's interceptions

Through eight starts, Prescott threw nine interceptions (1.1 per game), his highest rate in seven seasons. In three of his nine starts, Prescott threw multiple interceptions. 

If the trend continues, he will tie a career-high—13 in 2017. 

Prescott had some interception concerns throughout his career. 

In three of his seven seasons, he tossed 10 or more, yet he threw them at a much lower rate, proving there's an underlying concern.

The concern stems from Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore wanting Prescott to have an aggressive mindset.  

"You can't play passive. If you start playing small, and not pushing, threatening the defense downfield, then they start shrinking," Moore told The Athletic's Jon Machota recently.

Moore's correct, offenses need to stretch the field, especially one that's third in scoring (27.7 points per game) like the Cowboys, but when risks become unmitigated, problems sprout. 

Over the past three games, Prescott threw five picks. His second, in a 27-23 victory over the Texans on Sunday, nearly cost them.

It was a questionable play call since Dallas was at its own three-yard line late in the fourth quarter, a perfect opportunity for a Texans' safety or Cowboys' turnover. 

Although Houston (1-11-1) failed to capitalize, Dallas (10-3) can't rely on luck against better opponents. 

Over its next two games, Dallas faces opponents who specialize in interceptions. Through 13 games, Jacksonville (Week 15) is tied for seventh (10) and Philadelphia (Week 16) is first (15).

The Cowboys need to tone down the aggressive mentality because if Prescott continues to throw picks, they could spiral during a critical stretch of the season.