Drew Brees and Tony Romo comparison

[dstovall5]

I've heard constantly about how Romo should be able to carry this team if he were truly an elite QB, but is that really a realistic expectation for our QB? People say he's not elite and not in the same category as Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees. So why do those same people expect him to be able to do something those other guys can't, especially if those guys are considered better? Romo doesn't have anywhere near the supporting cast as those other guys, yet he's expected to do just as much if not more.

The year one of those elite QBs did have a supporting cast similar to Romo's, he finished with a terrible record missing the playoffs, yet he still performed at a high level. And the QB I'm talking about is no scrub, he's widely considered as the 4th best QB and that QB is Drew Brees. Even elite QBs can't win when their surrounding players are atrocious, regardless if they're playing well or not. So again I ask, why is Romo expected to do something even the best QBs in the NFL can't accomplish?

So let's take this to another level and compare the 2012 New Orleans Saints to the 2013 Dallas Cowboys. Both teams didn't/don't have a HC, both teams had/have one of the worst defenses in NFL history, and both teams have franchise QBs. Now lets dig deeper and look at how they stack up in comparison to one another.

(Defensive Stats) 2013 Dallas Cowboys (Projected Stats) ///// 2012 New Orleans Saints

PPG - 26.8 ///// 28.4
Yards/Season - 6829 ///// 7042
Passing Yards/Game - 299 ///// 293
Passing TDs/Game - 2.0 ///// 1.9
Passing First Downs/Game - 14.8 ///// 14.8
Passing Yards/Attempt - 7.4 ///// 7.8
Take Aways - 30 ///// 26
Defensive Passer Rating - 95.1 ///// 93.8

(Offensive Stats) 2013 Tony Romo (Projected Stats) ///// 2012 Drew Brees

CMP% - 64.3 ///// 63
Yards - 3,993 ///// 5,177
Y/A - 7.1 ///// 7.7
TDs - 34 ///// 43
INTs - 9 ///// 19
QBRating - 98.3 ///// 96.3

(Record) 2013 Dallas Cowboys ///// 2012 New Orleans Saints

Dallas Cowboys Record - 7-6
New Orleans Saints Record - 7-9

As you can see from the above statistics, the 2012 New Orleans Saints and the 2013 Dallas Cowboys are very similar teams. Even with Drew Brees at the helm for the 2012 Saints, they still only managed to pull out 7 wins despite their QB playing some darn good football. So if the Drew Brees could only lead the Saints to 7 wins in the same situation Romo is in now, how in the heck do you realistically expect Romo to lead us into the playoffs? Also, just because he's making 100 million doesn't mean he should have to overcome one of the worst defenses in NFL history, especially since a future HoFer in Drew Brees couldn't even do it. And let's not act like our defense doesn't get paid either, because this year alone they're taking up 50 million in salary cap space which is just as much as the offense.

And to end this post, I'll ask this question again for the millionth time. How can someone realistically expect Romo to carry this team to the playoffs, when even Drew Brees couldn't even do it under the same circumstances?

/End Rant

 

[black label]

I've heard constantly about how Romo should be able to carry this team if he were truly an elite QB, but is that really a realistic expectation for our QB? People say he's not elite and not in the same category as Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees. So why do those same people expect him to be able to do something those other guys can't, especially if those guys are considered better? Romo doesn't have anywhere near the supporting cast as those other guys, yet he's expected to do just as much if not more.

The year one of those elite QBs did have a supporting cast similar to Romo's, he finished with a terrible record missing the playoffs, yet he still performed at a high level. And the QB I'm talking about is no scrub, he's widely considered as the 4th best QB and that QB is Drew Brees. Even elite QBs can't win when their surrounding players are atrocious, regardless if they're playing well or not. So again I ask, why is Romo expected to do something even the best QBs in the NFL can't accomplish?

So let's take this to another level and compare the 2012 New Orleans Saints to the 2013 Dallas Cowboys. Both teams didn't/don't have a HC, both teams had/have one of the worst defenses in NFL history, and both teams have franchise QBs. Now lets dig deeper and look at how they stack up in comparison to one another.

(Defensive Stats) 2013 Dallas Cowboys (Projected Stats) ///// 2012 New Orleans Saints

PPG - 26.8 ///// 28.4
Yards/Season - 6829 ///// 7042
Passing Yards/Game - 299 ///// 293
Passing TDs/Game - 2.0 ///// 1.9
Passing First Downs/Game - 14.8 ///// 14.8
Passing Yards/Attempt - 7.4 ///// 7.8
Take Aways - 30 ///// 26
Defensive Passer Rating - 95.1 ///// 93.8

(Offensive Stats) 2013 Tony Romo (Projected Stats) ///// 2012 Drew Brees

CMP% - 64.3 ///// 63
Yards - 3,993 ///// 5,177
Y/A - 7.1 ///// 7.7
TDs - 34 ///// 43
INTs - 9 ///// 19
QBRating - 98.3 ///// 96.3

(Record) 2013 Dallas Cowboys ///// 2012 New Orleans Saints

Dallas Cowboys Record - 7-6
New Orleans Saints Record - 7-9

As you can see from the above statistics, the 2012 New Orleans Saints and the 2013 Dallas Cowboys are very similar teams. Even with Drew Brees at the helm for the 2012 Saints, they still only managed to pull out 7 wins despite their QB playing some darn good football. So if the Drew Brees could only lead the Saints to 7 wins in the same situation Romo is in now, how in the heck do you realistically expect Romo to lead us into the playoffs? Also, just because he's making 100 million doesn't mean he should have to overcome one of the worst defenses in NFL history, especially since a future HoFer in Drew Brees couldn't even do it. And let's not act like our defense doesn't get paid either, because this year alone they're taking up 50 million in salary cap space which is just as much as the offense.

And to end this post, I'll ask this question again for the millionth time. How can someone realistically expect Romo to carry this team to the playoffs, when even Drew Brees couldn't even do it under the same circumstances?

/End Rant

Well done

 

[85Cowboy85]

Good stuff.

If there's hope for us it's that the Saints managed to turn that defense around in one year. Hopefully we can do the same.

 

[tecolote]

Taking things further, Brees had both a horrible defense and an awful head coach that year. As Tony does now. Now Sean Payton is back and things are back to normal.

 

[cajuncocoa]

Good stuff.

If there's hope for us it's that the Saints managed to turn that defense around in one year. Hopefully we can do the same.

Unfortunately, the one difference between the two is Jerry. Tony has him and Drew doesn't. Not likely to turn this around in a year or anytime soon.

 

[percyhoward]

The defense has been terrible for the last three years, but we've been hovering around .500 the whole time. So without thinking about it too much, many people expect us to be where we are again this season, without realizing what an accomplishment it has been merely to be a competitive team challenging for a playoff spot. The yardage totals our defense has allowed this season get a lot of attention, but takeaways offset that somewhat. That's why pass rating is a stat that correlates more highly to winning--it includes interceptions.

Right now, we rank 24th in defensive pass rating.

Two years ago, we ranked 25th.

Last year we ranked 29th (one below the Saints).

The general impression up to now has been "the Cowboys have an average record, so they must be an average team." In truth, the entire time, this has been a bad team, made average by a good pass offense.

 

[mmohican29]

The defense has been terrible for the last three years, but we've been hovering around .500 the whole time. So without thinking about it too much, many people expect us to be where we are again this season, without realizing what an accomplishment it has been merely to be a competitive team challenging for a playoff spot. The yardage totals our defense has allowed this season get a lot of attention, but takeaways offset that somewhat. That's why pass rating is a stat that correlates more highly to winning--it includes interceptions.

Right now, we rank 24th in defensive pass rating.

Two years ago, we ranked 25th.

Last year we ranked 29th (one below the Saints).

The general impression up to now has been "the Cowboys have an average record, so they must be an average team." In truth, the entire time, this has been a bad team, made average by a good pass offense.

My opinion of the 2 QBs begins with some facts. And let me tell you that everytime I watch Brees play I am angered because he is what Romo should have been.

Brees and Romo are roughly the same age.
Brees and Romo are both undersized but both have good arm strength
Brees and Romo are both above average athletes.

There are 2 distinct differences between the two QB's.

1) Sean Payton is a vastly superior offensive coach than Jason Garrett. His system is proven, consistently excellent, and while it has been slowed down by some talented defensive teams- it has never been stopped. And: Sean Payton gives no quarter in his attack, and will dismantle a team and never let off the gas until the final whistle blows.

2) Tony Romo- while still a very good QB, has never had the drive of Brees. Once his quest to make the Cowboys roster, start, and star in the NFL was achieved, he got soft. Not once has Romo ever come in to TC in "makeover" mode. You can tell me his back was hurt etc., but has he ever shown a commitment to his natural athletic talents other than tweaking his delivery or grip? No sir. When Romo entered the league he was deadly as scrambling QB, and play action was his best friend.

Brees is impeccable shape, is still nimble with his footwork, and can't wait to step into his next 30 yard seam route, all the while taking mental note of where his other receivers were so he can go back to the play should it be covered once.

It's too late for Romo to be Brees. He can only hope for a system that fits his talents and an OLine to be high performing to win a Super Bowl.

Brees will be awesome for as long as he wants to be because it's clear he puts in the work. Not saying Romo doesn't, but his athletic ability is melting faster than soy milk in the hot sun. It's Romo's fault this has happened, and frankly it's a shame.

 

[Hoofbite]

Taking things further, Brees had both a horrible defense and an awful head coach that year. As Tony does now. Now Sean Payton is back and things are back to normal.

BINGO!

Biggest boost for the Saints came in the form of their HC returning. Too bad Dallas has no such luck in the foreseeable future.

 

[Hoofbite]

The defense has been terrible for the last three years, but we've been hovering around .500 the whole time. So without thinking about it too much, many people expect us to be where we are again this season, without realizing what an accomplishment it has been merely to be a competitive team challenging for a playoff spot. The yardage totals our defense has allowed this season get a lot of attention, but takeaways offset that somewhat. That's why pass rating is a stat that correlates more highly to winning--it includes interceptions.

Right now, we rank 24th in defensive pass rating.

Two years ago, we ranked 25th.

Last year we ranked 29th (one below the Saints).

The general impression up to now has been "the Cowboys have an average record, so they must be an average team." In truth, the entire time, this has been a bad team, made average by a good pass offense.

I wouldn't say the offense should get that much credit because they haven't exactly been stellar.

The passing game and offense in general certainly kept Dallas alive but it also sandbagged it's fair share of games. The team as a whole has been boom or bust, most often with one side of the ball booming just as the other busts.

I said it a while back, Dallas is Tony Romo enough to stay in the game and compete but too much Tony Romo to come out ahead more often than not.

 

[black label]

Yup without Romo we are screwed, Blaming him is pretty stupid and uhh well.......

 

[percyhoward]

Subjective opinions of Brees vs. Romo are as interesting as they are irrelevant to the point. FWIW, I'd give an edge to Brees, based on what I know and what I can speculate about how each QB would fare in the other's situation. Opinions may differ on this, but that's all fantasyland anyway.

The point, however--and it's a provable one--is that no matter which of them is better than the other, neither takes this team anywhere. Not on any kind of consistent basis.

 

[Eddie]

What really irks me is that BP had an opportunity to snag Brees as a FA but decided to stick with Bleedslow instead.

That was our 2nd blown opportunity to snag Brees. We could have gotten him with a mid or late 1st rounder had we not given our top pick to Seattle for Gagaway.

 

[visionary]

My opinion of the 2 QBs begins with some facts. And let me tell you that everytime I watch Brees play I am angered because he is what Romo should have been.

Brees and Romo are roughly the same age.
Brees and Romo are both undersized but both have good arm strength
Brees and Romo are both above average athletes.

There are 2 distinct differences between the two QB's.

1) Sean Payton is a vastly superior offensive coach than Jason Garrett. His system is proven, consistently excellent, and while it has been slowed down by some talented defensive teams- it has never been stopped. And: Sean Payton gives no quarter in his attack, and will dismantle a team and never let off the gas until the final whistle blows.

2) Tony Romo- while still a very good QB, has never had the drive of Brees. Once his quest to make the Cowboys roster, start, and star in the NFL was achieved, he got soft. Not once has Romo ever come in to TC in "makeover" mode. You can tell me his back was hurt etc., but has he ever shown a commitment to his natural athletic talents other than tweaking his delivery or grip? No sir. When Romo entered the league he was deadly as scrambling QB, and play action was his best friend.

Brees is impeccable shape, is still nimble with his footwork, and can't wait to step into his next 30 yard seam route, all the while taking mental note of where his other receivers were so he can go back to the play should it be covered once.

It's too late for Romo to be Brees. He can only hope for a system that fits his talents and an OLine to be high performing to win a Super Bowl.

Brees will be awesome for as long as he wants to be because it's clear he puts in the work. Not saying Romo doesn't, but his athletic ability is melting faster than soy milk in the hot sun. It's Romo's fault this has happened, and frankly it's a shame.

this is a very good post
i like romo but he is not brees

romo can be great if he gets a real HC and OC who are innovative AND are leaders
romo needs discipline and direction, he has the talent but he is not confident. brees has both in abundance and has a very very good HC/OC in peyton

 

[RastaRocket]

Taking things further, Brees had both a horrible defense and an awful head coach that year. As Tony does now. Now Sean Payton is back and things are back to normal.

Ya... but what is normal for this team?

The leap to 43 TD passes is also HUGE. This offense has never ate up yards with ease like the Saints have. I love Romo, but he is not Breesus. Boiler Up!

 

[perrykemp]

My opinion of the 2 QBs begins with some facts. And let me tell you that everytime I watch Brees play I am angered because he is what Romo should have been.

Brees and Romo are roughly the same age.
Brees and Romo are both undersized but both have good arm strength
Brees and Romo are both above average athletes.

There are 2 distinct differences between the two QB's.

1) Sean Payton is a vastly superior offensive coach than Jason Garrett. His system is proven, consistently excellent, and while it has been slowed down by some talented defensive teams- it has never been stopped. And: Sean Payton gives no quarter in his attack, and will dismantle a team and never let off the gas until the final whistle blows.

2) Tony Romo- while still a very good QB, has never had the drive of Brees. Once his quest to make the Cowboys roster, start, and star in the NFL was achieved, he got soft. Not once has Romo ever come in to TC in "makeover" mode. You can tell me his back was hurt etc., but has he ever shown a commitment to his natural athletic talents other than tweaking his delivery or grip? No sir. When Romo entered the league he was deadly as scrambling QB, and play action was his best friend.

Brees is impeccable shape, is still nimble with his footwork, and can't wait to step into his next 30 yard seam route, all the while taking mental note of where his other receivers were so he can go back to the play should it be covered once.

It's too late for Romo to be Brees. He can only hope for a system that fits his talents and an OLine to be high performing to win a Super Bowl.

Brees will be awesome for as long as he wants to be because it's clear he puts in the work. Not saying Romo doesn't, but his athletic ability is melting faster than soy milk in the hot sun. It's Romo's fault this has happened, and frankly it's a shame.

Interesting analysis. I don't agree with all of it, however, you clearly spent some time thinking about the topic.

The comparison between Romo and Brees in terms of footwork and in general coming into the season each year in impeccable shape is an interesting one.

 

[Future]

How can someone realistically expect Romo to carry this team to the playoffs, when even Drew Brees couldn't even do it under the same circumstances?

Well for one, Tony is the better QB of the two.

 

[Nation]

The defense has been terrible for the last three years, but we've been hovering around .500 the whole time. So without thinking about it too much, many people expect us to be where we are again this season, without realizing what an accomplishment it has been merely to be a competitive team challenging for a playoff spot. The yardage totals our defense has allowed this season get a lot of attention, but takeaways offset that somewhat. That's why pass rating is a stat that correlates more highly to winning--it includes interceptions.

Right now, we rank 24th in defensive pass rating.

Two years ago, we ranked 25th.

Last year we ranked 29th (one below the Saints).

The general impression up to now has been "the Cowboys have an average record, so they must be an average team." In truth, the entire time, this has been a bad team, made average by a good pass offense.

Spot on. And it's no surprise that in 2009 when the Saints won the Super Bowl they were 3rd in Defensive Passer Rating they had a 68.6 QB rating.

 

[perrykemp]

Taking things further, Brees had both a horrible defense and an awful head coach that year. As Tony does now. Now Sean Payton is back and things are back to normal.

This. Hard to look at last year for New Orleans as anything other than a mulligan missing their head coach and other key coaches.

 

[Future]

This. Hard to look at last year for New Orleans as anything other than a mulligan missing their head coach and other key coaches.

Well then I guess the last 6 years in Dallas are a mulligan too, because they've been playing without a head coach at all lol

 

[TNCowboy]

People are so foolish to get wrapped up in stats on individual players. If you want to focus on stats, Matthew Stafford is among the all time greats.

Romo isn't the terrible player a few portray him to be, but he's not at the same level as Brees, much less Manning, Rodgers, or Brady. It's foolish to pretend he is.

Regardless, who is laying the overall failure of the organization at the feet of Romo? He's had his shortcomings, but I see most of the blame laid at the feet of Jones, Garrett, and Kiffin.