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

[iceberg]

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.

come on man. there is simply zero proof he was able to put that emote up himself.

 

[jday]

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.

Ideally, Dak would not be running all day, as he did in the SEC. Dak has way too many weapons to feed the ball to to feel the need to win the game on his own. Zeke, Jackson, and Morris all have experience in the option and could make it work in the backfield. With Beasley, Whitehead, Dunbar, and Witten taking shallow routes, while Dez, Williams, and Butler take intermediate to deep routes, the Cowboys could keep a defense guessing all day. This is just a in case of emergency break glass option that I think has some merit.

 

[jday]

come on man. there is simply zero proof he was able to put that emote up himself.

I figured I'd give him the benefit of the doubt....

 

[jday]

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.

Given the reaction to the OP, I may not be considered the most credible source of information, but, that said, I'd recommend maintaining that demeanor for the moment. I honestly think the Cowboys are poised to do great things this season and it is better to be pleasantly surprised than utterly disappointed.

 

[jday]

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.

I'd say, Alfred Morris would be the better second to Zeke because of his experience in the option. And don't sleep on Darius Jackson, who also has experience in the option as well as a whole lot of speed should he catch an open lane.

 

[DeaconMoss]

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.

And Wilson has a cannon, a good throwing base, intelligence (im not going there today with Dak) and throwing motion. Other than that Dak is the same prototype....

This is what happens with Dak, He doesnt beat out Moore or Showers. Dak and Showers are released, one of these 2 is signed to the PS. Or we keep him bc we drafted him fairly early only to be released later.

 

[jday]

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

I'm not saying the Cowboys go full on wildcat option. I defintely don't want to see Zeke trying to throw the ball. I'm think more along the lines of a hybrid option that mixes in some of their current playbook with option plays Zeke and Dak are comfortable with. I'm envisioning lot's of crossing drag routes features Beasley, Whitehead, Witten and Dunbar, while Dez, William/Butler, own the intermediate to deep routes. It could be effective, but that's why I am asking for logical reason's why it can't work.

 

[CowboyRoy]

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.

At this point, I cant argue about all the crazy things that are being posted. After the draft and before the injuries start to set in, this is the time of year when the half full guys are beaming with anticipation of riding to the SB ect....ect..... They read an unrealistic homer article from a site and they feel the need to project that onto the site. IM not saying that is what you did. So at this point Im just going to laugh at the ones I think are funny and not get caught up in it all. There are 3 or 4 a day at least like this.

But in response to your post, the Cowboys backup QB situation is the worst in the NFL. If you didnt realize that after last year, then there is no hope. They did NOTHING to address the problem, which is mind boggling. And if you think that taking a rookie with the 4th round pick is going to help this year, its ridiculous. And the notion that he can run the ball for us from the QB position and help us to the playoffs if he plays a while is completely laughable.

Fact of the matter is the Cowboys had some MAJOR things they needed to address in the off season and they basically whiffed on EVERY single one. The ONE area of strength they strengthened even more, but that is about it.

 

[CowboyRoy]

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.

You have lost your mind completely. If Romo goes down and having one of the worst defenses in the NFL, we will be lucky to win a game or two without him.

 

[JoeKing]

Sans Romo the Cowboys will see a repeat of 2015 whether they go with Moore or this hair brain idea of throwing Dak out there with heavy reliance on Zeke. The rookies don't save the day.

 

[jday]

At this point, I cant argue about all the crazy things that are being posted. After the draft and before the injuries start to set in, this is the time of year when the half full guys are beaming with anticipation of riding to the SB ect....ect..... They read an unrealistic homer article from a site and they feel the need to project that onto the site. IM not saying that is what you did. So at this point Im just going to laugh at the ones I think are funny and not get caught up in it all. There are 3 or 4 a day at least like this.

But in response to your post, the Cowboys backup QB situation is the worst in the NFL. If you didnt realize that after last year, then there is no hope. They did NOTHING to address the problem, which is mind boggling. And if you think that taking a rookie with the 4th round pick is going to help this year, its ridiculous. And the notion that he can run the ball for us from the QB position and help us to the playoffs if he plays a while is completely laughable.

Fact of the matter is the Cowboys had some MAJOR things they needed to address in the off season and they basically whiffed on EVERY single one. The ONE area of strength they strengthened even more, but that is about it.

Well, thank you glass-half-empty guy. I can certainly understand your concerns; if Romo goes down, I get it, that's likely all she wrote for this season. The question is, do we sit back and watch the Cowboys epically fail like last year as they tried to get these back-ups to play like Romo or do the Cowboys switch up the offense to suit our backups strengths. In my opinion, truly great coaches are not married to one scheme; they don't try to fit a player into the scheme, they fit the scheme into their players. So, with Romo off the field, looking at all those weapons the Cowboys have, and the limitations of the back up QB's, how do you best exercise their strengths. In my opinion, that would be the option. No, I don't want Dak carrying the team on his legs; far from it. I still want him to distribute the ball more than anything else. But as long as we show the opposing defense that his running is an option, it can help clear out passing lanes for him to exploit.

 

[jday]

You have lost your mind completely. If Romo goes down and having one of the worst defenses in the NFL, we will be lucky to win a game or two without him.

I don't think we have the worst defense in the NFL; but your right, we will be lucky to win one game without him...especially if the Cowboys continue trying to use the same offense without him. That's kinda my point here...

 

[jday]

Sans Romo the Cowboys will see a repeat of 2015 whether they go with Moore or this hair brain idea of throwing Dak out there with heavy reliance on Zeke. The rookies don't save the day.

Yeah...this thread really isn't about a heavy reliance on Zeke. Plenty of other Zeke threads out there for you to hate on star. This is about a change in offensive philosophy in case Romo goes down. But thank's for your contribution and I'll overlook your lack of reading comprehension.

 

[jday]

 

[CowboyRoy]

Well, thank you glass-half-empty guy. I can certainly understand your concerns; if Romo goes down, I get it, that's likely all she wrote for this season. The question is, do we sit back and watch the Cowboys epically fail like last year as they tried to get these back-ups to play like Romo or do the Cowboys switch up the offense to suit our backups strengths. In my opinion, truly great coaches are not married to one scheme; they don't try to fit a player into the scheme, they fit the scheme into their players. So, with Romo off the field, looking at all those weapons the Cowboys have, and the limitations of the back up QB's, how do you best exercise their strengths. In my opinion, that would be the option. No, I don't want Dak carrying the team on his legs; far from it. I still want him to distribute the ball more than anything else. But as long as we show the opposing defense that his running is an option, it can help clear out passing lanes for him to exploit.

If you agree the season is fully toast if Romo goes down the rest is casual conversation. I had thought you were implying that our backup QB situation might now be that bad. If you werent, then I have no gripe.

And we have all seen that this coaching staff was incapable of adapting last year. If the offense isnt dominating games then this team has no hope at all.

Now most would probably categorize me as a glass half empty guy, but its about reality for me. Ill give my scores of 1-10 on the major strengths and weaknesses of this team:

Coaching 4
Offense with Romo: 10
Offense without Romo: 4
Defense: 3
GM: 5
Future: 4

 

[noshame]

You have lost your mind completely. If Romo goes down and having one of the worst defenses in the NFL, we will be lucky to win a game or two without him.

I can see that because Romo's 5 TD's and seven interceptions last year was truly inspiring to watch. I honestly believe that Dak will wind up salvaging the season, Tony will ride off into the sunset. While he can still remember ride.

 

[jday]

If you agree the season is fully toast if Romo goes down the rest is casual conversation. I had thought you were implying that our backup QB situation might now be that bad. If you werent, then I have no gripe.

And we have all seen that this coaching staff was incapable of adapting last year. If the offense isnt dominating games then this team has no hope at all.

Now most would probably categorize me as a glass half empty guy, but its about reality for me. Ill give my scores of 1-10 on the major strengths and weaknesses of this team:

Coaching 4
Offense with Romo: 10
Offense without Romo: 4
Defense: 3
GM: 5
Future: 4

I'm a realist, as well. And I understand why you came to the conclusion that I'm fine with backup qb, given the title of the btb article. I'm not quite as drunk on the proverbial kool aid as he...but I do think some of his ideas have merit.

And your right, the coaching staff did a horrendous job last year of adjusting their scheme to match their players strengths in Romo's absence. That is a clear indictment of them; no way around it. Which is why I can't see them not trying to do something different in the wake of another Romo injury. If they honestly attempt to lose in the exact same manner they did last year, this coaching staff should get torn down and replaced...or at least, the offensive side of the ball, right along with Garrett. I really like Marinelli, despite the defense he has been given to succeed.

But therein is my point. If the Cowboys attempt to do what they did last year in Romo's absense, they absolutely will fail and fail miserably. I'm not saying if the Cowboys adopt my idea they'll even make it to the playoffs, much less the Super Bowl. But I think it would be good for the team as a whole if they at least tried to do something different. We have all seen what happens when they stay the course without Romo, That equals disaster. So, again, why not?

 

[CowboyRoy]

I can see that because Romo's 5 TD's and seven interceptions last year was truly inspiring to watch. I honestly believe that Dak will wind up salvaging the season, Tony will ride off into the sunset. While he can still remember ride.

This is a great point. Romo typically starts seasons slowly. Especially coming off injuries. We will be lucky to be 2-2 to start the season.

5 TD's and 2 victories in two games by Romo was more wins than we had in the entire other 14 games. And he might have thrown for more TD's also.

 

[waldoputty]

If you agree the season is fully toast if Romo goes down the rest is casual conversation. I had thought you were implying that our backup QB situation might now be that bad. If you werent, then I have no gripe.

And we have all seen that this coaching staff was incapable of adapting last year. If the offense isnt dominating games then this team has no hope at all.

Now most would probably categorize me as a glass half empty guy, but its about reality for me. Ill give my scores of 1-10 on the major strengths and weaknesses of this team:

Coaching 4
Offense with Romo: 10
Offense without Romo: 4
Defense: 3
GM: 5
Future: 4

I would say:
Coach 5 until proven other wise
Offense with Romo: 10
Traditional offense without Romo: 2
Offense using dual threat QB: 6
Defense: 5 - which is a lot better than 2014 D at 3

If Romo stays healthy, a 10 offense and a 5 defense may be good enough to contend.
If Romo goes down, I would say tank the season and get a future QB or some other major piece.
I would play Dak though to see what he has in both traditional role and dual threat mode...

 

[CowboyRoy]

I'm a realist, as well. And I understand why you came to the conclusion that I'm fine with backup qb, given the title of the btb article. I'm not quite as drunk on the proverbial kool aid as he...but I do think some of his ideas have merit.

And your right, the coaching staff did a horrendous job last year of adjusting their scheme to match their players strengths in Romo's absence. That is a clear indictment of them; no way around it. Which is why I can't see them not trying to do something different in the wake of another Romo injury. If they honestly attempt to lose in the exact same manner they did last year, this coaching staff should get torn down and replaced...or at least, the offensive side of the ball, right along with Garrett. I really like Marinelli, despite the defense he has been given to succeed.

But therein is my point. If the Cowboys attempt to do what they did last year in Romo's absense, they absolutely will fail and fail miserably. I'm not saying if the Cowboys adopt my idea they'll even make it to the playoffs, much less the Super Bowl. But I think it would be good for the team as a whole if they at least tried to do something different. We have all seen what happens when they stay the course without Romo, That equals disaster. So, again, why not?

Yah, whatever, gotta try something. Tell the coaching staff. Garrett is the one that cant seem to coach his way out of a paper bag without Romo running the team.