Intelligent QB Discussion

[NYCowboy22]

First off, if you decide to respond to this thread but have nothing intelligent to add, please don't. Every QB thread ultimately turns into a flame war where someone starts to bash Henson/Romo. It's ok to have a preference and an opinion as to who you think, at this time, is better at the QB position. However, please remember that Henson and Romo are both Cowboys-- they wear the same star every one of our players does. If you can hope that one or the other fails (and I know some of you do) how can you call yourselves real fans? We should be in both of these guy’s corners.

“Why are there so many posts dedicated to THE BACKUP QB POSITION?” I’ll tell you why—Quarterback is the most important position in the game and our starter is old and takes more hits than any other QB in the league. If we had Tom Brady or Carson Palmer at QB, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. On top of that we have two prospects who look promising and share similar traits. Neither one of these guys was drafted in the 1st round, Romo was an UDFA probably for the sole reason that he played college ball at a smaller school. Henson decided to give baseball a shot but played football at a big time school. With Romo being an UDFA and Henson being away from the game for so long, both were long shots to be starters of an NFL team.

The truth of the matter is, at this point, nobody knows who the better QB is. You can argue that Romo is number two on the depth chart and Henson is number 3. Your argument may be legitimate—Romo is number 2 so he must be further along than Henson. However, how many times has Parcells said not to look too far into this. In addition, both of these guys played poorly in preseason last year.

So lets move on to what we do know (or sorta do)…

We know that Payton showed interest in bringing Romo to NO. We also know that Bledsoe said something to the effect that if he missed a game, he may never see the field again because Romo would steal the starting job. Parcells also seems to be a little higher on Romo, but with all the head games he plays, nobody can really be sure. I haven’t seen enough of Romo to make an assessment for myself, so all I can do is go by the interest he has generated in former coaches (Payton) and comments by our current players (Bledsoe.) It is also the general belief that Romo has outperformed Henson in TC thus far and will get significant playing time in the preseason (straight from the mouth of the Tuna.) Does significant playing time mean more time than Henson? Nobody knows. Are these legitimate facts? No, but it’s really all we have at this point.

Let me preface this by saying that I watched every Rhein game with my own eyes. Unlike most others, I am not disappointed in the way Henson has played. Parcells said he was hoping to see more; maybe this is a motivational tool, maybe not. Henson’s receivers were plagued with injuries and even when they did get on the field they dropped everything. You can’t really expect a QB to light it up when his supporting cast can’t carry out their jobs.

From watching Henson with my own eyes (for the entire season) this is what I know:

Henson has a cannon for an arm and can make all the throws; the majority of his passes are tight and show incredible zip. Henson can buy himself time in the pocket and throws very well on the run. He is mobile in the pocket and will even take off with the ball when he needs to. Who can forget the throw to Z. Smith on the sideline of the end-zone? Henson threw that ball with just his arm (he was scrambling the opposite way) and hit Zuriel right in the hands. Henson made a lot of throws that made me say “Wow.” I also believe Henson showed good progress on his touch passes towards the end of the season. His biggest problem IMO is that he doesn’t go through his progressions all the time. Henson’s decision making also seemed to be decent; he didn’t try to force the ball into coverage too often. I don’t think Henson has benefited from the coaching staff changing his mechanics.

Unlike some of you, I’m rooting for both of these guys. I’m also excited about the talent this team has at future QB. I hope both of these guys get to play with the first team in preseason; that is the only way we can really make an accurate assessment of both players progression.

What are your intelligent thoughts?

[iceberg]

good luck, don quiote.

[burmafrd]

Henson's mechanics are not as advanced as they need to be- his accuracy is not that great. Griz said it: Henson makes his recievers work to catch the ball; Romo does not.

[Angus]

It will all come out in the wash. This preseason's games should be very informative. I am concerned about Bledsoe's recent showing, though. I hope he picks it up so the dispute about the "back up" will be kept on a merely theoretical plane.

[J-DOG]

I like both qb's.
I like Henson's upside better.
I do feel as though Romo does know the offense better.
He is playing smarter and will make less mistakes than Henson right now.
The coaches like that and that is why he is the backup in my opinion.
However I think Henson has a better arm and is more mobile.
Henson's lack of playing(3 yrs away from the game) has left him behind Romo in decision making.
I still feel as though Henson has more talent and ability but for now Romo fits our needs better as the backup.
Just to be clear...Romo has a good arm...I think Henson's is better is all.
No disrespect to either young player meant in my comments.

[Unforgiven]

First of all, put the Bledsoe problems to rest. He was playing the same way last training camp and people were posting the same sorts of things. I remember well. It did, and it will, be okay.

Secondly, most of Parcells comments in regard to this, came at the begining of camp. There is a good chance that Henson really, finally, made a positive impression on Parcells yesterday, and it seems evident from reports of Parcells near giddy behavior in sprinting out to pat him on the back, and then immediately giving him another series, which he once again succeeded. That will be a huge step for Henson from this point on.

I agree with the poster, I like both guys. But I want one of them to seperate, and I would prefer it was Henson because I just feel he has a higher ceiling than Romo, once he gets it, if he gets it.

[fortdick]

I enjoyed your assessment of Romo and Henson. The difference between the two is ability. Romo may be sharper at this point, ut Henson has better overall talent. Either one will be able to come in and help out in a crunch. The question is; are either the QB of the future?

I really haven't seen enough of Romo to say. Henson looked good to me in NFLE, despite the receivers dropping everything. Good decisions and good mobility. After the first week of camp, it appears Henson's faults aren't hurting him. He had the best day of all the QB's yesterday, despite playing with a lesser supporting cast.

BP is putting pressure on Romo from the start. I do believe that he has to put up, or move on. I think some of the pressure from BP has to do with what Henson showed in NFLE. He may have wanted more, but I think BP likes what he got.

Someone has to step up this season or next year we need to take a QB in the first round.

[Juke99]

Speaking of seeing Henson with one's own two eyes...

I taped every game...

My simple statement is this...

He made plays in NFLE that neither Bledsoe or Romo have the physical ability to make.

When the pocket broke down, he made some AMAZING throws on the run. Bledsoe doesn't have the mobility to do that...Romo doesn't have the arm.

Those are facts.

I suppose the same can be said for Michael Vick.

But the difference is, I also liked the way Henson took care of the ball.

[jksmith269]

I'm not worried about our backup sitituation as many are. why? Well didn't the Pats have this same "backup problem" the year Bledsoe went down only to be replaced by Brady a out of no where late round pick who most had never really heard of or expected much from.... Does that mean we have a Brady in Henson or Romo? No one can say until one of them has to play and until then may the best win the number 2 spot....

[superpunk]

I really haven't seen enough of Romo to say.

Neither have I, and that is really the most interesting part of the whole "war", ya know?

We haven't seen Romo save for a few appearances in the preseason. These are situations where the opposing team hasn't had time or film to prepare for him on, and it's basically just a go out there, let it hang out, see what you can do deal. Yet, Romo has been determined (by some) to have a certain "it". What are these people making this decision based on?

My theory? His drive to lead us to victory in a preseason game last year. Players can live off that hype for a while. Ask Jeremy Shockey. Ask DeMarcus Ware how much that hype showed (although he backed it up). Romo's reputation is based off a single drive. I admit, in the limited snaps I've seen of him, the guy has fantastic touch on the short, intermediate stuff. He can get the ball over the top of LBs and under safeties to LBs and RBs with the best of them. But I have never seen anything that suggests to me that he is a deep threat passer. I like him, really, really, really like him, but haven't seen enough to declare anything concrete about him.

Amazingly, guys like you and me can admit that.

But the anti-Henson crowd, just lets their feelings be their guide. Time and time again, while he was in NFLE, we would have guys who had already make their feelings known come into threads and bash him. The funny thing was, they hadn't even watched him.

But they have that ability. The ability to judge players off of press clippings, and gut feelings, and preconceptions about baseball players transitioning to the NFL. And no amount of reason can open their minds. I wish Parcells knew about their special powers. Who needs a scouting department, right?

[NYCowboy22]

F

Secondly, most of Parcells comments in regard to this, came at the begining of camp. There is a good chance that Henson really, finally, made a positive impression on Parcells yesterday, and it seems evident from reports of Parcells near giddy behavior in sprinting out to pat him on the back, and then immediately giving him another series, which he once again succeeded. That will be a huge step for Henson from this point on.



Where did you read this? It is definetly encouraging to hear.

[NYCowboy22]

NM I found it.

[zrinkill]

NM I found it.

Please link then ....

[Angus]

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59694

And much to e-mailer Brian M.'s delight, we had a Drew Henson sighting Saturday. Henson was 12-for-16 for 150 yards and led the offense on two touchdown drives and a field goal. After the first TD drive, Parcells was so thrilled that he sprinted (think Matt Damon in The Bourne Supremacy) up the field to congratulate Henson. He immediately gave Henson another series.

[zrinkill]

Thanks guys ...... that is great news.

[baj1dallas]

Well I haven't watched every game Henson played. So my opinion is that BP seems to like Romo as the backup for now and is going to get him some work this preseason. As long as Bledsoe stays healthy I'd be surprised if either Romo or Henson got more than a couple throws in this year.

[burmafrd]

Henson is improving- but untill he is consistent in practice hitting his receivers in the hands he will stay #3.

[jazzcat22]

I am not sure why or where all the Henson negativity came from. Is it simply because he's now 3rd string. And wasn't thrown in as the starter in place of Vinnie. So therefore people see him as a bust. Or because of all the attention and press Romo is getting. I personally believe Henson will eventually win out over Romo, even if it takes another year.

Romo is what 6'0", and I believe those days are over and only limit a QB. You need the 6'3" QB at least to be able to play and win consistant. I'm not a coach, never have, never will, but that just seems to be the norm nowdays.

Someone will bring up Flutie, but how long did he actually last as a consistant starter. Montana was only 6 or 6-1, I think, but that was 25 years ago when he started in the league. Much different now.

Romo = Garrett, IMO. But glad to have him on the team. So our back up QB can't be as bad as most think, or else BP & JJ would be bringing in vets.

[burmafrd]

Brees I think is around 6 foot. This bit about having to be tall is really over blown. Those few inches does not really matter all that much. You cannot see over the O linemen anyway- they are all 6'5 or so.

[burmafrd]

Henson has the stronger arm and might be more mobile. So what? Its all in the head and how fast you can throw and how accurate you are. Romo is more accurate and seems to be more with it upstairs. And that is a lot more important then arm strength.

[Juke99]

Henson has the stronger arm and might be more mobile. So what? Its all in the head and how fast you can throw and how accurate you are. Romo is more accurate and seems to be more with it upstairs. And that is a lot more important then arm strength.


Based on what?

How many passes have you seen him throw? I'm just curious.

All I want is a young gun behind Bledsoe...I don't care if it's Romo, Henson, or anyone else.

But I'm just surprised that people can make assertions about Romo's ability; an undrafted QB who has yet to throw a pass in an NFL game in 3 years and a guy who initially lost out to a kid who was playing baseball for 3 years.

[DLCassidy]

We also know that Bledsoe said something to the effect that if he missed a game, he may never see the field again because Romo would steal the starting job.

I read a reporter offer that opinion but I don't think Bledsoe said that and I doubt he feels that way.

[superpunk]

Based on what?

How many passes have you seen him throw? I'm just curious.

Seeing him play is always trumped by
MOXIE!!!!!!!!

've offered my theory. Let's call it the ReShard Lee/Troy Hambrick syndrome. People see a player take over a game they had no business being in (in Romo's case, the late TD drive against ?OAK? in the preseason) and it is immediately extrapolated out to long term success and universal truths.

[Juke99]

Seeing him play is always trumped by
MOXIE!!!!!!!!

've offered my theory. Let's call it the ReShard Lee/Troy Hambrick syndrome. People see a player take over a game they had no business being in (in Romo's case, the late TD drive against ?OAK? in the preseason) and it is immediately extrapolated out to long term success and universal truths.


:laugh2:

So let me understand something...a guy goes into a pre-season game against guys who a week or two later are working at desk jobs in an insurance company...scores a late TD...and he is annointed?

OK. Whatever.

[superpunk]

So let me understand something...a guy goes into a pre-season game against guys who a week or two later are working at desk jobs in an insurance company...scores a late TD...and he is annointed?

OK. Whatever.

Maybe that's not the only thing - but that's the main thing.

How much love did Shockey get for annihilating a defender in his first preseason (HOF) game? It's a similar notion. Because there's nothing else that we've seen from Romo, although reports are good.

[Juke99]

Maybe that's not the only thing - but that's the main thing.

How much love did Shockey get for annihilating a defender in his first preseason (HOF) game? It's a similar notion. Because there's nothing else that we've seen from Romo, although reports are good.


...if that's the case, the title to this thread is very misleading. :D

[jksmith269]

Maybe that's not the only thing - but that's the main thing.

How much love did Shockey get for annihilating a defender in his first preseason (HOF) game? It's a similar notion. Because there's nothing else that we've seen from Romo, although reports are good.
You can NOT compare Shockey to Romo.... Shockey was a stand out at Miami and was a star before he ever stepped played a down in the NFL everyone who saw him play in College knew he would be special... You can't same any thing close to that about Romo....

[Juke99]

You can NOT compare Shockey to Romo.... Shockey was a stand out at Miami and was a star before he ever stepped played a down in the NFL everyone who saw him play in College knew he would be special... You can't same any thing close to that about Romo....


Yet another very valid point.

[superpunk]

You can NOT compare Shockey to Romo.... Shockey was a stand out at Miami and was a star before he ever stepped played a down in the NFL everyone who saw him play in College knew he would be special... You can't same any thing close to that about Romo....

I wasn't comparing them as players, LOL. Just the situation they found themselves getting hyped for. Hell, DeMarcus Ware against Seattle preseason last year. ReShard Lee against ?Minnesota?. people see those flashes and then hang on to them.

It's much easier to remember a good series from a player you rarely get to see - while singling out all the bad things you see from a player you're exposed to more. And that seems to be the problem with henson/Romo.

[jksmith269]

Yet another very valid point.


Until Romo starts a regular season game then he is no better than Henson... Practice and preseason mean as much as me winning the SB on Madden absolutley nothing... So until one of them step up and win a regular season game then IMO they are both backups.....

[Fernando Fernandez]

good luck, don quiote.

Quixote, I believe.

[Iago33]

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that we have two backups that could fill in adequately if it came to that. They both have some experience in this offense (though not as much real experience as I would like for either), and they both have some promise. I hope they both continue to progress and make it hard to keep them both off the field this year.

Romo seems to have the accuracy and leadership--I don't know about his arm or athletic ability. Henson seems to have the arm and the athletic ability--I don't know about his mechanics or intangibles yet.

To Romo! To Henson! (I'm not playing favorites by putting Romo first!)

[RCowboyFan]

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that we have two backups that could fill in adequately if it came to that. They both have some experience in this offense (though not as much real experience as I would like for either), and they both have some promise. I hope they both continue to progress and make it hard to keep them both off the field this year.

Romo seems to have the accuracy and leadership--I don't know about his arm or athletic ability. Henson seems to have the arm and the athletic ability--I don't know about his mechanics or intangibles yet.

To Romo! To Henson! (I'm not playing favorites by putting Romo first!)

:laugh2: It has come to that eh? Having to explain even that...

[Maxmadden]

Intelligent quarterback discusssion?

Unfortunately, this will be impossible because no one on this board has a clue as to how good are backups are. Most of the posters will avoid it all together because they know its a waste of time. While some will labor to bring the extremist somewhere close to the middle ground. The rest will go on about there agenda refusing to acknowledge that over the last three years that they have seen nothing of either backup to determine anything about anything.

I only hope that Romo or Henson can rise to the occasion when and if Bledsoe goes down.

Good post NYC.

[Juke99]

Until Romo starts a regular season game then he is no better than Henson... Practice and preseason mean as much as me winning the SB on Madden absolutley nothing... So until one of them step up and win a regular season game then IMO they are both backups.....


I agree...and there are guys who are practice players and guys who are game players.

The one thing I did like about Henson in NFLE was when things broke down...he was very good.

In fact, I think he was better when things broke down than when the play ran as designed...and my guess is, that's because he thinks too much rather than playing to his instincts.

But yep...all of the talk about either guy, especially Romo is pure speculation because at least we've seen Henson under some game situations...even if NFLE...

[ZeroClub]

Despite the attempt to change his delivery, the primary knock against Henson has never involved his measurables. He's a superior athlete who is built to prototypical QB specifications.

The knock against him involves the mental game. Inexperience. Confidence. Decision making. And reading between Parcells' lines, mental toughness: the ability to respond while under fire.

My guess is that Parcells has real doubts about Henson's mental game, that Parcells talks about these doubts (knowing that the comments put Henson under extra pressure), and is waiting to see how Henson responds.

Parcells often just says what he thinks and then sees what happens. Some people call this "mind games."

And going by Parcells' comments, it seems to me that he isn't at all hung up on the "Romo or Henson, who is better?" question. Parcells is evaluating each on their own merits.

Right now, because of Romo's longevity and contract situation, Parcells has to determine what kind of future Romo is likely to have in this league and whether the Cowboys should keep him around.

Henson is on the backburner because the Cowboys don't have to make a decision about him this year. This is probably a good thing for Henson. He gets more time and reps before his test comes.....

[jksmith269]

I agree...and there are guys who are practice players and guys who are game players.

The one thing I did like about Henson in NFLE was when things broke down...he was very good.

In fact, I think he was better when things broke down than when the play ran as designed...and my guess is, that's because he thinks too much rather than playing to his instincts.

But yep...all of the talk about either guy, especially Romo is pure speculation because at least we've seen Henson under some game situations...even if NFLE...
Henson was more accurate when on the move than standing in the pocket.. It almost seemed like when in the pocket he was thinking way toooo much and passes where high, low, or to the sides of the WR, yet when he was on the move it was more natural and more accurate.... but thats just my observations from his time in NFLE.... Romo who knows he could be another Brady but unless one of these players get extended playing time in the regular season we will never really know what we have...

[Juke99]

Henson was more accurate when on the move than standing in the pocket.. It almost seemed like when in the pocket he was thinking way toooo much and passes where high, low, or to the sides of the WR, yet when he was on the move it was more natural and more accurate.... but thats just my observations from his time in NFLE.... Romo who knows he could be another Brady but unless one of these players get extended playing time in the regular season we will never really know what we have...


Yep...I saw the same thing. In the pocket, it seemed like he was WAY too deliberate....almost TOO aware of his mechanics...or that he was being reviewed/analyzed...

But when things broke down, he'd just wing it and was at his best.

[HDC]

I think Romo's a more likeable personality and is more athletic but is not as big or strong. He seems to have plenty of savy on the field and is able to inspire confidence. I think Henson has more upside, though. I believe his confidence was damaged in his one premature start. Instead of giving him false confidence, I believe BP has forced him to work for it himself. In the end I believe he will be a solid starter, maybe even an outstanding one. I see Romo as more like Jake Plummer; Henson, as more like Aikman.

[NYCowboy22]

I just watched the drive that Romo led against the Raiders. It was not as impressive as all of you may have remembered. If I have time tommorow, I will upload the videos that I have of both QB's in the previous years preseason. I'm looking forward to seeing how much each has progressed this year.

[CowboyManDan]

I hope both of these QBs make it for their careers.

Romo is in a spot where we have to decide what we have in him now. He's not under contract for next season, yet has never played outside preseason except for two plays of downing the ball. I think he's progressed from everything we hear. Unfortunatly, because of his lack of playing time I find it hard for myself (or anyone) to have any good read on him and what he has to work on to get better. So this preseason is HUGE for him...and also a reason we won't see as much of Henson.

I do have higher expectations for Henson. I made sure to watch every NFLE game as well, and saw plays that just plain got me excited. He made some stellar plays. But he also lacked consistency at times and could use work on his accuracy at times. At times he would throw a laser beam dead on target and then he'd throw one in the dirt. I also LOVE his TD to INT ratio that he had in NFLE (10:3) and in college at UM (24:7). I do believe the game experience was/is a help for him. I think he's progressing nicely and should take advantage of the time he's getting to develop. Since the Cowboys have the time, next season should be a telling one for Henson I think. Romo's play this preseason does have a little say on when they decide to push Henson into playing more.

[Fernando Fernandez]

...Henson, as more like Aikman.

Man!

Of all the...I'm speechless.

[Cochese]

Should we re-name this the Official Drew Henson Fluffer thread?

[iceberg]

Should we re-name this the Official Drew Henson Fluffer thread?

it started off with good intentions.

[Crown Royal]

Yep...I saw the same thing. In the pocket, it seemed like he was WAY too deliberate....almost TOO aware of his mechanics...or that he was being reviewed/analyzed...

But when things broke down, he'd just wing it and was at his best.

The biggest thing that nags me about Henson is his stance. When he's running, it's fine...but when he's in the pocket, he needs to learn to stand up straight, and crouch when it's time to run. Just an observation.

[rw54]

I like both players. This offense is made for Romo. He makes quick decisions and has good touch on his passes. On the down side, he is built slightly and puts some air under some of his throws. To judge him, we would need to him him exposed to NFL defesnses for a prolonged period. As they get to know him his weaknesses could show through more and more but he could also figure out how to cope. We just don't know.

I don't think this offense brings out the best in Henson. A Tom Landry/Dan Reeves/Chan Gailey offense would give him more freedom which is what I think he needs. Offenses are more structured now to reduce mistakes.For Henson to succeed he must find a way to be good enough in this environment. Like others have said he moves well and throws well on the move. He gets good velocity from a number of angles. He is a good athlete. A highly structured offense makes him very mechanical, delibrate, slow. He did seem to speed things up in NFLE. He has to continue this and get even faster. If he can I think he can be very good. If he can't he will probably always tease with his physical abilities.

[BigDFan5]

:laugh2:

So let me understand something...a guy goes into a pre-season game against guys who a week or two later are working at desk jobs in an insurance company...scores a late TD...and he is annointed?

OK. Whatever.


Another thing people forget is the TD was a blown play he did not call the play BP sent in.