Back Up QB Lacks Talent

[Risen Star]

Yeah, it's only the backups that lack talent.

 

[817Gill]

Grier’s been killin it in camp apparently, curious to watch him in the preseason.

 

[shabazz]

You're going off one game, which I'm also aware of. I'm just not as impressed by it as you are.

the sample size is minuscule and below average at best. Once the panthers figure out that neither Darnold or Mayfield are starters, they would be quality backups

Unfortunately, because the current crop of NFL qb talent is so pathetic, one or both of them will start somewhere.

 

[Pass2Run]

You are seriously overhyping physical skillset. Jay cutler had a cannon, Brandon weeden had a cannon, Jamarcus russsel had a cannon. Each one of them were below average because having a cannon meant Jack diddly. There are plenty of qbs that get by off of being cerebral who don’t have huge arms. You can pretend Cooper has this noodle that can’t reach anybody but the tape doesn’t lie and shows that’s not true. Does he have a cannon, no. Can he complete enough throws and win a couple games? Yes

So, you're saying that, minus the physical part needed, that Cooper Rush is also a guy who can win during a season, or he's more like a guy who might win a game or two, if we're lucky?

 

[Pass2Run]

the sample size is minuscule and below average at best. Once the panthers figure out that neither Darnold or Mayfield are starters, they would be quality backups

Unfortunately, because the current crop of NFL qb talent is so pathetic, one or both of them will start somewhere.

I agree. Would definitely take Mayfield for my backup. I realize his cost is likely too high right now. But he'd be more ideal, especially for the Cowboys where we're impatient about winning. I see Dak as the starter, because I'm not delusional and don't think that will change. But if he gets hurt, we're kinda toast.

It's like, we don't stand much of a chance . . . perhaps by design.

If they're sold on Cooper Rush, OK. I guess that's the standard. I just feel like that's an obvious upgrade, because we're not so invested at the #2 spot where we can't have legit competition.

I guess we'll see. Maybe DiNucci, Grier, et al. that guy from Kansas, all have something. But I would be looking to improve this team at back up. It would be just Jerry's luck to get caught without a decent backup.

If some of you guys say Rush, OK, I just don't see it. If I'm the Cowboys, I may consider moving on with Grier and/or DiNucci as my developmental guys and bringing in a more experienced QB for #2 back up.

 

[GINeric]

3rd round pick, 7 years in the NFL before starting a playoff game.

Jeff Garcia was already a starter at the point he 1st started a playoff game.

Kaepernick was already a starter when at the point he 1st started a playoff game.

Nick Foles had started 16 regular season games at the point he 1st started a playoff game.

T.J. Yates had a 50% win percentage in the playoffs.

They were all BACKUPS who came in AFTER THE STARTING QUARTERBACK got hurt and won playoff games in which some uninformed person said can't be done.

Jeff Garcia came in for Donovan McNabb after injury and won a playoff game.

Colin Kaepernick came in for Alex Smith after injury and led them to the superbowl.

T. J. Yates won a playoff game after replacing Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart.

Before injury to the starters, these guys were bench riding backups!! Why weren't they the starters??? Because they were THE BACKUPS and they won in the playoffs.... something you said couldn't be done. They did it already!! You can't put a spin job on facts my friend.

 

[Pass2Run]

If you have a 160 million dollar investment, don't you want to insure it?

You pay 160 million and insure him with Cooper Rush.....

Only Jerry.

 

[jnday]

If Dak gets hurt, who are we supposed to rely on?

Cooper Rush?

DiNucci?

Grier?

I just don't see it. We need more depth at the back up QB position.

DiNucci has a little Romo in him, but I don't think he's ready. Other than that, I'd hate to see Dak get hurt.

Cooper did a good when he has been asked to fill in. The salary cap prevents teams from keeping too much talent at the backup QB position. It would be nice to have a better backup, but the QB position is taking up too much of the salary cap room already. It would be hard to justify spending more. All teams face the same problem, so the problem is not unique to a Dallas.

 

[FVSTONE]

Interesting, @FVSTONE thinks Rush should start over Dak.

Dakota "Toad Hunter" Prescot has proved throughout his career that he cannot beat average teams consistently and that issue came to a head in the second half of last season when DCs SHUT HIM DOWN the whole second half! The only game Rush started last season was against the Vikings and we all know how that game turned out. It's unfortunate that JJ spent all that money on the Toad Hunter because if he hadn't, there would have been a new starter at QB when it was apparent that the Toad Hunter couldn't properly read defenses in the second half of last season. Rush would have replaced the Toad Hunter if it wasn't for the ridiculous contract. The Cowboys are stuck with an overpaid, underachieving bum who should be forced to spend 4 hrs a day studying the defenses that the Cowboys are going to go up against this season, but we all know that's not going to happen with all the scheduled commercials Toadie is getting ready to shoot....ha-haaaa!

 

[Pass2Run]

Cooper did a good when he has been asked to fill in. The salary cap prevents teams from keeping too much talent at the backup QB position. It would be nice to have a better backup, but the QB position is taking up too much of the salary cap room already. It would be hard to justify spending more. All teams face the same problem, so the problem is not unique to a Dallas.

I'm not sure you can look at it like that, though. When you have that much invested at QB, shouldn't you spend at least a little backing it up in case it fails, i.e, injury insurance. As others have said, your back up doesn't have to suck, necessarily. Although some like that rule of thumb, I don't.

We need a better back up QB. Is there really nobody better than Rush?

I saw him win that game. The team really stepped up for him, too. That doesn't always happen.

Who knows. I could be some jackass, and Cooper Rush could win in the SB this year, but I just doubt it.

 

[Pass2Run]

Dakota "Toad Hunter" Prescot has proved throughout his career that he cannot beat average teams consistently and that issue came to a head in the second half of last season when DCs SHUT HIM DOWN the whole second half! The only game Rush started last season was against the Vikings and we all know how that game turned out. It's unfortunate that JJ spent all that money on the Toad Hunter because if he hadn't, there would have been a new starter at QB when it was apparent that the Toad Hunter couldn't properly read defenses in the second half of last season. Rush would have replaced the Toad Hunter if it wasn't for the ridiculous contract. The Cowboys are stuck with an overpaid, underachieving bum who should be forced to spend 4 hrs a day studying the defenses that the Cowboys are going to go up against this season, but we all know that's not going to happen with all the scheduled commercials Toadie is getting ready to shoot....ha-haaaa!

You honestly think Rush is that good, or Dak is that bad?

I'll try to keep an open mind about Rush. I just saw a QB struggling some. He's big enough. He's there. Just has a slight clumsiness to him that makes me uncomfortable for a QB from an offensive side, and doesn't threaten me from a defensive side. Maybe I'm missing something. I liked Dalton back when he played, and he kind of tanked, so I've been wrong before. But that's kind of what I see with Rush. A guy who can kind of get you there, maybe a game or two. But it'd be hard to rely on him down the stretch, I'd think.

I'm not trying to be unreasonable. I like DiNucci like some of the others. But he's also not ready to rock against an NFL pass rush either, same for Grier. I see both of those guys as #3 guys. But for a reason, like someone said, a roster spot that pays off down the line like Romo.

I just think right now, this year, we need a better #2 guy. And I know we have the resources to insure our $160 million investment with someone better than Rush. We should think about QB depth like any other position. Because it's important.

 

[Pass2Run]

Yeah, it's only the backups that lack talent.

Let's not forget our history and QB lineage.

One goes down, another one steps up.

Cooper Rush?

I don't think the other two are ready.

I think you keep one of those, park the other on the practice squad, and improve on Rush.

I don't know. McClay is in charge. But I wonder if it's more like this is last on the list, or what. Because we can have a higher standard here, because we're the Cowboys.

 

[Pass2Run]

You are seriously overhyping physical skillset. Jay cutler had a cannon, Brandon weeden had a cannon, Jamarcus russsel had a cannon. Each one of them were below average because having a cannon meant Jack diddly. There are plenty of qbs that get by off of being cerebral who don’t have huge arms. You can pretend Cooper has this noodle that can’t reach anybody but the tape doesn’t lie and shows that’s not true. Does he have a cannon, no. Can he complete enough throws and win a couple games? Yes

Cooper has a decent enough arm. No doubt. He can get you through a game. In some games, he can step up and play. I didn't see a skillset that translates over a whole lot of games. I just think that game was really a brilliantly called game, and the defense didn't know what to expect, because there wasn't much NFL tape on him, and of course we'd think teams would adjust. But teams eventually catch on, and your talent, physical talent has to push you over the top.

Otherwise, Kellen Moore would be the best back up QB ever, because he threw for 400 yards in a game. Being savvy usually only gets you so far without the athleticism. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe we're all good there.

 

[xwalker]

I agree. Would definitely take Mayfield for my backup. I realize his cost is likely too high right now. But he'd be more ideal, especially for the Cowboys where we're impatient about winning. I see Dak as the starter, because I'm not delusional and don't think that will change. But if he gets hurt, we're kinda toast.

It's like, we don't stand much of a chance . . . perhaps by design.

If they're sold on Cooper Rush, OK. I guess that's the standard. I just feel like that's an obvious upgrade, because we're not so invested at the #2 spot where we can't have legit competition.

I guess we'll see. Maybe DiNucci, Grier, et al. that guy from Kansas, all have something. But I would be looking to improve this team at back up. It would be just Jerry's luck to get caught without a decent backup.

If some of you guys say Rush, OK, I just don't see it. If I'm the Cowboys, I may consider moving on with Grier and/or DiNucci as my developmental guys and bringing in a more experienced QB for #2 back up.

Mayfield would be a distraction in Dallas because fans/media would create a QB controversy.

Players being constantly hounded by the media with those types of questions can become a huge distraction for the team.

 

[Pass2Run]

Mayfield would be a distraction in Dallas because fans/media would create a QB controversy.

Players being constantly hounded by the media with those types of questions can become a huge distraction for the team.

I was going to say this. Same for almost anyone else of stature. Look at Pollard vs. Zeke. People think they have to hate Zeke to get Pollard. That's by design from the media though, and some of our media is rotten. It's truly personal with them and the Cowboys establishment, and it hasn't helped the Cowboys much. But it can be a balance at times when Jerry gets too far out. I just think they should play like grownups. You know, this guy is the back up. It doesn't have to be a challenge to Dak. I get the media thing, but the media can do whatever they want. The team isn't bound by anyone in the media.

Back in the old days, they simply blocked all the commentary out.

Not today....

 

[zrinkill]

A talented QB would not be a backup in the league unless he is old and is chasing a Ring ....... and if that is the case he would not come to a Jerry Jones team.

 

[ghst187]

If you think Cooper Rush can get you to the playoffs and win, you're on something.

If you have to count on your back up qb to get you to the playoffs then you probably werent going anyway. There aren’t even 32 legit starting QBs in the league and any QBs that have started think they still can so wouldn’t come to Dallas.
Unless you know of any Nick Foles (who’s probably still available btw)…I’m okay with Rush for now.

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

no backup qb is winning for you in the playoffs. You’re hoping your backup can keep you afloat for a couple of games until your starter gets back. If you think any backup qb out there is taking you to the playoffs and winning then you’re the one on good drugs. Cooper is about as good a backup as any in this league

Nicholas Edward Foles would like to have a word with you.

 

[plasticman]

Super Bowl history is packed with examples of backup quarterbacks leading their teams to a SB championship.

What they all had in common, however, is that they were veterans and former starters. What the Cowboys seem to have right now are three 3rd team QB's.

The team of the 90's had great backups for the first two SB's. Very possibly they would have not have been champs had it not been for Beurlein and Kosar.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

no backup qb is winning for you in the playoffs

Nonsense. How about Earl Morrall? Jeff Hostetler? Jim Plunkett? Tom Brady?

All were backups, all won SBs having to come in for an injured starter. Plunkett did it twice.

And yes I know the game is different now than in Morrall, etc.'s day. But backup quarterbacks these days, when they play, play the same game the starters play these days as well. And get the same coaching and practice the same way.

And I also would agree it's not that likely, but saying "no" backup can win for you in the playoffs isn't borne out by history...