Dak Prescott stakes his claim to the cowboys backup QB job

[Cruzer 1,994]

This team playing better now than 2014. Where did this focking defense come from?

I'm as baffled as one can get myself... We're still near the bottom of allowing 3rd down conversions (27th), but it doesn't seem to matter. Even though we don't exactly have gaudy sack #'s, we are getting pressure up front. We've also not allowed a rushing td as of yet... But most impressive is maybe the secondary. Claiborne got moved to the left side this year and that, along with Byron Jones' emergence at FS - has totally changed the chemistry of this unit... I'd still love to have a nasty, run stuffing DT and maybe a punishing type LB - but you really can't complain too much about these guys... With any luck, the defense will get a look at Jaylon Smith next year too.

[vuduchile 1,945]

Is there anyone in this thread actually calling for Dak to take a seat, or are you guys just arguing against the idea for the hell of it?

[weepaws 3,009]

I'm not.

 

He is the Cowboys Qb going forward , if it was up to me.

 

And I would tell just keep feeding the Zeke.

 

Fantasy footballs number one Rb.

[sirensong 111]

Is there anyone in this thread actually calling for Dak to take a seat, or are you guys just arguing against the idea for the hell of it?

 

prior to this week, i was saying that romo should start as soon as he is physically able, and that it would be a mistake to keep him on the bench in favor of dak. this was because i believe (still) that romo is capable of winning games that dak can't...yet.

 

i no longer believe that it would be an actual mistake, but i'm not yet convinced that dak can win games that romo can't. team chemistry and riding the hot hand are good reasons to stick with the status quo, however.

 

when and if dak shows that he can keep up in shootouts even if the run game is not working, i will get fully on board with him as the permanent starter.

[tanatastic 2,062]

 

prior to this week, i was saying that romo should start as soon as he is physically able, and that it would be a mistake to keep him on the bench in favor of dak. this was because i believe (still) that romo is capable of winning games that dak can't...yet.

 

i no longer believe that it would be an actual mistake, but i'm not yet convinced that dak can win games that romo can't. team chemistry and riding the hot hand are good reasons to stick with the status quo, however.

 

when and if dak shows that he can keep up in shootouts even if the run game is not working, i will get fully on board with him as the permanent starter.

Its going to be annoying when Dak loses a big game and people say "Oh see now Romo would have won that game." (which is a joke). Its basically SB or bust at this point or people will whine.

[Antiramie 50]

Anyone that thinks the Cowboys are better with Romo is out of their mind.

[vuduchile 1,945]

If you go back and watch the tape, Dallas originally brought 4 - and Rodgers was forced out. But he's so damn good at making something of nothing, he was getting completions off busted plays... Marinelli then decided to just bring 3, play coverage - almost like he wanted Rodgers to stay in the pocket and throw it..... It worked... I was most surprised the Pack didn't attack and go after Claiborne's spot soon as he got knocked out. I just knew 1st play after that we were going to see Nelson on a deep fly pattern.. But playing coverage - he had deep safety help.

I don't need to watch the tape. The Packers offense sucked fresh dogsh!t yesterday. Why you're refusing to acknowledge that is a mystery.

[Hardcore troubadour 14,164]

I don't need to watch the tape. The Packers offense sucked fresh dogsh!t yesterday. Why you're refusing to acknowledge that is a mystery.

Dallas fans are putting way too much stock in this win. I wasn't that pissed when the Giants lost to the Vikings. Just a better team. But the Packer game was there for the taking.

[Cruzer 1,994]

I don't need to watch the tape. The Packers offense sucked fresh dogsh!t yesterday. Why you're refusing to acknowledge that is a mystery.

The mystery is why you refuse to give Dallas credit first, then the Packers sucked excuse 2nd. That's the mystery.

 

As I said before, Rodgers could have been really good yesterday and it still wouldn't have mattered.

[Cruzer 1,994]

Is there anyone in this thread actually calling for Dak to take a seat...

Yes, there is, or at least more so in this town... They're convinced Romo, at age 36, coming off 2 broken collarbones and a broken spine is all of the sudden going to be Tony Romo of 2014. Never mind he's clearly aged, never mind he's clearly lost mobility and never mind he's lost a good part of his escape ability - they think you just hit a switch and all is good... We've seen Romo's last 2 regular season starts, they were awful - and keep in mind those were before the 2nd collarbone break and the broken spine.

 

Some are even clinging to the "just wait till we're down huge and have to win a shootout" - well, if Romo is in and were down huge, he wasn't getting it done to begin with, no? I guess if you cry wolf long enough, eventually you will get to a game like that. Might take 10 games. You might be 8-2, leading the division, in the running for best conference record, but you might eventually lose a game 35 to 27 and get to finally say, "see, Romo would of won that shootout.".... The other argument is that this team is built around running. If it is - why do we need a slower, less mobile qb to play? At 36 and all his recent injuries, does anyone think he'd be better than what we have now? If it's built on running, do we really need to risk chemistry just to get a qb who might have more td passes than 7 in the last 4 games and who might have a qb rating higher than Dak's 104?

 

I understand the loyalty and I get the promise of what 2014 Romo could do.. But this is 2016 and we're already past a 1/4 of the season - eventually the crying wolf has to take a back seat to reality.

[sirensong 111]

Anyone that thinks the Cowboys are better with Romo is out of their mind.

 

We've seen Romo's last 2 regular season starts, they were awful - and keep in mind those were before the 2nd collarbone break and the broken spine.

 

 

in one of those regular season starts, romo scooped up a horrible snap and calmly threw the game-winning TD with 0:07 left on the clock. in another, he spun away from 2 rushers in his own end zone and threw a left-handed pass to convert a 3rd and long.

 

18 months ago, romo was seriously considered as the league MVP, coming off of a back surgery and with a broken spine in season. what musculoskeletal changes do you think took place between then and now?

[tubby_mcgee 699]

Dallas fans are putting way too much stock in this win.

 

 

Exactly. Who've they beat. Let's put this into perspective. It's not like they've beat the 2007 Patriots or the 1985 Bears. Put a good team in front of them, and then we'll see.

 

And any other team would be 6-0 with Dallas' O-line. Dallas found a way to lose one though. This is early 1990's Dallas Cowboys all over again. Skill positions are average at best, O-line should get all the credit.

[Cruzer 1,994]

Exactly. Who've they beat. Let's put this into perspective. It's not like they've beat the 2007 Patriots or the 1985 Bears. Put a good team in front of them, and then we'll see.

 

And any other team would be 6-0 with Dallas' O-line. Dallas found a way to lose one though. This is early 1990's Dallas Cowboys all over again. Skill positions are average at best, O-line should get all the credit.

 

You two seem to be the only ones over reacting to Dallas' start. Most here are excited about the individual performances of some and the performances of the offensive line as a group and the defense. Nobody is really beating their chest over being 5-1.. Who've we beat? We've beat the teams on our schedule. I know unless we win the SB it will not be validated - so carry on.

[Cruzer 1,994]

in one of those regular season starts, romo scooped up a horrible snap and calmly threw the game-winning TD with 0:07 left on the clock. in another, he spun away from 2 rushers in his own end zone and threw a left-handed pass to convert a 3rd and long.

 

18 months ago, romo was seriously considered as the league MVP, coming off of a back surgery and with a broken spine in season. what musculoskeletal changes do you think took place between then and now?

Not sure what last at 2 games you're talking about...? His last 2 were the Miami game and the Thanksgiving day game.

 

You seem to forget he started off dreadful in the Miami game - throwing a pick in the Dolphins end zone. We got bailed out by a McClain pick 6 td later.. In that game Romo looked better late, but still thru 2 picks and this was against a really bad Phins squad.

 

And the Thanksgiving game? Oh he was brilliant. 11 for 21, just 3 picks and a 27.2 qb rating... But he did throw 2 td passes - unfortunately they were to the Panthers defense...

 

Romo's last 2 games he has 5 picks, 2 of those return pick 6 and a 55.35 qbr.... 18 months ago Romo wasn't 36, he had yet to break his collarbone the last 2 times - and he wasn't coming off a broken spine.

[tubby_mcgee 699]

You two seem to be the only ones over reacting to Dallas' start. Most here are excited about the individual performances of some and the performances of the offensive line as a group and the defense. Nobody is really beating their chest over being 5-1.. Who've we beat? We've beat the teams on our schedule. I know unless we win the SB it will not be validated - so carry on.

Cruzer...I'm on your side. I'm playing the part of the typical "cowboys hater".

[Cruzer 1,994]

Cruzer...I'm on your side. I'm playing the part of the typical "cowboys hater".

I was thinking, but I am old - so apologies.

 

Obviously I heard all night and this a.m. - everyone still talking as if 2014 Tony Romo is all of the sudden going to rise out of the ashes like a giant Condor, bounce back and light the world on fire... And if 2014 Romo shows up - sign me up, I'm all on board... I just don't have any faith, based on what he's been thru, his age and what we've seen his last 2 outings - that would be the case. And in the interim, finding that out - would disrupt the chemistry this team has on full steam ahead.

 

But if Jerry is going to make the change, he better do it sooner than later. It's going to look awfully stupid, and be a million more times more controversial - if he makes the change in Week 11 and Dallas is 7-3 or 8-2... Not that he would ever hope for it, but a few loses would make his decision much more tolerable and understandable to the masses.

[thePRO 78]

We've seen Romo carry this team on his own and we've seen him doom this team too. It's early, but so far Dak hasn't made that crucial mistake. That INT against GB was close, but the defense held I believe and GB settled for a FG.

 

I think the thing I want to see is the Eagles shut down Zeke and that run game and Dak is forced to win it on his own and he does. Dak will eventually face the adversity late in the season and in the playoffs if they make it there.

 

You want to know if it's needed, he can win it by going through the air and making plays on his feet.

[thePRO 78]

ESPN was talking like a trade was really possible. Guess they'll say anything for the views. But the contract and cap hit would be enormous.

[Cruzer 1,994]

I think the thing I want to see is the Eagles shut down Zeke and that run game and Dak is forced to win it on his own and he does. Dak will eventually face the adversity late in the season and in the playoffs if they make it there.

 

You want to know if it's needed, he can win it by going through the air and making plays on his feet.

I think that's totally fair, and falls in line with what s. song has said... The other side of that is, we can only play who we play. Not that every week in the NFL isn't hard, but looking at our schedule - they're aren't just a whole lot of 85' Bears, defensive juggernauts left on the board. Minnesota for sure - but anyone remember what Romo did when called on to win a game up there? I do - it was the 2009 Divisional playoff game, he was dreadful. Of course he was running for his life, but he's even older now and beat up - if he couldn't escape it then, what are the chances he can now? .... Pitt in Pitt will be a tough defense, and of course Philly is pretty stout. The rest are formidable defenses, but none that scare you.

[sirensong 111]

Not sure what last at 2 games you're talking about...? His last 2 were the Miami game and the Thanksgiving day game.

 

You seem to forget he started off dreadful in the Miami game - throwing a pick in the Dolphins end zone. We got bailed out by a McClain pick 6 td later.. In that game Romo looked better late, but still thru 2 picks and this was against a really bad Phins squad.

 

And the Thanksgiving game? Oh he was brilliant. 11 for 21, just 3 picks and a 27.2 qb rating... But he did throw 2 td passes - unfortunately they were to the Panthers defense...

 

Romo's last 2 games he has 5 picks, 2 of those return pick 6 and a 55.35 qbr.... 18 months ago Romo wasn't 36, he had yet to break his collarbone the last 2 times - and he wasn't coming off a broken spine.

 

 

lol.

 

2 games 3 days apart. coming back too early from injury in a desperation move to stay in the playoff hunt. started rough in the miami monsoon, then led a come-from-behind victory. not a single practice before playing undefeated carolina (of the dominant pass rush and league-leading 24 INTs).

 

that you are using this almost impossibly difficult situation as a comparison of romo's ability to dak's makes my point admirably.

[Hardcore troubadour 14,164]

 

 

lol.

 

2 games 3 days apart. coming back too early from injury in a desperation move to stay in the playoff hunt. started rough in the miami monsoon, then led a come-from-behind victory. not a single practice before playing undefeated carolina (of the dominant pass rush and league-leading 24 INTs).

 

that you are using this almost impossibly difficult situation as a comparison of romo's ability to dak's makes my point admirably.

Great points

[nobody 2,468]

I wonder if they could trade Romo straight up for Cutler.

 

Could it work?

If I understand the cap right, a trade wouldn't accelerate Romo's prorated signing bonus money onto this year's salary cap. It would all hit next year in about a 19.6 million dollar dead money hit. Thing is, Romo was going to have a 24 million dollar cap hit anyway next year (14 mil salary with 10 mil bonus), so the move would actually save them 5 million in cap space (19 million accelerated bonus minus the 14 million salary). Problem is Romo only makes 8.5 mil in base salary and Cutler makes 16 million. That means the Cowboys would have to come up with the difference (prorated for half the season I presume) for which they already have 3.8 million. In the Bears case, they would be on the hook for Romo's base salary of 8.5 million this year and 14 mil next year, and quite a few expensive years afterwards, but none of that salary is guaranteed, so they cut him at any time. So I think that would work.

 

Why the Cowboys would do it:

The only real reason is to squash the Romo\Dak controversy, and all you really want is a competent backup. The good thing is you could cut Cutler after this year with no repercussions since he doesn't have any more guaranteed money left on his contract, so that works for you.

 

Why the Bears would do it:

Basically just to get rid of Cutler. The season is pretty much a lost cause at 1-5, but if Romo comes back all rejuvenated, you have a good qb next year for 14 million. Might be worth the gamble?

 

OF course, this would never happen, but I think it's possible.

[Cruzer 1,994]

lol.

 

2 games 3 days apart. coming back too early from injury in a desperation move to stay in the playoff hunt. started rough in the miami monsoon, then led a come-from-behind victory. not a single practice before playing undefeated carolina (of the dominant pass rush and league-leading 24 INTs).

 

that you are using this almost impossibly difficult situation as a comparison of romo's ability to dak's makes my point admirably.

 

It's the sample size we're given, it's called reality.. The other reality is Romo is now 36, noticeably slower with a resume of broken bones.. It's not a personal vendetta against him, it's the laws of human nature. 36 is hardly old in everyday life, but in the NFL? It's senior citizen status. I guess he could come back, defy physics, not of aged, not of slowed - and be 2014 just by flipping the switch.

 

Tell you another thing, what's not a reach - the reality that Romo's 2 broken shoulders and broken spine - have all come in a 12 month span. And the common denominator with them all? They were all the result of sacks, the broken spine as he tried to avoid the sack and got caught from behind. Does that not fire off red flags all over the place? Is that a coincidence still, or is it a pattern? He's not "that" Romo anymore. He's an immobile liability back there, he slows the game down for the defense and turns this offense into a 2 dimensional threat from the previous 3 dimensional threat... I would be willing to bet, coordinators and defenses are hoping he gets his job back.

 

You've got Jimmy Johnson, Bradshaw, Favre, Aikman, Staubach and others of note saying be crazy to switch - and we've seen Belichick not switch - but they could be crazy too.

[sirensong 111]

...he slows the game down for the defense and turns this offense into a 2 dimensional threat from the previous 3 dimensional threat...

 

 

that's the funniest thing i've read all day. dak is operating out of about half of the playbook right now. i'm sure he knows it all, but on sundays he's working with a simplified rookie QB package. his efficiency is directly related to the #1 ground game, and how that sets up the play-action game. his other tool is the empty set to make it easier for him to make correct reads.

 

in other words, he's RGIII as a rookie. remember back then, when everyone was raving about griffin's smarts and poise and great decision-making? but without that run game to lean on, it turned out that he couldn't carry the offense at all.

 

the thing is not to get too high and not to get too low. you have always gotten too low about the cowboys, and now you're getting too high because of the new guys. romo terrifies opposing coordinators not because of his physicality (though he can still make all the throws), but because of his ability to diagnose defenses and get the offense into the very best look. that's why defenses were still playing 7-man boxes late into the 2014 season--they were willing to allow murray to run wild because they knew romo could do more damage.

 

there are plenty of arguments to be made in favor of dak, but offensive diversity is not one of them. with romo in the game, you have a coach-level mind attached to one of the quickest releases in NFL history. with dak, you have more mobility, but a much more basic scheme that is overwhelmingly dependent on the run game.

 

 

it has gotten to the point where yeah--you can't just bench dak arbitrarily. the bye week was the only chance for that kind of change. now i think they have to play it more like denver last season--let dak play it out until he starts struggling. if he never struggles, then that's your answer.

[CookieG 4]

 

 

that's the funniest thing i've read all day. dak is operating out of about half of the playbook right now. i'm sure he knows it all, but on sundays he's working with a simplified rookie QB package. his efficiency is directly related to the #1 ground game, and how that sets up the play-action game. his other tool is the empty set to make it easier for him to make correct reads.

 

in other words, he's RGIII as a rookie. remember back then, when everyone was raving about griffin's smarts and poise and great decision-making? but without that run game to lean on, it turned out that he couldn't carry the offense at all.

 

the thing is not to get too high and not to get too low. you have always gotten too low about the cowboys, and now you're getting too high because of the new guys. romo terrifies opposing coordinators not because of his physicality (though he can still make all the throws), but because of his ability to diagnose defenses and get the offense into the very best look. that's why defenses were still playing 7-man boxes late into the 2014 season--they were willing to allow murray to run wild because they knew romo could do more damage.

 

there are plenty of arguments to be made in favor of dak, but offensive diversity is not one of them. with romo in the game, you have a coach-level mind attached to one of the quickest releases in NFL history. with dak, you have more mobility, but a much more basic scheme that is overwhelmingly dependent on the run game.

 

 

it has gotten to the point where yeah--you can't just bench dak arbitrarily. the bye week was the only chance for that kind of change. now i think they have to play it more like denver last season--let dak play it out until he starts struggling. if he never struggles, then that's your answer.

 

Very, very well put. Thank you.

[R8RMick 242]

 

 

that's the funniest thing i've read all day. dak is operating out of about half of the playbook right now. i'm sure he knows it all, but on sundays he's working with a simplified rookie QB package. his efficiency is directly related to the #1 ground game, and how that sets up the play-action game. his other tool is the empty set to make it easier for him to make correct reads.

 

in other words, he's RGIII as a rookie. remember back then, when everyone was raving about griffin's smarts and poise and great decision-making? but without that run game to lean on, it turned out that he couldn't carry the offense at all.

 

the thing is not to get too high and not to get too low. you have always gotten too low about the cowboys, and now you're getting too high because of the new guys. romo terrifies opposing coordinators not because of his physicality (though he can still make all the throws), but because of his ability to diagnose defenses and get the offense into the very best look. that's why defenses were still playing 7-man boxes late into the 2014 season--they were willing to allow murray to run wild because they knew romo could do more damage.

 

there are plenty of arguments to be made in favor of dak, but offensive diversity is not one of them. with romo in the game, you have a coach-level mind attached to one of the quickest releases in NFL history. with dak, you have more mobility, but a much more basic scheme that is overwhelmingly dependent on the run game.

 

 

it has gotten to the point where yeah--you can't just bench dak arbitrarily. the bye week was the only chance for that kind of change. now i think they have to play it more like denver last season--let dak play it out until he starts struggling. if he never struggles, then that's your answer.

This thread is fascinating in that you've got the two premier Dallas fans on this bored having somewhat opposing views here. I like the above scenario, but what is the drawback? Pulling Dak when he struggles could lead to a confidence loss, which in the long term hurts the team more than anything.

 

Either let him ride it out, or circle a December date on the calendar right now for Rome's return.

[Cruzer 1,994]

it has gotten to the point where yeah--you can't just bench dak arbitrarily. the bye week was the only chance for that kind of change. now i think they have to play it more like denver last season--let dak play it out until he starts struggling. if he never struggles, then that's your answer.

At the end of the day, we're on the same page - you can't bench Dak right now.

 

You seem to be stuck on things like "offensive diversity", "simplified rookie qb package" and working on "half the playbook"... I find that amusing myself, the reasons I will detail in a sec.... You also seem to be stuck on the fact Dak is benefiting (almost entirely w/out credit to himself) from Zeke and the entire Dallas rushing attack.. I'm not sure if you remember, but back in 2014 - we had a guy named Demarco Murray. He not only led the league in rushing, he set the single season rushing record by a Cowboy - if anybody ever was the benefactor of a running game, it was Romo in 2014.

 

Out of curiosity, and as well as such things as "simplified rookie packages" - I took a swim thru the first 6 games of the 2014 season, and that of this current 2016 season... The results were a bit interesting.

 

Avg. yards of offense per game: (2014) 398, (2016) 401

Avg. rush yards p/g: (2014) 160, (2016) 161

Avg. pass yards p/g: (2014) 238, (2016) 240

3rd down %: (2014) 56%, (2016) 47%

Avg. yards gained per play: (2014) 6.02, (2016) 6.2

Points per game: (2014) 27.5, (2016) 26.5

 

Romo: 11 tds, 6 picks, 9 sacks, 0 rushing tds / 102.78 qbr

Prescott: 7 tds, 1 pick, 9 sacks, 3 rushing tds / 103.9 qbr

 

What does it all mean? I think it means that Romo, for all his greatness, pretty much mirrored what Dak's doing right now. And Romo wasn't a rookie, he was a seasoned vet, having started in the league for the past 8 years or so... And keep in mind - Romo did that with the so-called "expanded, veteran playbook package". Romo also did it with a Dez Bryant.. Dak has done it with a "simplified rookie package" and a scaled down, half a playbook. And he didn't have a Dez Bryant - he's had a Cole Beasley, Brice Butler and T-Dub... Has Dak mostly benefited from Zeke and a running game? I guess, but so did Romo then - the rushing numbers are almost on the number identical.... If the fear is Dak is eventually going to lose a game, or if it's the offense is restricted and limited to only so much - can't we at least look at this sample size comparison and think this offense isn't as chained and tethered as many want to think? And can we take a step back and ask ourselves, ok - how much better can this offense be? Is the drop off from Romo to Dak so cavernous that it's merits a change? The numbers are pretty much identical and both were 5-1, maybe it's time to rethink it.

 

I'm sure you remember, Romo went on to have a phenomenal 2nd half of the 2014 season - he truly lit it up. And he got better as the season progressed, as is normal... I don't think it's a reach to assume the same could be assumed for Dak..... Either way it's a win/win for Dallas and us fans. Assuming we keep winning - I think most don't care who's back there. And for sure we will have the best back up in the league - whomever it is.

[sirensong 111]

This thread is fascinating in that you've got the two premier Dallas fans on this bored having somewhat opposing views here. I like the above scenario, but what is the drawback? Pulling Dak when he struggles could lead to a confidence loss, which in the long term hurts the team more than anything.

 

Either let him ride it out, or circle a December date on the calendar right now for Rome's return.

 

cruzer and i constantly disagree about little things, but we're pretty much in step on the major issues.

 

if dak starts struggling and it costs DAL games, does it make sense to leave one of the decade's best QBs on the bench?

[sirensong 111]

I'm not sure if you remember, but back in 2014 - we had a guy named Demarco Murray. He not only led the league in rushing, he set the single season rushing record by a Cowboy - if anybody ever was the benefactor of a running game, it was Romo in 2014.

 

 

the difference is that romo was still capable of beating anyone if murray went down. we have no evidence so far that dak is capable of operating a downfield offense that isn't based on boot/waggle and college spread concepts. that's why the 'first xx games' statistical comparisons are silly. romo was performing against defenses loaded to stop the passing game. dak's passing stats are coming against defenses that are overwhelmingly biased towards stopping elliott. dak is also getting the benefit of a defense giving up 17.2 PPG, which is 4.8 PPG better than 2014. that's an enormous number.

 

dak is the future, but his current performance is not comparable to most of romo's career because prescott's responsibilities have been limited. prescott hasn't been faced with the pressure of forcing the football into coverage because if he doesn't come up with a miracle, the cowboys lose. romo has dealt with that pressure since the first NYG game in 2006. romo has been forced to gamble, while dak is encouraged to take what the defense gives him, and above all not to take risks.

 

that approach works well when the run game is dominant and the defense is working miracles. let's hope the best case scenario keeps repeating itself.

[njacinto 4]

 

the difference is that romo was still capable of beating anyone if murray went down. we have no evidence so far that dak is capable of operating a downfield offense that isn't based on boot/waggle and college spread concepts. that's why the 'first xx games' statistical comparisons are silly. romo was performing against defenses loaded to stop the passing game. dak's passing stats are coming against defenses that are overwhelmingly biased towards stopping elliott. dak is also getting the benefit of a defense giving up 17.2 PPG, which is 4.8 PPG better than 2014. that's an enormous number.

 

dak is the future, but his current performance is not comparable to most of romo's career because prescott's responsibilities have been limited. prescott hasn't been faced with the pressure of forcing the football into coverage because if he doesn't come up with a miracle, the cowboys lose. romo has dealt with that pressure since the first NYG game in 2006. romo has been forced to gamble, while dak is encouraged to take what the defense gives him, and above all not to take risks.

 

that approach works well when the run game is dominant and the defense is working miracles. let's hope the best case scenario keeps repeating itself.

 

As a Raider fan, I can respect Romo and his great 2014 season, and I can appreciate Dak's current successes this year.

 

Objectively, I'd like to throw some numbers out here...

 

1. Dallas ranks 2nd in the NFL in 3rd down conversion at 46.6%, only behind Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay.

*This seems to indicate that Dallas' offensive success can also be attributed to Dak's ability to convert on 3rd down. And just for your information, Dallas is 100% in 4th down conversions... 4 for 4.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/downs/sort/thirdDownConvPct

 

2. Dallas ranks 1st in the NFL in time of possession (tied with Philadelphia but the Eagles have played 1 less game)... at 33:08 minutes per game.

*This seems to indicate that maybe one of the reasons why the Dallas defense is doing pretty well is because they're on the sidelines longer than all the other NFL defenses around the league. I really don't think that the Dallas defensive squad of 2016 is better than the Dallas defense of 2014. They're basically not giving up a lot of points... because they're not on the field most of the game, to give up points.

https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/average-time-of-possession-net-of-ot

 

 

Oh, and by the way... even with all the offensive metrics pointing in favor at Tony Romo as the better quarterback, when healthy, that still doesn't discount the fact that this Dallas offense has developed great chemistry and a great offensive scheme that CAN succeed in the playoffs when the running game, time of possession, and 3rd down conversion makes a HUGH difference in determining success. The wins over Cincinnati and Green Bay convinced me that Dak Prescott has the pedigree to take this team to the playoffs, and even win in the playoffs. If Tony Romo comes back healthy in week 10, I'm not sure putting him as the starter is really in the best interest of the team. *Just my 2 cents.

[vuduchile 1,945]

The kid made some mistakes tonight and his team was on the ropes agaisnt a division rival in prime time.

 

In the end, he led them down the field to tie it up and then again to win it in OT.

 

Impressive win. He's got IT.

[Cruzer 1,994]

The kid made some mistakes tonight and his team was on the ropes agaisnt a division rival in prime time.

Agreed, no question.

 

But I think Philly deserves a ton of credit for totally whipping our front 5's ass for a large part of the game. We knew they were coming and still couldn't get them blocked. Dak looked rushed and lost at times, but he was also running fir his life... I think 2014 Romo maybe eats that blitz up. But I'm also afraid 2016 Romo is carted off on a gurney - completely destroyed in the blitz.

 

Regardless, big props to Dak - he overcame his bad 3/4 of a game and found a way.

[sirensong 111]

This game showed both that Dak is a future franchise QB, and that he is a future franchise QB. We saw him fight through adversity and grind out a win. But we also saw 3 quarters of inability to move the football (8 completions in 40+ minutes?) despite having the best offensive line in the league, not to mention one of the most dynamic RBs. We saw confusion, very poor decisions, horrendous accuracy, and but for the grace of God a few more INTs. The only reason he was within striking distance at the end is the defense coming up with clutch plays, and an opposing QB who wouldn't go for the throat (4.7YPA? That's Alex Smith territory).

 

With the benefit of some happy accidents, Dak was clutch in closing the game out. But tonight we saw why he would benefit from more time as an understudy before taking the big stage.

 

And if Romo were to get hurt again, then Dak is back anyway, having had the opportunity to watch the way Romo diagnoses and attacks defenses.

 

 

 

side note: according to Fisher (best DAL beat guy), Jerry said postgame that Romo will not be ready, so Dak will start at CLE.

[Ray_T 721]

Agreed, no question.

 

But I think Philly deserves a ton of credit for totally whipping our front 5's ass for a large part of the game. We knew they were coming and still couldn't get them blocked. Dak looked rushed and lost at times, but he was also running fir his life... I think 2014 Romo maybe eats that blitz up. But I'm also afraid 2016 Romo is carted off on a gurney - completely destroyed in the blitz.

 

Regardless, big props to Dak - he overcame his bad 3/4 of a game and found a way.

Yeah, he really looked bad up until the last couple of drives in regulation and the overtime.

 

The reality is he got a bit lucky on a few plays, where a few passes should have been picked. Hopefully this is a game he can learn from where it didnt cost him & his team a win.

 

I'll give him cudos on leading the comeback, but normally that game would have been out of reach if Washington would have picked some of those bad throws by Dak earlier in the game.

 

in the end, we all have to remember, this kid is a rookie and he is going to make some rookie mistakes. I have no doubt that this kid is the future of the franchise. The only question for many is whether that future is now.

[Cruzer 1,994]

This game showed both that Dak is a future franchise QB, and that he is a future franchise QB. We saw him fight through adversity and grind out a win. But we also saw 3 quarters of inability to move the football (8 completions in 40+ minutes?) despite having the best offensive line in the league, not to mention one of the most dynamic RBs. We saw confusion, very poor decisions, horrendous accuracy, and but for the grace of God a few more INTs. The only reason he was within striking distance at the end is the defense coming up with clutch plays, and an opposing QB who wouldn't go for the throat (4.7YPA? That's Alex Smith territory).

 

With the benefit of some happy accidents, Dak was clutch in closing the game out. But tonight we saw why he would benefit from more time as an understudy before taking the big stage.

 

And if Romo were to get hurt again, then Dak is back anyway, having had the opportunity to watch the way Romo diagnoses and attacks defenses.

 

 

 

side note: according to Fisher (best DAL beat guy), Jerry said postgame that Romo will not be ready, so Dak will start at CLE.

This coaching staff had 2 weeks and rolls and rolls of tape to prepare for this Eagles blitz. 2 weeks - and they were the ones who looked most lost and confused... I agree Dak looked bad at times, but I'm not sure all the experience in the world is going to keep you from a constant wall of green up your ass 24/7. Like I said, our 22 year old, strong, mobile qb barely escaped with his life last night, what quarter is Romo scooped off the turf and carted off? Romo also doesn't make those plays with his legs in extending drives, the td or the qb sneak...... Like I said, I give the Eagles staff a lot of credit for Dak's problems last night, they out coached us for 3/4 of that game.

[Skinny_Bastard 157]

The cowboys won, that last TD pass was Russell Wilson like. Romo would had curled up and taken the sack.

 

When you have a winner, you just rolled with it.

[R8RMick 242]

Nice to have a little luck from the zebras too. Check the non-call false start on Doug Free, Cowboys OT drive, 2nd and 10 from the 14 yd line, Elliott wheel pass to the three. Easily seen on the freeze frame, barely perceptible real time, a competent referee should nail it. The proper call makes it 2nd and 20 from the 24 yd line, and perhaps a different game. But if the Raiders got zebra action like that lol.

 

Still think Linehan is their MVP.

[Cruzer 1,994]

Nice to have a little luck from the zebras too. Check the non-call false start on Doug Free, Cowboys OT drive, 2nd and 10 from the 14 yd line, Elliott wheel pass to the three. Easily seen on the freeze frame, barely perceptible real time, a competent referee should nail it. The proper call makes it 2nd and 20 from the 24 yd line, and perhaps a different game. But if the Raiders got zebra action like that lol.

I thought you were talking about the horrible hold on Fredrick, the one that wiped out a 60 yard run - that Zebra help? Or on Philly's 1st drive, when they subbed getting ready to punt, then we were flagged for 12 men, not being allowed to sub the same, cancelling that punt, extending that drive, which led to 3 points - you mean that zebra help?

[sirensong 111]

This coaching staff had 2 weeks and rolls and rolls of tape to prepare for this Eagles blitz. 2 weeks - and they were the ones who looked most lost and confused... I agree Dak looked bad at times, but I'm not sure all the experience in the world is going to keep you from a constant wall of green up your ass 24/7. Like I said, our 22 year old, strong, mobile qb barely escaped with his life last night, what quarter is Romo scooped off the turf and carted off? Romo also doesn't make those plays with his legs in extending drives, the td or the qb sneak...... Like I said, I give the Eagles staff a lot of credit for Dak's problems last night, they out coached us for 3/4 of that game.

 

 

we saw different games then. i saw plenty of open receivers, and dak consistently missing them through the first 3 quarters.

 

the whole reason they could keep sending pressure was that dak was failing to punish them. want to slow down a blitz? beat it with accurate, timely throws. if you fail to do this, the defense will continue to bring the house. i agree that romo wouldn't have made the plays with his legs, but mainly because he wouldn't have needed to--he can do more with his arm than dak can (at this point).

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

Haven't followed this thread much, but let me put a vote in for Dak over Romo. Dak is the present and future.