ESPND: Cowboys must move on from Romo

[WoodysGirl]

Turnovers show why Dallas needs to start planning for a new quarterback

Updated: October 29, 2012, 12:47 AM ET
By Calvin Watkins (http://search.espn.go.com/watkins_calvin/) | ESPNDallas.com

ARLINGTON, Texas -- It's time to move on.

The Dallas Cowboys (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/dal/dallas-cowboys) need to plan their exit strategy from quarterback Tony Romo (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/5209/tony-romo) today or they're going to be stuck in the same situation they were in when Troy Aikman (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/53/troy-aikman) retired after the 2000 season.

After Aikman retired, the Cowboys turned to guys like Quincy Carter (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/2601/quincy-carter), Ryan Leaf (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/1427/ryan-leaf), Chad Hutchinson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/3790/chad-hutchinson), Vinny Testaverde (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9/vinny-testaverde) and Drew Bledsoe (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/393/drew-bledsoe) to lead them.
Bledsoe and Testaverde were past their primes. The rest weren't good enough.

The Cowboys had a flawed plan.

That can't happen again.

Romo is a good quarterback, but Sunday's game against the New York Giants (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyg/new-york-giants) was an example of why you can't rely on him long-term. Romo rallied his team from a 23-point deficit to take a lead that would have been the biggest comeback victory in franchise history. Instead, the Giants won 29-24.

Read the rest: http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8565540/dallas-cowboys-need-plan-exit-strategy-tony-romo

[tomson75]

I don't think having a contingency plan or drafting a QB means we're moving on from Romo.

While he was undeniably bad at points yesterday, as much of it should be attributed to his inability to be in sync with his receivers....something that could just as easily be their fault. Why can't they get on the same page? I'm not sure, but I do know it's a hell of a lot easier to find good receivers than it is to find a good QB.

..but my all means, start looking for a QB in the draft. I don't think many would argue that its time.

[JakeCamp12]

Never thought I would agree with Watkins, but after watching this season, I do...it is time to draft someone this franchise believes will take Romos job at some point. That time is the 2013 draft.

[TheCount]

I don't think having a contingency plan or drafting a QB means we're moving on from Romo.

Yup, that's what ruins this article. The idea that drafting a QB means we're moving on from Romo.

To me, there are no sacred cows on this team. No one is above being replaced.

[Western]

Turnovers show why Dallas needs to start planning for a new quarterback

Updated: October 29, 2012, 12:47 AM ET
By Calvin Watkins (http://search.espn.go.com/watkins_calvin/) | ESPNDallas.com

ARLINGTON, Texas -- It's time to move on.

The Dallas Cowboys (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/dal/dallas-cowboys) need to plan their exit strategy from quarterback Tony Romo (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/5209/tony-romo) today or they're going to be stuck in the same situation they were in when Troy Aikman (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/53/troy-aikman) retired after the 2000 season.

After Aikman retired, the Cowboys turned to guys like Quincy Carter (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/2601/quincy-carter), Ryan Leaf (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/1427/ryan-leaf), Chad Hutchinson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/3790/chad-hutchinson), Vinny Testaverde (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9/vinny-testaverde) and Drew Bledsoe (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/393/drew-bledsoe) to lead them.
Bledsoe and Testaverde were past their primes. The rest weren't good enough.

The Cowboys had a flawed plan.

That can't happen again.

Romo is a good quarterback, but Sunday's game against the New York Giants (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyg/new-york-giants) was an example of why you can't rely on him long-term. Romo rallied his team from a 23-point deficit to take a lead that would have been the biggest comeback victory in franchise history. Instead, the Giants won 29-24.

Read the rest: http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8565540/dallas-cowboys-need-plan-exit-strategy-tony-romo

I rarely agree with Watkins.
But, his point is valid and the Cowboys need to/must transition themselves from the Romo era.

[jnday]

Should have traded up for Luck and this would have been a non-issue for ten years.

[Idgit]

I don't think having a contingency plan or drafting a QB means we're moving on from Romo.

While he was undeniably bad at points yesterday, as much of it should be attributed to his inability to be in sync with his receivers....something that could just as easily be their fault. Why can't they get on the same page? I'm not sure, but I do know it's a hell of a lot easier to find good receivers than it is to find a good QB.

..but my all means, start looking for a QB in the draft. I don't think many would argue that its time.

Watkins is trying to conflate the two issues. We need to start developing a future QB, sure. This draft or next, depending what we want to do at SOLB and with the pass rush. I think this coming draft would be a luxury.

But, what Watkins is really trying to do here is take a back door into the get-rid-of-Romo debate he knows is going to be getting loud in the local 'media' in Dallas this week. And, of course, one look at the boards tells you our steady fans are happy to take that bait.

[tyke1doe]

Should have traded up for Luck and this would have been a non-issue for ten years.

You're kidding, right? :confused:

[StylisticS]

You're kidding, right? :confused:

They act like that it is so easy to do.

[jnday]

You're kidding, right? :confused:

Yeah, but it would have been nice to have him.

[jnday]

They act like that it is so easy to do.

It would have been easy, but expensive. It would have cost a ton of picks and stopped the Romo debate.

[CowboysYanksLakers]

I'm not too sure about this upcoming crop of QB's honestly...

[Dallas]

It would have been easy, but expensive. It would have cost a ton of picks and stopped the Romo debate.

And completely wreck the franchise in the process. You might as well say we should trade w/ Green-Bay or Atlanta for their QB's.

Sure it would be expensive.....but..........

[Kangaroo]

Barkley I think is the safest pick of the group similar to Matt Ryan. Geno is the most talented but has more question marks. Then you go from there I would say Landry Jones and Bray are now marginal prospects and will drop to the middle rounds.

I am not sure about the next group of guys

Wilson Ark
Manuel Fl ST
Thomas Va Tech
Murray GA
Dysert Miami OH

I have not seen a lot of these guys I do not watch as much College football as I use to. I also do not follow some of the teams listed so I am not sure.

[RS12]

Here,s the thing. Between Jerry, Red, and Romo who do you think is most likely to pay the price for a disapointing season? I'll give you three guesses and he doesnt have red hair or a son in law cleaning his glasses.

[coogrfan]

Should have traded up for Luck and this would have been a non-issue for ten years.

Seriously?

What reason is there to believe that there was even a remote possibility that the Colts would have been willing to trade the #1 pick?

[craig71]

Barkley I think is the safest pick of the group similar to Matt Ryan. Geno is the most talented but has more question marks. Then you go from there I would say Landry Jones and Bray are now marginal prospects and will drop to the middle rounds.

I am not sure about the next group of guys

Wilson Ark
Manuel Fl ST
Thomas Va Tech
Murray GA
Dysert Miami OH

I have not seen a lot of these guys I do not watch as much College football as I use to. I also do not follow some of the teams listed so I am not sure.


I would imagine that list will become a little shorter by the time the combines and individual workouts take place. Hopefully a clearer picture will be revealed and a plan of attack by this franchise will be implemented.


Craig

[jnday]

And completely wreck the franchise in the process. You might as well say we should trade w/ Green-Bay or Atlanta for their QB's.

Sure it would be expensive.....but..........

Hey, I said I was kidding, but this team would be just as close to a Super Bowl if they had made the deal as they are now.

[jnday]

Seriously?

What reason is there to believe that there was even a remote possibility that the Colts would have been willing to trade the #1 pick?

It had much to do when they came out and said that they would consider offers.

[coogrfan]

It had much to do when they came out and said that they would consider offers.

Indy said they would listen, but everybody knew that was a smokescreen. Once the Colts made the decision to release Peyton there was zero chance they would pass on Luck.

[Eddie]

They act like that it is so easy to do.

Not that difficult. Just give up every player for our next three drafts.

:laugh2:

[montgod]

Indy said they would listen, but everybody knew that was a smokescreen. Once the Colts made the decision to release Peyton there was zero chance they would pass on Luck.

I agree. They were trying to get someone to trade for their pick who WASN'T going to draft Luck and still be in a position to get Luck. Not many teams who were in the market would agree to that along w/the fact that RG3 dissed Indy (I believe... or the other way around... forgot).

[StylisticS]

Honestly, i don't care much for any of the qbs in this class in 2013.

[lostar2009]

Seriously?

What reason is there to believe that there was even a remote possibility that the Colts would have been willing to trade the #1 pick?
they would have for 10 years worth of 1st round picks

[ravidubey]

The title is worded like a knee-jerk reaction.

[casmith07]

The title is worded like a knee-jerk reaction.

Because it's an article designed to generate site traffic.

WG -- this is exactly the type of garbage I was talking about the other day.

[BoysFan4ever]

Wish we had a guy like Luck. The Colts go from Peyton to this guy who looks to be as good as advertised.

[yimyammer]

Yup, that's what ruins this article. The idea that drafting a QB means we're moving on from Romo.

To me, there are no sacred cows on this team. No one is above being replaced.

I agree, I wish this were true (and I'm not saying this because I think Tony needs t go, it should just be an underlying philosophy, imo)

[28 Joker]

Barkley I think is the safest pick of the group similar to Matt Ryan. Geno is the most talented but has more question marks. Then you go from there I would say Landry Jones and Bray are now marginal prospects and will drop to the middle rounds.

I am not sure about the next group of guys

Wilson Ark
Manuel Fl ST
Thomas Va Tech
Murray GA
Dysert Miami OH

I have not seen a lot of these guys I do not watch as much College football as I use to. I also do not follow some of the teams listed so I am not sure.

Tyler Bray was recruited by Lane Kiffin. If Kiffin would have stayed in Knoxville, Bray would have been the first pick of the draft. Tennessee would have been winning games, big games. Bray is the most talented QB in the SEC, and it isn't even close. This guy has a cannon. Put him on Alabama, and he wins the Heisman Trophy. Put him on LSU, and they would be undefeated. Bray should stay in school and hope he gets a head coach which will instill some mental toughness and accountability in him. There is no telling what Lane Kiffin could have done with this guy, because Kiffin is gong to run the football, regardless. Furthermore, Kiffin turned Jonathan Crompton into a 5th round pick.

If the right coach gets Bray, Bray has a chance to be really good in the NFL.

[AMERICAS_FAN]

I'm not shocked that such an idiotic article came from ESPN, but I am shocked that this idiotic article came from K. Watkins.

[KB1122]

And completely wreck the franchise in the process. You might as well say we should trade w/ Green-Bay or Atlanta for their QB's.

Sure it would be expensive.....but..........

Did the Redskins completely wreck their franchise? Or did they put themselves in the Super Bowl hunt for the next 15 years?

When it comes to Super Bowls there are two pots. One is for teams with elite quarterbacks. That pot has 4-6 teams and about 8 out of 10 SBs in a decade. The other pot has 26 quarterbacks and it gets 2 out of 10, maybe.

We could have gone for Griffin, but we chose not to. Now we have to deal with him for a decade. And that increases the expense of our next quarterback. The idea of developing a fourth-round pick and he's going to take his vitamins and study the playbook dilligently and he'll be competitive with Griffin strikes me as unlikely, unless we're insanely lucky.

[KB1122]

Honestly, i don't care much for any of the qbs in this class in 2013.

This is the problem. I don't watch much college football, but from reading it sounds like there are a lot of question marks on most of the qbs in this draft class.

Which is another to have traded up for Griffin. Or heck, Tannehill, maybe, as it turns out.

Grrrr......:D

[StylisticS]

Geno Smith is maybe the best prospect out of all the qbs. You could make an argument on Barkley. The rest......

[HoustonFrog]

I'd rather take a flyer on a guy who might slip late....Casey Pachall (if he could get his head straight) and see if he develops than waste a 2nd or 3rd in a class like this next year. He might not be available for another year but until I see a strong QB class where you definitely can take a guy high, I'd wait.

[Fletch]

I'm not too sure about this upcoming crop of QB's honestly...

I hear Gino Smith's name being thrown around by a certain poster, but not sure if he'd be the answer. Intriguing prospect, but he could end up like Troy Smith of Ohio State, merely a #2 or #3 backup. And in the end, what would that have cost us to move up and get him?

Maybe we can luck out and find a player like Russell Wilson in the second or third rounds.

[jnday]

Did the Redskins completely wreck their franchise? Or did they put themselves in the Super Bowl hunt for the next 15 years?

When it comes to Super Bowls there are two pots. One is for teams with elite quarterbacks. That pot has 4-6 teams and about 8 out of 10 SBs in a decade. The other pot has 26 quarterbacks and it gets 2 out of 10, maybe.

We could have gone for Griffin, but we chose not to. Now we have to deal with him for a decade. And that increases the expense of our next quarterback. The idea of developing a fourth-round pick and he's going to take his vitamins and study the playbook dilligently and he'll be competitive with Griffin strikes me as unlikely, unless we're insanely lucky.

Good post. I was joking about Luck and everybody freaked out. The truth is that ten years can be spent trying to find a decent QB. I wm beginning to think that it is cheaper and faster to bite the bullet and get a good QB and pay the price. The option is trying to develop some guy that doesn't have the talent to begin with. It is pure luck if one of these guys becomes a decent QB. Everybody wants an elite QB, but nobody wants to pay the price. I would rather give up a year or two in draft picks and have a great QB, than spend ten years trying to get lucky. The Redskins gave up the picks and they are much better already. The Colts have a very bright future because of Luck. I wish Dallas had that to look forward to.

[Western]

Look, in the last 30 years, there has been only one Super Bowl winning QB that was a undrafted college free agent QB ~ Kurt Warner in 1999, who was league MVP that year as well Super Bowl XXXIV MVP.

If the goal is to win Super Bowls, drafting a college QB within the first 3 rounds (outside of Joe Theismann, Mark Rypien, Brad Johnson, or Tom Brady) is the ticket to winning a Super Bowl. Heck, Trent Difler was a 1st round draft choice.

The Romo story is/was a good story.
But the reality is that teams historically do not win a Super Bowls with undrafted college QB free agents.

Give Sean Payton and Parcells credit for recruiting and developing Romo, but if the Cowboys want to win Super Bowls drafting a top-notch college QB should be a priority.

[Idgit]

With as many current holes as this team's got, I can't believe we return to wanting to replace the QB after every set of back:back losses.

Now, do to age and roster depth alone, we're in the market for a QB to develop. But we've got much bigger personnel holes right now than at QB. We need another SOLB, an OT, another pass rusher would be nice, we'll need a CB again next year, could use a quality S, though I don't think we'll draft that, and an OG. We'll have a first and second round pick in which to get that done. We don't need to bet the farm on a first round draft pick at QB and stall the roster improvement process indefinitely, or pick a guy for the next coach to bail on if we go that route.

Instead, I think we'll see if a guy falls out of, or to the edge of, the first round in either of the next two drafts and bundle our second and make an aggressive move up to get him. Someone like Dalton or Osweiler in recent drafts who we can develop for 3 years before turning the reins over. Failing that, we'll spend a 3rd or a 4th on a developmental prospect and see if we can't get lucky. I can't see us bundling picks to get up into the top 10, either way, unless we finish so weak this year that somebody we really like falls into our laps.

Even then, I'd rather add the pass rusher and fix the WR corps in FA.

[windward]

Tyler Bray was recruited by Lane Kiffin. If Kiffin would have stayed in Knoxville, Bray would have been the first pick of the draft. Tennessee would have been winning games, big games. Bray is the most talented QB in the SEC, and it isn't even close. This guy has a cannon. Put him on Alabama, and he wins the Heisman Trophy. Put him on LSU, and they would be undefeated. Bray should stay in school and hope he gets a head coach which will instill some mental toughness and accountability in him. There is no telling what Lane Kiffin could have done with this guy, because Kiffin is gong to run the football, regardless. Furthermore, Kiffin turned Jonathan Crompton into a 5th round pick.

If the right coach gets Bray, Bray has a chance to be really good in the NFL.
I heard he's a bit immature from some other Vols fans.

[coogrfan]

Yup, that's what ruins this article. The idea that drafting a QB means we're moving on from Romo.

To me, there are no sacred cows on this team. No one is above being replaced.

Actually there is; the owner shares his bed every night.

[coogrfan]

Fix the offensive line. Until/unless that happens, nothing else is going to make a damn bit of difference.

[coogrfan]

Did the Redskins completely wreck their franchise? Or did they put themselves in the Super Bowl hunt for the next 15 years?

There is only one correct answer to this question: nobody knows.

When it comes to Super Bowls there are two pots. One is for teams with elite quarterbacks. That pot has 4-6 teams and about 8 out of 10 SBs in a decade. The other pot has 26 quarterbacks and it gets 2 out of 10, maybe.

We could have gone for Griffin, but we chose not to. Now we have to deal with him for a decade. And that increases the expense of our next quarterback. The idea of developing a fourth-round pick and he's going to take his vitamins and study the playbook dilligently and he'll be competitive with Griffin strikes me as unlikely, unless we're insanely lucky.

Tom Brady (sixth round pick) says "hi".