Analysis of Henson and Questions About Him...

[CaptainAmerica]

...I didn't get to see the first half, so I missed Bledsoe, but I did get to see Romo in the 2nd half and Henson's performance.

Before I mention Henson, I should mention what I saw of Romo.
Romo did a nice job, but the OL play was so bad his unit couln't maintain anything. It seems he is more comfortable this year and he threw a couple of nice balls that moved the team, only to be reversed by penalties.
That being said, I personally don't see Romo as a future starter. The pre-season is absolutely nothing like the real season and I just don't see Romo as anything more than possibly a Jason Garrett-type player. Garrett was more of a "heady" player, (a coach on the field type), while Romo plays with a little more "moxie", (as it's been described). I don't say this to slam Romo because I like him and he's progressed over the past 3 years, but due to his size and arm strength I don't see his upside as anything more than a career backup.

As for Henson, I am a Henson fan, but I am puzzled by him.

As for the positives, he played fairly well and had some nice throws that showed a lot of zip, (one in fact to the sidelines that Mickey said was the best ball he had seen from him since camp began).
He also threw the ball away a few times when nothing was there showing that he understood he shouldn't force something trying to make a play. As with Romo, the OL play was not good and many times, like Romo, Henson was forced to get rid of it before the play developed.
He has physical size and skills superior to Romo and it's easy to understand why Jerry obviously is pulling for him to be the future.

That being said, there are still some things about his play that puzzle me.

He settled down somewhat as the game moved through the 4th quarter, but I understand what training camp observers meant when they said he seemed in camp to be pressing. I am hoping that as he plays, he will do what Romo has done over the past 3 years and that is to become more comfortable and patient in the offense and spread the ball around to the playmakers available to him.

As for his play, from my observation, he still seems to be staring down his receivers and at times, he appears to be aiming the ball.
The best way I can describe what I see in Henson right now is to mention what I heard Phil Simms say one time in a broadcast. Simms was complementing Peyton Manning and Tom Brady and he said that there are certain QBs who "play tall". In other words, they stand upright, tall and strong in the pocket, observing the whole field and seeing everything that is going on down the field. He said there are players who may measure 6' 3" or 6' 4", who simply don't play "as tall" as they measure in height. That is what I see at times in Henson. Even though he's about 6' 3" - 6' 4", he seems to play with a "crouching" style that doesn't give him the best vision of what is going on down the field.

As for his delivery, I have to say, imo, it looks very similar, if not the same, to what it did last year. I am not one who thinks you need to change a delivery to make it picture perfect, but it does seem to resemble more of a baseball throwing motion and at times he looks like he's aiming the ball, like someone would throw darts.

The last observation I had, (that comes to mind right now), is that I still see what many posters on this board mentioned last year after the Bears game and that is a very slight hesitation in Henson moving away form the center.
It seemed more obvious last year, but I again noticed that the DEs, in particular, consistently seemed to be a full step out of their stances and moving toward the pocket as Henson was still taking the ball from the center.
I am not blaming that on Henson because it seemed the center was a little slow in the snap, but I notice it only when Henson is playing. I wish this was something the coaches would dissect and, if it does in fact exist, they would work with him on improving, because I believe it directly effects his play in the pocket when the defenders have that split-second jump off the snap and are able to pressure him before he has time to look down the field.

All in all, I still have much hope for Henson. I am pulling for him and I as much as Jerry want him to be our future star QB. But these are things I see in his play that I wonder if they were present when he played at Michigan? I didn't see him play in college and when I read of those scouting reports given to Jerry that said he was an "Aikman clone", I have to wonder whether he displayed these same characteristics when he played in college?

I welcome other comments on the points I mentioned from those who saw the game last night.

[Tio]

Agreed about the delivery. But, it obviously aint broke. THe one thing I noticed is he seems to have fasten the delivery and got rid of the funky windup he had which took forever. The was the biggest problem with his delivery imo.

[blindzebra]

From seeing the game in person, I disagree with several of your obseravtions.

Romo, while it was not great, had much better protection, and was also focused on just one or two reads. You don't make 6 throws to TEs, all on quick drops, by checking down to your 3rd or 4th receiver.;)

Henson was very poised, especially when the OL gave up as many jail breaks as they did.

His motion was consistently over the top.

You want a low release? Take a look at the throw Romo made to Crayton that got knocked down in the endzone.

[Hostile]

...I didn't get to see the first half, so I missed Bledsoe, but I did get to see Romo in the 2nd half and Henson's performance.

Before I mention Henson, I should mention what I saw of Romo.
Romo did a nice job, but the OL play was so bad his unit couln't maintain anything. It seems he is more comfortable this year and he threw a couple of nice balls that moved the team, only to be reversed by penalties.
That being said, I personally don't see Romo as a future starter. The pre-season is absolutely nothing like the real season and I just don't see Romo as anything more than possibly a Jason Garrett-type player. Garrett was more of a "heady" player, (a coach on the field type), while Romo plays with a little more "moxie", (as it's been described). I don't say this to slam Romo because I like him and he's progressed over the past 3 years, but due to his size and arm strength I don't see his upside as anything more than a career backup.

As for Henson, I am a Henson fan, but I am puzzled by him.

As for the positives, he played fairly well and had some nice throws that showed a lot of zip, (one in fact to the sidelines that Mickey said was the best ball he had seen from him since camp began).
He also threw the ball away a few times when nothing was there showing that he understood he shouldn't force something trying to make a play. As with Romo, the OL play was not good and many times, like Romo, Henson was forced to get rid of it before the play developed.
He has physical size and skills superior to Romo and it's easy to understand why Jerry obviously is pulling for him to be the future.

That being said, there are still some things about his play that puzzle me.

He settled down somewhat as the game moved through the 4th quarter, but I understand what training camp observers meant when they said he seemed in camp to be pressing. I am hoping that as he plays, he will do what Romo has done over the past 3 years and that is to become more comfortable and patient in the offense and spread the ball around to the playmakers available to him.

As for his play, from my observation, he still seems to be staring down his receivers and at times, he appears to be aiming the ball.
The best way I can describe what I see in Henson right now is to mention what I heard Phil Simms say one time in a broadcast. Simms was complementing Peyton Manning and Tom Brady and he said that there are certain QBs who "play tall". In other words, they stand upright, tall and strong in the pocket, observing the whole field and seeing everything that is going on down the field. He said there are players who may measure 6' 3" or 6' 4", who simply don't play "as tall" as they measure in height. That is what I see at times in Henson. Even though he's about 6' 3" - 6' 4", he seems to play with a "crouching" style that doesn't give him the best vision of what is going on down the field.

As for his delivery, I have to say, imo, it looks very similar, if not the same, to what it did last year. I am not one who thinks you need to change a delivery to make it picture perfect, but it does seem to resemble more of a baseball throwing motion and at times he looks like he's aiming the ball, like someone would throw darts.

The last observation I had, (that comes to mind right now), is that I still see what many posters on this board mentioned last year after the Bears game and that is a very slight hesitation in Henson moving away form the center.
It seemed more obvious last year, but I again noticed that the DEs, in particular, consistently seemed to be a full step out of their stances and moving toward the pocket as Henson was still taking the ball from the center.
I am not blaming that on Henson because it seemed the center was a little slow in the snap, but I notice it only when Henson is playing. I wish this was something the coaches would dissect and, if it does in fact exist, they would work with him on improving, because I believe it directly effects his play in the pocket when the defenders have that split-second jump off the snap and are able to pressure him before he has time to look down the field.

All in all, I still have much hope for Henson. I am pulling for him and I as much as Jerry want him to be our future star QB. But these are things I see in his play that I wonder if they were present when he played at Michigan? I didn't see him play in college and when I read of those scouting reports given to Jerry that said he was an "Aikman clone", I have to wonder whether he displayed these same characteristics when he played in college?

I welcome other comments on the points I mentioned from those who saw the game last night.Per your request I am responding.

Last night leaving the game AdButcher, Blindzebra and I all said something at the same time. Basically we said that people would look at the completion % and miss the boat.

The difference between how Romo and Henson throw the ball is night and day. Romo lobs the ball over the top to the target and Henson fires it in there. If people are impressed by lobs then there is no point discussing a difference between the 2 players.

Any QB from HS on up can lob a ball and complete a pass. There are very few who can rifle a ball into a tight spot accurately.

If Romo can throw it better than he did last night I'd be very happy. I really would. There is not a doubt in my mind that he cannot make throws that Bledsoe and Henson can. Last night Henson did it.

A wise old cowboy once told me "liars figure, and figures lie." The dichotomy of last night is the epitome of how this shapes up.

In pre game warmups you could hear the ball hit the WRs hands when Bledsoe and Henson threw it. I saw no zip from Romo at all.

Please don't get me wrong. He can obviously throw the ball. I've run across hundreds of kids who can. They are a dime a dozen. Guys who can rifle the ball are a different caliber.

That's all I am saying. Henson is in a different stratosphere. He didn't just lob the ball to his All Pro TE. He threw it into coverage with velocity.

Completion % is nice. I'll take scoring drives (even though I hate FGs) and velocity every day of the week and twice on game days.

[CaptainAmerica]

Thanks Hos, good to hear from someone who observed the QBs in person and can see the difference.
Obviously Henson is more talented than Romo now he needs to settle into the job and develop his talent. IMO, the things I mentioned do need to be addressed by Henson and the coaches.

[Hostile]

Thanks Hos, good to hear from someone who observed the QBs in person and can see the difference.
Obviously Henson is more talented than Romo now he needs to settle into the job and develop his talent. IMO, the things I mentioned do need to be addressed by Henson and the coaches.I agree with you. He has things to fix. I'd like to see him given the chance to do exactly that.

[Nors]

No - making completions is never overated. Brady gets dinged for a weak arm but makes the reads and gets the ball to his targets. Romo hit 8-10 and had a 28 yarder called back. How was that play to your eyes?

Hensons completing only 46% on 6-13 may be impressive to you, But in the big picture he lost more ground to win backup job. We'll know after next game..... Romo has the gun - see his MPH at combine. Does he have touch and ability to deliver it to players accurately - Yes Sir!

[Hostile]

No - making completions is never overated. Brady gets dinged for a weak arm but makes the reads and gets the ball to his targets. Romo hit 8-10 and had a 28 yarder called back. How was that play to your eyes?

Hensons completing only 46% on 6-13 may be impressive to you, But in the big picture he lost more ground to win backup job. We'll know after next game..... Romo has the gun - see his MPH at combine. Does he have touch and ability to deliver it to players accurately - Yes Sir!You didn't see the game remember?

[Boom]

I watched the game and then slo-mo'd each pass attempt Henson made. I also noticed his delayed movement from center and his low stance while throwing.

His passes showed zip and he demonstrated decent pocket presence. I liked how he stepped away from the rush, but it seemed he looked to get rid of it immediately afterward, rather than continue to scan for open targets. Granted, I didn't see the whole field to know if open targets existed, but I do remember one play in the redzone where he avoided the rush and threw it OB, when he could have stepped up for additional time.

Concerning Romo, he was very fluid even if he didn't throw frozen ropes. It was quite a difference from the deer in the headlights routine he did in the early preseason games last year.


Anyway, that's my $0.02

[CaptainAmerica]

No - making completions is never overated. Brady gets dinged for a weak arm but makes the reads and gets the ball to his targets. Romo hit 8-10 and had a 28 yarder called back. How was that play to your eyes?

Hensons completing only 46% on 6-13 may be impressive to you, But in the big picture he lost more ground to win backup job. We'll know after next game..... Romo has the gun - see his MPH at combine. Does he have touch and ability to deliver it to players accurately - Yes Sir!


Nors,
I don't know what league you watch, but Brady may have been questioned about his arm strength when he came out of college, but NO ONE questions Brady's arm strength now. Brady has a gun that Romo doesn't even compare to.

Really, it's sort of funny that we debate back and forth about Romo when in essence he is a career backup player at best. No knock on him at all, because with playing experience and time he could become a Jason Garett or possibly even a Steve Buerlein type player. Nothing wrong with that. I would like to see him maximize his ability.

[Hostile]

Nors,
I don't know what league you watch, but Brady may have been questioned about his arm strength when he came out of college, but NO ONE questions Brady's arm strength now. Brady has a gun that Romo doesn't even compare to.

Really, it's sort of funny that we debate back and forth about Romo when in essence he is a career backup player at best. No knock on him at all, because with playing experience and time he could become a Jason Garett or possibly even a Steve Buerlein type player. Nothing wrong with that. I would like to see him maximize his ability.In all fairness it has nothing to do with Romo. His greatest asset is that he is not Drew Henson. Henson came here with the "can't miss label" and armchair QBs get their panties in a wad over that. Especially if their hero is gone because he's here. This is nothing more than an extension of the old Q vs. Hutch crap.

[CaptainAmerica]

In all fairness it has nothing to do with Romo. His greatest asset is that he is not Drew Henson. Henson came here with the "can't miss label" and armchair QBs get their panties in a wad over that. Especially if their hero is gone because he's here. This is nothing more than an extension of the old Q vs. Hutch crap.

Absolutely! It amazes me that some posters love to ridicule Henson when all he's done is work his rear end off since he's been here to maximize his talent and try to be a good player for the Boys.

What kind of a fan is that? :(

[TheEnigma]

I watched the game and then slo-mo'd each pass attempt Henson made. I also noticed his delayed movement from center and his low stance while throwing.

His passes showed zip and he demonstrated decent pocket presence. I liked how he stepped away from the rush, but it seemed he looked to get rid of it immediately afterward, rather than continue to scan for open targets. Granted, I didn't see the whole field to know if open targets existed, but I do remember one play in the redzone where he avoided the rush and threw it OB, when he could have stepped up for additional time.

Concerning Romo, he was very fluid even if he didn't throw frozen ropes. It was quite a difference from the deer in the headlights routine he did in the early preseason games last year.


Anyway, that's my $0.02

I think what Henson was doing the majority of the game could be called "playing it safe." I think kind of ties into the confidence things some, and as he improves his confidence, his play will also improve.

[Hostile]

Absolutely! It amazes me that some posters love to ridicule Henson when all he's done is work his rear end off since he's been here to maximize his talent and try to be a good player for the Boys.

What kind of a fan is that? :(I can't answer that. I have always wanted the best 53 out there. I had a friend and source on the team. We drafted Witten. Goodbye and thank you.

It is wrong to hype Henson, but hype everyone else. I don't get it.

[Bizwah]

I've sen the game twice now, and Henson was very impressive. He really seems to be poised in the pocket. He just has that look......relaxed, confident.

One drive stands out.....I can't remember which now, but you could see Henson gaining confidence. He had the ears of the guys in the Huddle. You could see him confidently commanding his troops.

All that being said, there are two areas of Henson's game that worry me. In the two years I've seen him play, I've never seen him throw that crossing pass 17 yards down the middle of the field. I've never seen him complete a deep pass. I've only seen him complete one skinny post (last year to R Williams vs the Raiders).

I have seen Romo's deep pass.....he throws it well. Kinda like Jason Garrett.

And on Romo.......I really like the guy, but I think the best we can hope for with him is a Jason Garrett type. Very solid, smart, places the ball well.

Henson can actually be a Troy Aikman type.....Tall, smart, great velocity, team leader.

[SultanOfSix]

I can't wait to see both Romo and Henson with the first team offense. I'm sure Bledsoe will play next week as the starter, but I'm thinking each of our backup QBs will start at least one game each. If a comparison can be made between the two, it can only be made in a similar situation, and assuming things are even on how other members of the team play - the offensive line, the receivers, the running backs, etc.

I did not see the game - I live in DC - but the reports on both backup QBs make me more optimistic than I was after all of the reports coming out of camp, especially with respect to Henson. I have admited that I have a bias towards Henson. But, my bias isn't such that I want Romo to fail, and I'm not one to criticize one or the other at each other's expense. It's just not my way. I just feel that Henson has the greater potential (smarts, arm strength, accuracy, etc.), and just think when he gets used to the speed of the game, he has that QB "charisma" to excel. I could be wrong - it's not the first time - but I hope I'm not.

[scotth66]

I watched the game and then slo-mo'd each pass attempt Henson made. I also noticed his delayed movement from center and his low stance while throwing.

His passes showed zip and he demonstrated decent pocket presence. I liked how he stepped away from the rush, but it seemed he looked to get rid of it immediately afterward, rather than continue to scan for open targets. Granted, I didn't see the whole field to know if open targets existed, but I do remember one play in the redzone where he avoided the rush and threw it OB, when he could have stepped up for additional time.

Concerning Romo, he was very fluid even if he didn't throw frozen ropes. It was quite a difference from the deer in the headlights routine he did in the early preseason games last year.


Anyway, that's my $0.02
I agree with you on all these points and I would just like to add that I believe Romo has been with the team one more year than henson so his understanding of the system will obviously be better than Hensons. Give Henson a chance since IMO his arm is prob wore out from 5000+ passes in offseason.

[big dog cowboy]

IMO his arm is prob wore out from 5000+ passes in offseason.
Nah. That is only 50 passes a day for 100 days.

[dbair1967]

No - making completions is never overated. Brady gets dinged for a weak arm but makes the reads and gets the ball to his targets. Romo hit 8-10 and had a 28 yarder called back. How was that play to your eyes?

Hensons completing only 46% on 6-13 may be impressive to you, But in the big picture he lost more ground to win backup job. We'll know after next game..... Romo has the gun - see his MPH at combine. Does he have touch and ability to deliver it to players accurately - Yes Sir!

first off, you didnt see the game Nors...yes Romo was 8/10, but most of Romo's compeltions were short throws...his two incompletions were downfeld throws and he didnt display this "gun" you keep speaking of...he probably should have had a TD to Crayton but threw a whobbly, too much air under pass that the DB was able to recover on to make a play...his other inc he tried to throw an intermediate in pass that the CB jumped and nearly picked clean...the 28 yd pass that was called back that you keep crowing about was a catch and run by Crayton, it didnt go 28yds in the air

Henson was 6/13, at first glance that wouldnt be good...on the other hand those that saw the game know that 3 or 4 of the incompletions were throw aways to avoid sacks

David

[dbair1967]

All that being said, there are two areas of Henson's game that worry me. In the two years I've seen him play, I've never seen him throw that crossing pass 17 yards down the middle of the field. I've never seen him complete a deep pass. I've only seen him complete one skinny post (last year to R Williams vs the Raiders).

Ider.

Henson did zing a great deep seam type pass to Witten last yr in preseason...it was a 30-something yd gain I think and was a frozen rope

he also threw a bomb for a TD in last yrs srimmage...I think it was one of (maybe it was his first pass) his first throws...

David

[aikemirv]

I liked what I saw from both Romo and Henson. I liked what I saw from them much more than what Bledsoe showed me. I kind of disagree about Romo, he threw some nice passes and managed the game well, I thought he looked a little more comfortable than Henson in the pocket, but he should, he has been playing more football than Henson the past few years so that does not worry me.

As far as Henson goes, he looked pretty good and calmed some of my fears about what they had been saying in training camp. He does seem to delay after receiving the ball from center and does appear short in the pocket which are two things that seem a little odd about his game. He threw some very nice balls and the only pass I was dissapointed in that he threw was the slight overthrow to Z Smith in the end zone.

I would not say that Romo distanced himself at all in the game.

I do not like the 2-3 step drop that BP seems to use when playing Romo and Henson. I would like to see them have a chance to read the field and they are not getting that chance. Someone said that Henson seems to be locking in, but when you take a 3 step drop and don't get protection you only have time to look one way and throw it, there is no time for check downs, either throw it to the guy or throw it away.

Our O-line is not where it needs to be by a long shot - pitiful!

[CaptainAmerica]

I liked what I saw from both Romo and Henson. I liked what I saw from them much more than what Bledsoe showed me. I kind of disagree about Romo, he threw some nice passes and managed the game well, I thought he looked a little more comfortable than Henson in the pocket, but he should, he has been playing more football than Henson the past few years so that does not worry me.

As far as Henson goes, he looked pretty good and calmed some of my fears about what they had been saying in training camp. He does seem to delay after receiving the ball from center and does appear short in the pocket which are two things that seem a little odd about his game. He threw some very nice balls and the only pass I was dissapointed in that he threw was the slight overthrow to Z Smith in the end zone.

I would not say that Romo distanced himself at all in the game.

I do not like the 2-3 step drop that BP seems to use when playing Romo and Henson. I would like to see them have a chance to read the field and they are not getting that chance. Someone said that Henson seems to be locking in, but when you take a 3 step drop and don't get protection you only have time to look one way and throw it, there is no time for check downs, either throw it to the guy or throw it away.

Our O-line is not where it needs to be by a long shot - pitiful!

Thanks for the response.

I agree with what you observed about Henson. He seemed to be rushing things just a little, but you are right about the 3 step drops and no protection. I suppose that will make you rush things a little.
Good observation about the pass to Zuriel in the end-zone. Again, I think he rushed it just a bit and that caused the ball to sail on him. It was a bullet, however, so he showed there wasn't anything wrong with his arm on that throw.
The slight delay Henson shows in pulling away from the center is caused, imo, by the way he takes the snap. The replay they showed of his pass to Copper on the sidelines at the beginning of the 4th quarter shows his hands seperating as the ball is snapped. He then has to bring his left hand back up to the ball. It sounds like an insignificant thing, but I'm surprised the coaches haven't picked it up on film, since it's been noticeable since the Bears game.

[ravidubey]

Henson's completion percentage reflected some throws he threw away. I agree he crouches though, but I don't care as long as it doesn't get the ball batted down.

[Zaxor]

this is a fantastic shot of a QB with his eyes downfield

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b372/cowboygolfer/PICT0094.jpg

[ABQCOWBOY]

I liked what I saw from both Romo and Henson. I liked what I saw from them much more than what Bledsoe showed me. I kind of disagree about Romo, he threw some nice passes and managed the game well, I thought he looked a little more comfortable than Henson in the pocket, but he should, he has been playing more football than Henson the past few years so that does not worry me.

As far as Henson goes, he looked pretty good and calmed some of my fears about what they had been saying in training camp. He does seem to delay after receiving the ball from center and does appear short in the pocket which are two things that seem a little odd about his game. He threw some very nice balls and the only pass I was dissapointed in that he threw was the slight overthrow to Z Smith in the end zone.

I would not say that Romo distanced himself at all in the game.

I do not like the 2-3 step drop that BP seems to use when playing Romo and Henson. I would like to see them have a chance to read the field and they are not getting that chance. Someone said that Henson seems to be locking in, but when you take a 3 step drop and don't get protection you only have time to look one way and throw it, there is no time for check downs, either throw it to the guy or throw it away.

Our O-line is not where it needs to be by a long shot - pitiful!

I agreee with a lot of this post. The game was broadcasted here so I did see it live. Of the three QBs, Bledsoe, by far, looked the worst IMO. He was inaccurate, he did not avoid the rush and he coughed the ball up on contact, once again. It is early so I think we have time but if the OL doesn't improve dramatically, I think Bledsoe is going to have a long year.

I thought Romo played well. He made some nice touch throws and he ws, for the most part, very good in the pocket. I did think his protection was much better then Henson's but I would not call it great. I thought he showed very good velocity on one throw in particular. Might have been to Witten. It was one of the first he threw and he zipped it in there. I would not say he has the same kind of arm Henson does but he had good velocity there. By the same token, not everybody can drop the ball in to targets between zones either. Romo really impressed me with his ability to throw that route. He really throws it nicely. The difference, IMO, was clearly the fact that Witten was on the field when Romo was playing. Honestly guys, Witten was like a man amoung boys. He just got it done. Not down grading Romo for this because what is he gonna do, not throw the ball to Witten? That guy is amazing.

Henson did some nice things in that game as well. To be honest, Henson did enough to win that game. Not being particine here. Henson made plays. He threw some balls that were on the money. He showed good judgement. I really saw only one bad ball that should have been picked. Henson was playing under jail break conditions in my view. There were a lot of guys coming free on him. I thought that Henson showed, just a little, of his mobility. He avoided some things nicely by moving around, I thought. He was also playing from behind and in the 4th. He did a real nice job of not making critical mistakes and getting us in a position to win. Remember, with 3 minutes to go, Henson had a nice completion to Smith, Thompson had a nice run for the first. we then followed up with Thompson for no gain. That gave us 2nd and 10 with 2:00 minutes. On the next play, Pace comes free and sacks Henson. Henson never really had a chance IMO. That made it third and 19 for the 39 with 1:20 left. Henson immediatly came right back with a strike to Copper for 9 yards. At that point, we were in field goal range. If Cundiff kicks it there, that FG is good and the Cowboys go in front by 1 with a minute to go. Instead, a penality on the kick and Cundiff gets pushed back. That kick ws no good by just a bit. Pushed left with maybe 5 yards to go. I thought the kid played very well under the circumstances.

Both Romo and Henson played well, I thought. Bledsoe played like Bledsoe IMO. He's got to be protected or he's not very good. We will see how this goes.

[Zaxor]

I agreee with a lot of this post. The game was broadcasted here so I did see it live. Of the three QBs, Bledsoe, by far, looked the worst IMO. He was inaccurate, he did not avoid the rush and he coughed the ball up on contact, once again. It is early so I think we have time but if the OL doesn't improve dramatically, I think Bledsoe is going to have a long year.

I thought Romo played well. He made some nice touch throws and he ws, for the most part, very good in the pocket. I did think his protection was much better then Henson's but I would not call it great. I thought he showed very good velocity on one throw in particular. Might have been to Witten. It was one of the first he threw and he zipped it in there. I would not say he has the same kind of arm Henson does but he had good velocity there. By the same token, not everybody can drop the ball in to targets between zones either. Romo really impressed me with his ability to throw that route. He really throws it nicely. The difference, IMO, was clearly the fact that Witten was on the field when Romo was playing. Honestly guys, Witten was like a man amoung boys. He just got it done. Not down grading Romo for this because what is he gonna do, not throw the ball to Witten? That guy is amazing.

Henson did some nice things in that game as well. To be honest, Henson did enough to win that game. Not being particine here. Henson made plays. He threw some balls that were on the money. He showed good judgement. I really saw only one bad ball that should have been picked. Henson was playing under jail break conditions in my view. There were a lot of guys coming free on him. I thought that Henson showed, just a little, of his mobility. He avoided some things nicely by moving around, I thought. He was also playing from behind and in the 4th. He did a real nice job of not making critical mistakes and getting us in a position to win. Remember, with 3 minutes to go, Henson had a nice completion to Smith, Thompson had a nice run for the first. we then followed up with Thompson for no gain. That gave us 2nd and 10 with 2:00 minutes. On the next play, Pace comes free and sacks Henson. Henson never really had a chance IMO. That made it third and 19 for the 39 with 1:20 left. Henson immediatly came right back with a strike to Copper for 9 yards. At that point, we were in field goal range. If Cundiff kicks it there, that FG is good and the Cowboys go in front by 1 with a minute to go. Instead, a penality on the kick and Cundiff gets pushed back. That kick ws no good by just a bit. Pushed left with maybe 5 yards to go. I thought the kid played very well under the circumstances.

Both Romo and Henson played well, I thought. Bledsoe played like Bledsoe IMO. He's got to be protected or he's not very good. We will see how this goes.

Agreed

[UDcowboysfan]

Ok all you Henson and Romo lovers please can we just stop saying how they looked. They were playing against second and third stringers. Romo was calm against second stringers and romo was careful against third. The problem is that the game will speed up in the first string so will Henson throw more away and be more careful you just have to play football and not over think like Henson has been. Let just not bash Romo either until he gets in a game if he plays with heart he can win in this league.

[Doomsday101]

Ok all you Henson and Romo lovers please can we just stop saying how they looked. They were playing against second and third stringers. Romo was calm against second stringers and romo was careful against third. The problem is that the game will speed up in the first string so will Henson throw more away and be more careful you just have to play football and not over think like Henson has been. Let just not bash Romo either until he gets in a game if he plays with heart he can win in this league.

True they played against 2nd and 3rd stringers but that does not change the decisions making that both did. As for Henson throwing the ball away, any decent QB is going to throw a ball away instead of just forcing it and creating the turnovers only idiots would throw the ball in there despite not having an open man to throw it too.

[aikemirv]

Ok all you Henson and Romo lovers please can we just stop saying how they looked. They were playing against second and third stringers. Romo was calm against second stringers and romo was careful against third. The problem is that the game will speed up in the first string so will Henson throw more away and be more careful you just have to play football and not over think like Henson has been. Let just not bash Romo either until he gets in a game if he plays with heart he can win in this league.

Sorry, but BP almost demands that these two guys play careful and they are not allowed to make mistakes. That is his standard, if you can make plays, and not stupid ones and keep the team moving and not take points off the board (like an INt near the goalline, that is what BP wants to see.

It just makes them more careful. Those are just the facts!

Aikman used to throw the ball away alot near the goalline - he was very careful down there - it is not a bad thing.

[UDcowboysfan]

Ya i was just getting annoyed by all the the talk with the BACKUP QB's not that i havnt been in them but man haha i've never seen so much hype over a BACKUP. It is crazy

[Doomsday101]

Ya i was just getting annoyed by all the the talk with the BACKUP QB's not that i havnt been in them but man haha i've never seen so much hype over a BACKUP. It is crazy

The hype is there because most relize that Bledsoe is not the future of this team. He is here to help the Cowboys buy some time until one of these 2 QB's hopefully shows themself ready to take over this team.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Ok all you Henson and Romo lovers please can we just stop saying how they looked. They were playing against second and third stringers. Romo was calm against second stringers and romo was careful against third. The problem is that the game will speed up in the first string so will Henson throw more away and be more careful you just have to play football and not over think like Henson has been. Let just not bash Romo either until he gets in a game if he plays with heart he can win in this league.

No. This is a discussion board. Many did not see the game. Why on earth would we not provide a point of view to those who, I would expect, want to know about it?

[CaptainAmerica]

No. This is a discussion board. Many did not see the game. Why on earth would we not provide a point of view to those who, I would expect, want to know about it?

That's exactly what I thinking. It's a forum for discussing the Cowboys. The QB position always gets the most interest. If you don't want to discuss the QBs, just ignore the thread and go to another one.

[jazzcat22]

Absolutely! It amazes me that some posters love to ridicule Henson when all he's done is work his rear end off since he's been here to maximize his talent and try to be a good player for the Boys.

What kind of a fan is that? :(

True!
I am rooting for the QB behind Center. Actually I am rooting for all the QB's because I am a fan of the team. Now do I have a preference, yes. As I always believed and wanted Aikman over Walsh, as I did Staubach over Morton. But I still wanted whoever was back there to lead outr team.

I think people won't be happy until someone comes along and is the next Merideth / Staubach / Aikman. But how are we supposed to know whom that may be.

Let us root for our 3 QB's for the best to emerge and lead us to victory.

I would like to see Bledsoe show everyone he was a great signing, then Henson to come in and take over be it this year or next. I have time to wait and see.

[Juke99]

In all fairness it has nothing to do with Romo. His greatest asset is that he is not Drew Henson. Henson came here with the "can't miss label" and armchair QBs get their panties in a wad over that. Especially if their hero is gone because he's here. This is nothing more than an extension of the old Q vs. Hutch crap.


On the Nosey.

[Jersey]

Here's my observation on the QB play vs. Arizona.
1. OL was terrible for a 3 QB's.
2. Bledsoe holds the ball too long.
3. Romo did look OK. (Witten can make a lot of QB's look good).
4. Henson was 50/50. Couple nice throw's on quick slant and sideline completions. Seems heavy legged. Couple of his throw-away's were premature, I thought he could of moved around a little more and make a play out of it. I just think he's too afraid to make a mistake and catch an ripping from BP. I don't think BP will let a QB "make a play" through improvisation when the original play breaks down. You see Brady do that consistantly, move around just enough to make a play. I think Henson is physically capable of doing this, but its not how BP coaches our offense to work.

[ChrisZ007]

Per your request I am responding.

Last night leaving the game AdButcher, Blindzebra and I all said something at the same time. Basically we said that people would look at the completion % and miss the boat.

The difference between how Romo and Henson throw the ball is night and day. Romo lobs the ball over the top to the target and Henson fires it in there. If people are impressed by lobs then there is no point discussing a difference between the 2 players.

Any QB from HS on up can lob a ball and complete a pass. There are very few who can rifle a ball into a tight spot accurately.

If Romo can throw it better than he did last night I'd be very happy. I really would. There is not a doubt in my mind that he cannot make throws that Bledsoe and Henson can. Last night Henson did it.

A wise old cowboy once told me "liars figure, and figures lie." The dichotomy of last night is the epitome of how this shapes up.

In pre game warmups you could hear the ball hit the WRs hands when Bledsoe and Henson threw it. I saw no zip from Romo at all.

Please don't get me wrong. He can obviously throw the ball. I've run across hundreds of kids who can. They are a dime a dozen. Guys who can rifle the ball are a different caliber.

That's all I am saying. Henson is in a different stratosphere. He didn't just lob the ball to his All Pro TE. He threw it into coverage with velocity.

Completion % is nice. I'll take scoring drives (even though I hate FGs) and velocity every day of the week and twice on game days.


Im curious.... in your opinion, which type does Aikman rank? Was he more of a finesse lober or a gun slinger?

And theres no agenda in that question, Im just curious which category youd have placed Aikman in.

[SultanOfSix]

Aikman was a gun slinger for sure.

[RCowboyFan]

Here's my observation on the QB play vs. Arizona.
1. OL was terrible for a 3 QB's.
2. Bledsoe holds the ball too long.
3. Romo did look OK. (Witten can make a lot of QB's look good).
4. Henson was 50/50. Couple nice throw's on quick slant and sideline completions. Seems heavy legged. Couple of his throw-away's were premature, I thought he could of moved around a little more and make a play out of it. I just think he's too afraid to make a mistake and catch an ripping from BP. I don't think BP will let a QB "make a play" through improvisation when the original play breaks down. You see Brady do that consistantly, move around just enough to make a play. I think Henson is physically capable of doing this, but its not how BP coaches our offense to work.


Good observations. But I will add to that, maybe Henson is just looking to settle down. With his early reported troubles in the Camp, maybe he is trying to get a feel instead of trying to steal a Job or win a Job? So maybe he is playing it too safe right now.

You are right on Henson about his escapability in pocket. If anyone has seen him in Michigan, With Brady and him, it was Henson who was best at escaping pressure. I am really surprised how well Brady is doing now with escaping pressure. I mean he moves very little but just knows where to move, which is what seperates him from any other QB playing right now, IMO ( Brady that is).

For whatever reason Henson is still not set yet. It might change quickly in next couple weeks, but we shall see.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Aikman was a gun slinger for sure.

I would not call him a gun slinger. To me, gun slinger would represent a Marino or Favre. If I had to discribe Aikman with one word, it would be precision. I felt as if this was the type of passing game Aikman thrived in.

[RCowboyFan]

In all fairness it has nothing to do with Romo. His greatest asset is that he is not Drew Henson. Henson came here with the "can't miss label" and armchair QBs get their panties in a wad over that. Especially if their hero is gone because he's here. This is nothing more than an extension of the old Q vs. Hutch crap.

Yep, on the money there, seems like same arguments against Hutch are being used against Henson etc.

[Jersey]

Good observations. But I will add to that, maybe Henson is just looking to settle down. With his early reported troubles in the Camp, maybe he is trying to get a feel instead of trying to steal a Job or win a Job? So maybe he is playing it too safe right now.

You are right on Henson about his escapability in pocket. If anyone has seen him in Michigan, With Brady and him, it was Henson who was best at escaping pressure. I am really surprised how well Brady is doing now with escaping pressure. I mean he moves very little but just knows where to move, which is what seperates him from any other QB playing right now, IMO ( Brady that is).

For whatever reason Henson is still not set yet. It might change quickly in next couple weeks, but we shall see.



I agree that he (Henson), may be conservative to gain confidence. Especially in this first preseason game. I just hope he cuts loose over these next few weeks so we can all see if its there. The tough part is trying to do these "intangible" things under BP. He's too rigid to embrace any good that may come out of it. He's never coached that way, nor has he ever had a QB with the athletic ability to play that way.

[MS17]

Right now, the discussions on the merits of Romo over Henson, or Henson over Romo just seem futile to me. Two weeks from today we're all gonna know a whole lot more about how these two stack up and their respective futures in the league. Problem is, we're living in a "I want it and I want it right now" world, hence we all want to know right now whether Romo or Henson has "it" . There's a distinct possibility that none of us really want or care to admit that neither of these 2005 backups is the actual long-term answer at quarterback for the team based on what we've seen up to now. Im thinking that more and more, and freely admit that's not a pleasant scenario.

[Doomsday101]

Right now, the discussions on the merits of Romo over Henson, or Henson over Romo just seem futile to me. Two weeks from today we're all gonna know a whole lot more about how these two stack up and their respective futures in the league. Problem is, we're living in a "I want it and I want it right now" world, hence we all want to know right now whether Romo or Henson has "it" . There's a distinct possibility that none of us really want or care to admit that neither of these 2005 backups is the actual long-term answer at quarterback for the team based on what we've seen up to now. Im thinking that more and more, and freely admit that's not a pleasant scenario.

As you said no way to know if they are the future or not myself I think it is a bit early to say for sure one way or the other.

[Jimz31]

Right now, the discussions on the merits of Romo over Henson, or Henson over Romo just seem futile to me. Two weeks from today we're all gonna know a whole lot more about how these two stack up and their respective futures in the league. Problem is, we're living in a "I want it and I want it right now" world, hence we all want to know right now whether Romo or Henson has "it" . There's a distinct possibility that none of us really want or care to admit that neither of these 2005 backups is the actual long-term answer at quarterback for the team based on what we've seen up to now. Im thinking that more and more, and freely admit that's not a pleasant scenario.

Agree completely.

[Dayton Cowboy]

Hos,

I did not to see the game other than Calico's great clips(sux livin in Ohio and not having NFLNetwork as an option).. My question is not so much about the velocity that Henson has, I dont think anybody questions that.. But does Henson have any touch to the balls he throws?


Per your request I am responding.

Last night leaving the game AdButcher, Blindzebra and I all said something at the same time. Basically we said that people would look at the completion % and miss the boat.

The difference between how Romo and Henson throw the ball is night and day. Romo lobs the ball over the top to the target and Henson fires it in there. If people are impressed by lobs then there is no point discussing a difference between the 2 players.

Any QB from HS on up can lob a ball and complete a pass. There are very few who can rifle a ball into a tight spot accurately.

If Romo can throw it better than he did last night I'd be very happy. I really would. There is not a doubt in my mind that he cannot make throws that Bledsoe and Henson can. Last night Henson did it.

A wise old cowboy once told me "liars figure, and figures lie." The dichotomy of last night is the epitome of how this shapes up.

In pre game warmups you could hear the ball hit the WRs hands when Bledsoe and Henson threw it. I saw no zip from Romo at all.

Please don't get me wrong. He can obviously throw the ball. I've run across hundreds of kids who can. They are a dime a dozen. Guys who can rifle the ball are a different caliber.

That's all I am saying. Henson is in a different stratosphere. He didn't just lob the ball to his All Pro TE. He threw it into coverage with velocity.

Completion % is nice. I'll take scoring drives (even though I hate FGs) and velocity every day of the week and twice on game days.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Hos,

I did not to see the game other than Calico's great clips(sux livin in Ohio and not having NFLNetwork as an option).. My question is not so much about the velocity that Henson has, I dont think anybody questions that.. But does Henson have any touch to the balls he throws?

I'm not sure that based off of what I saw, he had much ability to demonstrate that one way or the other. Most of the routes Henson threw were 3 step or 5 step timing patterns. If you recall the offense we ran when Aikman was here, those are the same type of patterns he was succesful with. However, Laufenburg (I think it was him) commented during the game that Romo threw these types of patterns very well. He also said it was something Henson would need to get better at. Not sure if it's a situation where the OC calls plays that accentuate each QBs skills best (I think this likely) or if he's just no good at it. That's my observation anyhow.