BTB: Why The Cowboys Backup QB Situation Is Not As Bad As You Think

[jday]

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016...ackup-qb-situation-is-not-as-bad-as-you-think

This leads to my preferred method of dealing with a major injury to Tony Romo in 2016. Roll Dak Prescott out there and use a full-on running attack sprinkled in with a package of throws that suit his abilities. The Cowboys offensive line along with Ezekiel Elliott will be asked to do the heavy lifting. But with Prescott you can add in another element. Quarterback draws, sprint rollouts and bootlegs with run/pass options, even zone-reads out of the backfield. Add in short and intermediate throws and try to grind down the clock, turn the ball over as little as possible, and protect the defense sounds like a better recipe than what we saw last year. When things go bad on offense, instead of forcing a throw or taking a sack, Prescott can just use his legs to get what he can.

In a previous thread, I asked the same question and the idea was scoffed. But given the origin of the offensive weapons the Cowboys added and the potential for Romo to be injured, why not try to switch things up? The Seahawks and Panthers, both playoff front-runners the past few seasons, have employed it with fairly decent success in recent years...why not the Cowboys? Granted, both the Panthers and Seahawk feature stifling defenses; that helps. But as long as you move the ball and do so in manner that generates points, why not play to the rookie's strength?

By the way, that was not a rhetorical question. Can anyone provide a plausible reason - outside of Cowboys coaches stubbornness to stick with their current system - why the Cowboys should not consider the option as a viable offense should Romo go down?

 

[Reverend Conehead]

For one thing: The addition of Zeke means we can be a run-oriented, ball-control team. That lessens the chance of a Romo injury. Second: There's a big difference between Romo going down 1-3 games versus most of the season like last year. 1-3 games with Prescott, Moore, or whoever and you might weather the storm, even winning one or two of those games. Romo out for most of the year and the season is shot. The run game would not be enough to make up for that. Then we get another high draft pick and try again.

 

[jobberone]

They're concerned. Dial A QB is no longer a working number. There is not a fix to date they appear interested in ie, there is too much suckage.

 

[waldoputty]

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016...ackup-qb-situation-is-not-as-bad-as-you-think

This leads to my preferred method of dealing with a major injury to Tony Romo in 2016. Roll Dak Prescott out there and use a full-on running attack sprinkled in with a package of throws that suit his abilities. The Cowboys offensive line along with Ezekiel Elliott will be asked to do the heavy lifting. But with Prescott you can add in another element. Quarterback draws, sprint rollouts and bootlegs with run/pass options, even zone-reads out of the backfield. Add in short and intermediate throws and try to grind down the clock, turn the ball over as little as possible, and protect the defense sounds like a better recipe than what we saw last year. When things go bad on offense, instead of forcing a throw or taking a sack, Prescott can just use his legs to get what he can.

In a previous thread, I asked the same question and the idea was scoffed. But given the origin of the offensive weapons the Cowboys added and the potential for Romo to be injured, why not try to switch things up? The Seahawks and Panthers, both playoff front-runners the past few seasons, have employed it with fairly decent success in recent years...why not the Cowboys? Granted, both the Panthers and Seahawk feature stifling defenses; that helps. But as long as you move the ball and do so in manner that generates points, why not play to the rookie's strength?

By the way, that was not a rhetorical question. Can anyone provide a plausible reason - outside of Cowboys coaches stubbornness to stick with their current system - why the Cowboys should not consider the option as a viable offense should Romo go down?

I have a really crazy formation.

Play Dak behind center or shotgun with:
1. a 2nd dual threat QB (like Showers) 8 yards behind Dak.
2. Elliott and DMC split behind Dak.
3. Dez with 2nd WR or Witten.

When you snap the ball:
1. 2nd QB can move to a position where he is both a passing threat or running threat.
2. Elliott and DMC can pass block, run the ball, go for a screen or for a pass.
3. Dak can pass, run, pitch the ball back to the 2nd QB or hand off/pitch to either RB.
4. Either Dez or 2nd WR will get single coverage

The D has will be all spread out with a million things to defend:
1. Defend the 2 receivers with a least 2 DBs and probably 1 safety - keeping 3 defenders occupied.
2. Cover both Zeke and DMC if they go for a pass or a screen - keeping 2 more defenders busy - probably a LB and a S.
3. Engage the OL with at least 4 defenders - otherwise they dont have nearly enough to defend the run.
4. Even when Zeke/DMC/Dak is running the ball, they can still throw the ball back to the 2nd QB for a pass or 'reverse'.
5. Blitzing is really risky with the 2nd QB that is 10 or more yards away from Dak. WRs will have all day to get open if the ball is pitched to the 2nd QB.

Deke is dangerous runner with defense so spread out and distracted.
Both Deke and DMC are dangerous open field runner.
D only has 2 players to defend Dak and the other QB, who may be 10 yards apart.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I have a really crazy formation.

Play Dak behind center or shotgun with:
1. a 2nd dual threat QB (like Showers) 8 yards behind Dak.
2. Elliott and DMC split behind Dak.
3. Dez with 2nd WR or Witten.

When you snap the ball:
1. 2nd QB can move to a position where he is both a passing threat or running threat.
2. Elliott and DMC can pass block, run the ball, go for a screen or for a pass.
3. Dak can pass, run, pitch the ball back to the 2nd QB or hand off/pitch to either RB.
4. Either Dez or 2nd WR will get single coverage

The D has will be all spread out with a million things to defend:
1. Defend the 2 receivers with a least 2 DBs and probably 1 safety - keeping 3 defenders occupied.
2. Cover both Zeke and DMC if they go for a pass or a screen - keeping 2 more defenders busy - probably a LB and a S.
3. Engage the OL with at least 4 defenders - otherwise they dont have nearly enough to defend the run.
4. Even when Zeke/DMC/Dak is running the ball, they can still throw the ball back to the 2nd QB for a pass or 'reverse'.
5. Blitzing is really risky with the 2nd QB that is 10 or more yards away from Dak. WRs will have all day to get open if the ball is pitched to the 2nd QB.

Deke is dangerous runner with defense so spread out and distracted.
Both Deke and DMC are dangerous open field runner.
D only has 2 players to defend Dak and the other QB, who may be 10 yards apart.

Once a QB has developed to the point of being a plus passing threat I think it's crazy to call planned runs as a staple. If they're not then a RB is the better option. If injuries weren't a factor then it's plausible but quality passing QBs are just too rare and precious.

 

[waldoputty]

Once a QB has developed to the point of being a plus passing threat I think it's crazy to call planned runs as a staple. If they're not then a RB is the better option. If injuries weren't a factor then it's plausible but quality passing QBs are just too rare and precious.

i am messing around only in a playground formation lol

For 2016, I am assuming:
Dak and Showers are not very accurate but better than a RB throwing a pass.
Decent for short passes less than 5 yards like Dak shown in college
Need receivers to be 'wide open' for mid/long routes

Deke does not seem to have thrown a pass at Ohio State

 

[DandyDon52]

I have a really crazy formation.

Play Dak behind center or shotgun with:
1. a 2nd dual threat QB (like Showers) 8 yards behind Dak.
2. Elliott and DMC split behind Dak.
3. Dez with 2nd WR or Witten.

When you snap the ball:
1. 2nd QB can move to a position where he is both a passing threat or running threat.
2. Elliott and DMC can pass block, run the ball, go for a screen or for a pass.
3. Dak can pass, run, pitch the ball back to the 2nd QB or hand off/pitch to either RB.
4. Either Dez or 2nd WR will get single coverage

The D has will be all spread out with a million things to defend:
1. Defend the 2 receivers with a least 2 DBs and probably 1 safety - keeping 3 defenders occupied.
2. Cover both Zeke and DMC if they go for a pass or a screen - keeping 2 more defenders busy - probably a LB and a S.
3. Engage the OL with at least 4 defenders - otherwise they dont have nearly enough to defend the run.
4. Even when Zeke/DMC/Dak is running the ball, they can still throw the ball back to the 2nd QB for a pass or 'reverse'.
5. Blitzing is really risky with the 2nd QB that is 10 or more yards away from Dak. WRs will have all day to get open if the ball is pitched to the 2nd QB.

Deke is dangerous runner with defense so spread out and distracted.
Both Deke and DMC are dangerous open field runner.
D only has 2 players to defend Dak and the other QB, who may be 10 yards apart.

This is great lol , got a good laugh out of it.
Not that it is a bad idea, but jg or any other nfl coach would never consider it.
They are all stuck in tunnel vision mode.

 

[Wizarus]

Zeke helps, but not by much. Even the best running back of all time is going to get diminishing returns when defenses just stop respecting the backup QB and coaching staff. Continuous first down runs is just not going to work.

 

[iceberg]

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016...ackup-qb-situation-is-not-as-bad-as-you-think

This leads to my preferred method of dealing with a major injury to Tony Romo in 2016. Roll Dak Prescott out there and use a full-on running attack sprinkled in with a package of throws that suit his abilities. The Cowboys offensive line along with Ezekiel Elliott will be asked to do the heavy lifting. But with Prescott you can add in another element. Quarterback draws, sprint rollouts and bootlegs with run/pass options, even zone-reads out of the backfield. Add in short and intermediate throws and try to grind down the clock, turn the ball over as little as possible, and protect the defense sounds like a better recipe than what we saw last year. When things go bad on offense, instead of forcing a throw or taking a sack, Prescott can just use his legs to get what he can.

In a previous thread, I asked the same question and the idea was scoffed. But given the origin of the offensive weapons the Cowboys added and the potential for Romo to be injured, why not try to switch things up? The Seahawks and Panthers, both playoff front-runners the past few seasons, have employed it with fairly decent success in recent years...why not the Cowboys? Granted, both the Panthers and Seahawk feature stifling defenses; that helps. But as long as you move the ball and do so in manner that generates points, why not play to the rookie's strength?

By the way, that was not a rhetorical question. Can anyone provide a plausible reason - outside of Cowboys coaches stubbornness to stick with their current system - why the Cowboys should not consider the option as a viable offense should Romo go down?

i've racked my brains trying to figure this one out. i don't see a logical pattern or honestly, logic. romos injury history gets worse through the years, not better. seeing as we only won 1 game w/o him last year leads me more to believe our staff simply can't adapt and/or change to their given situation. we've seen it in games and we've seen it through the course of a season.

they let murray walk, ignore the position for the most part the following year, then spend 4 on zeke. great, no issues w/zeke but this again isn't following any sort of a plan or pattern.

i just don't see a team with a direction in mind or a goal with clear steps to achieving it. given that, no it's no surprise that, in my mind, they've pretty much ignored the qb situation. dak, nothing against him either, was a consolation prize and not the target. zeke, great player and i hope he works out, but how does he fit into an overall plan that makes sense or is logical?

given the lack of logic over the years and my own apathy rising, this is just entertainment to me now and while i still can't picture NOT watching the cowboys on sunday, i also can't picture this team doing much damage where it matters with no core direction or system to follow or guide them.

at least that i can see.

 

[Denim Chicken]

I know, we could run the triple option if Romo goes down.

J/k, maybe the OP sounds good in theory, but Dallas doesn't have experience in running that kind of offence and, If they tried, I don't think it would be executed as smoothly as they make it sound.

 

[Eric_Boyer]

For one thing: The addition of Zeke means we can be a run-oriented, ball-control team. That lessens the chance of a Romo injury. Second: There's a big difference between Romo going down 1-3 games versus most of the season like last year. 1-3 games with Prescott, Moore, or whoever and you might weather the storm, even winning one or two of those games. Romo out for most of the year and the season is shot. The run game would not be enough to make up for that. Then we get another high draft pick and try again.

nonsense. he is a rookie. he needs to prove himself. put away the anointing oil, you are embarrassing yourself.

 

[CowboyRoy]

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016...ackup-qb-situation-is-not-as-bad-as-you-think

This leads to my preferred method of dealing with a major injury to Tony Romo in 2016. Roll Dak Prescott out there and use a full-on running attack sprinkled in with a package of throws that suit his abilities. The Cowboys offensive line along with Ezekiel Elliott will be asked to do the heavy lifting. But with Prescott you can add in another element. Quarterback draws, sprint rollouts and bootlegs with run/pass options, even zone-reads out of the backfield. Add in short and intermediate throws and try to grind down the clock, turn the ball over as little as possible, and protect the defense sounds like a better recipe than what we saw last year. When things go bad on offense, instead of forcing a throw or taking a sack, Prescott can just use his legs to get what he can.

In a previous thread, I asked the same question and the idea was scoffed. But given the origin of the offensive weapons the Cowboys added and the potential for Romo to be injured, why not try to switch things up? The Seahawks and Panthers, both playoff front-runners the past few seasons, have employed it with fairly decent success in recent years...why not the Cowboys? Granted, both the Panthers and Seahawk feature stifling defenses; that helps. But as long as you move the ball and do so in manner that generates points, why not play to the rookie's strength?

By the way, that was not a rhetorical question. Can anyone provide a plausible reason - outside of Cowboys coaches stubbornness to stick with their current system - why the Cowboys should not consider the option as a viable offense should Romo go down?

 

[Aven8]

All I know is Dak looks way better than Quincy, who was a 2nd round pick, and couldn't throw a spiral in the NFL for crying out loud! Bill got him to 10-6 so Dak could at least be better than that.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Blogging the Boys has completely lost their sense of objectivity. Every article they post for the most part is rose colored. As a "media' source, they are about as fair and balanced as Fox News.

 

[jday]

Thank you for your contribution to the conversation. I mean, not that it's a plausible or logical response. But I do recognize your ability to use a computer so that's progress...good for you.

 

[_sturt_]

Dak isn't slow, but he's a full step slower than Russell Wilson. At the pro level, I don't see him being the same threat that he was in the SEC.

Nah, if he's going to rise up to become #2, he's first got to show he learn the playbook and continue to work like he did at Miss St to make himself a better QB. Moore's had a a few years head start in the system. If he somehow beats out Moore, we've got a serious talent on our hands, but I don't let the 2016 season rest on Romo staying healthy and Dak Prescott asserting himself as a real #2... to put it in perspective, I put more faith in Kellen Moore than either of those two things occurring.

 

[jday]

Zeke helps, but not by much. Even the best running back of all time is going to get diminishing returns when defenses just stop respecting the backup QB and coaching staff. Continuous first down runs is just not going to work.

That's kinda my point. If the Cowboys attempt to make Dak or Moore or Showers run the offense that Romo runs the season is over. If the Cowboys adjust to something Dak is familiar with, there's a chance the Cowboys can remain competitive. Not a great chance...I get it...but a better chance then trying to fit a square peg in a circle hole, which is what Dak likely look's like trying to run this offense in his first season.

 

[jday]

Blogging the Boys has completely lost their sense of objectivity. Every article they post for the most part is rose colored. As a "media' source, they are about as fair and balanced as Fox News.

Fair point...but that doesn't in any way refute the idea. The question is, why not?

 

[jday]

For one thing: The addition of Zeke means we can be a run-oriented, ball-control team. That lessens the chance of a Romo injury. Second: There's a big difference between Romo going down 1-3 games versus most of the season like last year. 1-3 games with Prescott, Moore, or whoever and you might weather the storm, even winning one or two of those games. Romo out for most of the year and the season is shot. The run game would not be enough to make up for that. Then we get another high draft pick and try again.

Look, if you are thinking team tank should Romo goes down, I can understand that. I do love a high draft pick. But if the Cowboys want to actually try and continue to win games, they may need to switch it up...that's all I'm saying.

 

[jday]

Zeke helps, but not by much. Even the best running back of all time is going to get diminishing returns when defenses just stop respecting the backup QB and coaching staff. Continuous first down runs is just not going to work.

I'm not saying just hand the ball to Zeke all day. The Cowboys have a lot of weapons that actually lend themselves to this style of play. Beasley, Whitehead, Dunbar (when healthy) could feast in an offense like this. And, no, I have not forgotten about the other receiving weapons; they clearly would need a role, as well. I'm just saying the Cowboys offense has weapons that could potential thrive in an option offense.