JAX game a microcosm of a typical Bledsoe season

[gbrittain]

He said it in the thread he created right before this one. I can understand any fan not having a lot of confidence in a player but the differance is you’re not hoping Dallas loses the game for your own agenda. I'm not opposed to Romo and if things don't improve a change could take place however people may find out very quickly that making a change does not mean that it will be for the better and once you make that move there is no turning back.

making a change does not mean that it will be for the better and once you make that move there is no turning back

I will be the first to admit I have never been on the Romo bandwagon. I have no idea what he is and is not capable of. What bothers me is that we are almost at a point where we have hitched our wagon to Bledsoe and there is no unhooking.

When is a good time to turn Romo loose? Obviously if Bledsoe gets injured that is a no brainer. However, Bledsoe is like the Rock of Gibraltar out there and I certainly do not wish injury on any football players much less Cowboy players.

I just do not know how to separate from the Bledsoe experiment, but I want to in the worst way. People around here call Peyton Manning a choker for the most part and yet Bledsoe could not carry Manning's jock strap.

How are we supposed to get far with Bledsoe? I do not think it will happen. I think Bledsoe will bounce back from last weeks fiasco, but I will almost guarantee that he will lets us down again in a big time game with the season on the line.

 

[Doomsday101]

I will be the first to admit I have never been on the Romo bandwagon. I have no idea what he is and is not capable of. What bothers me is that we are almost at a point where we have hitched our wagon to Bledsoe and there is no unhooking.

When is a good time to turn Romo loose? Obviously if Bledsoe gets injured that is a no brainer. However, Bledsoe is like the Rock of Gibraltar out there and I certainly do not wish injury on any football players much less Cowboy players.

I just do not know how to separate from the Bledsoe experiment, but I want to in the worst way. People around here call Peyton Manning a choker for the most part and yet Bledsoe could not carry Manning's jock strap.

How are we supposed to get far with Bledsoe? I do not think it will happen. I think Bledsoe will bounce back from last weeks fiasco, but I will almost guarantee that he will lets us down again in a big time game with the season on the line.

I'm not trying to change your mind or anyone else about Bledsoe. That is in the hands of Bledsoe to change the mindset of his critics. As for Romo if I'm going to make him a starter then heading into next years training camp he gets all snaps with the 1st unit not some all, he plays every game in pre-season with the 1st unit and he is named starting QB from the get go there can be no question of who the team leader is. For this season it is in the hands of Bledsoe and should over the next 3 to 4 weeks things don't improve then chances are I would go ahead and make the change. I don't think that will be the case.

 

[Jarv]

Deep down, I believe most rational Cowboy fans know Bledsoe can't lead us to the ultimate prize, our 6th Lombardi.

We all want to hope and that's why Henson had and Romo has so much support among the fans.

When I think back to the moment I heard we signed Bledsoe, my gut reaction was that it was an improvement over Vinny but we would still be mediocre because Bledsoe has too many weaknesses that get exposed over the course of a season.

So far that gut reaction hasn't been too far off target and I don't see it changing anytime soon.

This hits close to home for me also. Bledsoe is too hot and cold for me.

Bledsoe is what he is, I also don't have aspirations that he will win it all for us. Hope he proves me wrong.

You hit the nail on the head about the new guys, I'm not sure if Romo can win for us, but I'm willing to take the chance because I'm more sure Bledsoe won't.

 

[gbrittain]

I'm not trying to change your mind or anyone else about Bledsoe. That is in the hands of Bledsoe to change the mindset of his critics. As for Romo if I'm going to make him a starter then heading into next years training camp he gets all snaps with the 1st unit not some all, he plays every game in pre-season with the 1st unit and he is named starting QB from the get go there can be no question of who the team leader is. For this season it is in the hands of Bledsoe and should over the next 3 to 4 weeks things don't improve then chances are I would go ahead and make the change. I don't think that will be the case.

I like your plan. I think it is a good one. The only problem I have with it is that means that we do not know what we have in Romo until next year. What if he outright stinks and is clearly not starting material. It is back to the drawing board and another year down the drain.

Of course, maybe Romo tears it up and my point is moot. Nevertheless, there is not a perfect scenario I suppose and that is probably the route Dallas should and will have to go.

 

[Stautner]

I know we discussed this some the other day. I am a big time Bledsoe doubter. However, I do not for one second believe that Bledsoe plays like he did Sunday all the time. I do contend that when the division, playoff hopes, playoff games, and/or Super Bowl is on the line he will put up an egg.

Perhaps no faith/confidence would be more accurate than when I say he sucks. Clearly he does not suck all the time or as bad as he did last Sunday.

Let's take a stab at cutting through the crap and coming up with a fair assesment that we can agree on:

1. Bledsoe is not a superstar - he is merely a solid QB that has been successful for many years.

2. Bledsoe doesn't suck - he is a solid QB that has been successful for many years.

3. Bledsoe has a some weaknesses and limitations that are exxagerated by the fact that he has a weak O-line and running game - so limited support.

4. Romo has shown talent in the preseason and is waiting in the wings (some may say breathing down Bledsoe's neck) - however there is no way to know how well Romo will perform in real games against NFL first team defenses throwing the book at him for a full game. He could be a huge bonus for the team or he could fall flat.

5. Bledsoe has earned a little respect for his career, and at least in Parcell's mind, earned the right to start. Every QB has bad games, and one game does not a season make.

6. Respect is only worth so much latitude - especially with a young talent waiting in the wings. Bledsoe should be a little on the hot seat and if he shows a pattern of poor or even average play Parcells can't afford to be overly patient and watch while the ship sinks.

7. Game 2 would be a tough time (probably a bad time) to turn the reigns over because if Romo falls flat the season could be lost before it barely begins.

FAIR ENOUGH?

 

[Doomsday101]

I like your plan. I think it is a good one. The only problem I have with it is that means that we do not know what we have in Romo until next year. What if he outright stinks and is clearly not starting material. It is back to the drawing board and another year down the drain.

Of course, maybe Romo tears it up and my point is moot. Nevertheless, there is not a perfect scenario I suppose and that is probably the route Dallas should and will have to go.

There are no perfect plans, any scenario you give there will be a downside to it. I should have added one other ideal to my scenario with Romo and that would be I would bring in a vet backup in case he did fail and lastly I would draft a QB next season if possible. So that would leave you with the starter in Romo, a vet backup and a young QB who can learn behind them.

 

[Tass]

Ok, I don't 'hope we lose'. I DO hope that Romo gets to be our QB, ok? I HOPE we win despite Drew playing badly.

 

[Doomsday101]

Ok, I don't 'hope we lose'. I DO hope that Romo gets to be our QB, ok? I HOPE we win despite Drew playing badly.

You can do what ever you want, that is your choice.

 

[Stautner]

There are no perfect plans, any scenario you give there will be a downside to it. I should have added one other ideal to my scenario with Romo and that would be I would bring in a vet backup in case he did fail and lastly I would draft a QB next season if possible. So that would leave you with the starter in Romo, a vet backup and a young QB who can learn behind them.

Who knows, Bledsoe might be willing to hang on in 2007 as insurance - he has a contract through that time.

I agree that what happens this year is in Bledsoe's hands - the job could be his all year or we could make a move at some point depending on Bledsoe and the team's performance.

As for next year, I truly believe Romo will be given the first preference and every opportunity to win the job. The one possible monkey wrench in that is if Romo gets a chance to start at some point this year and doesn't play well.

 

[gbrittain]

Let's take a stab at cutting through the crap and coming up with a fair assesment that we can agree on:

1. Bledsoe is not a superstar - he is merely a solid QB that has been successful for many years.

2. Bledsoe doesn't suck - he is a solid QB that has been successful for many years.

3. Bledsoe has a some weaknesses and limitations that are exxagerated by the fact that he has a weak O-line and running game - so limited support.

4. Romo has shown talent in the preseason and is waiting in the wings (some may say breathing down Bledsoe's neck) - however there is no way to know how well Romo will perform in real games against NFL first team defenses throwing the book at him for a full game. He could be a huge bonus for the team or he could fall flat.

5. Bledsoe has earned a little respect for his career, and at least in Parcell's mind, earned the right to start. Every QB has bad games, and one game does not a season make.

6. Respect is only worth so much latitude - especially with a young talent waiting in the wings. Bledsoe should be a little on the hot seat and if he shows a pattern of poor or even agerage play Parcells can't afford to be overly patient and watch while the ship sinks.

7. Game 2 would be a tough time (probably a bad time) to turn the reigns over because if Romo falls flat the season could be lost before it barely begins.

FAIR ENOUGH?

On point 1: I agree, he is no superstar.


On point 2: He does not suck. I would not agree that he is solid. Unless by solid you mean an average QB. That is what Bledsoe is. His QB rating bears that out. You can look at on a year by year basis or look at his cumalitive QB rating, it is average and he is average. What do you mean by successful. As the starter for his team he has only been to the playoffs three times in his 13 years. One very successful season in which he led his team to the Super Bowl over 10 years ago.

On point 3: Yes and no. I think he makes the O-line look as every bit as bad as the O-Line makes him look. They contribute mutually in that endeavor. I refuse to give either one a free pass. I am quite confident that a more mobile QB and one who gets rid of the ball quicker would not have been sacked 49 times last year or fumbled the ball 17 times. Again, I do not excuse the OL nor do I excuse Bledsoe.

On point 4: I agree entirely. As I said earlier in another post I have never at any point been on the Romo bandwagon. I have no idea if he is any good. At some point the only way to find out though is to put him on the field. I am not suggesting he go out there this week or the following. Maybe it is next year, but unless Bledsoe gets hurt it is going to take some cojones to make the difficult call to put Romo out there and find out if he is the answer or is it time to move on again.

On point 5: I would never be in favor of benching Bledsoe over one game. However, Bledsoe is not so good or earned such a reputation in Dallas or anywhere else for that matter that he is untouchable. Shoot, I do not think Brett Favre is untouchable in Green Bay, why would I think Bledsoe is untouchable in Dallas.

On point 6: I agree.

On point 7: I agree.

 

[gbrittain]

There are no perfect plans, any scenario you give there will be a downside to it. I should have added one other ideal to my scenario with Romo and that would be I would bring in a vet backup in case he did fail and lastly I would draft a QB next season if possible. So that would leave you with the starter in Romo, a vet backup and a young QB who can learn behind them.

Regardless of what happens, I agree Dallas should draft another QB that they see something in. I am not saying it has to be a first rounder. But I would think it would be smart to do some solid scouting in the QB department and bring that guy into the fold next year.

 

[Doomsday101]

Who knows, Bledsoe might be willing to hang on in 2007 as insurance - he has a contract through that time.

I agree that what happens this year is in Bledsoe's hands - the job could be his all year or we could make a move at some point depending on Bledsoe and the team's performance.

As for next year, I truly believe Romo will be given the first preference and every opportunity to win the job. The one possible monkey wrench in that is if Romo gets a chance to start at some point this year and doesn't play well.

Bledsoe has said before he is not willing to be a backup, I think when the time comes he will retire but I don't see him accepting a backup role. I think if Bledsoe and the Cowboys can turn things around and put up a very good season and playoff run then I could see him returning next season but only as a starter. Which I think it is the reason Dallas wanted Romo to sign for more than just the 1 year contract Romo had asked for. I think Dallas is leaving the door open for Bledsoe to return but I think this team has to be successful this season for that to happen. If things don't work out then I would expect to see Romo named the starter and a vet brought in to back him up and I would hope we would also invest in a QB in the draft (without reaching for one)

 

[Doomsday101]

Regardless of what happens, I agree Dallas should draft another QB that they see something in. I am not saying it has to be a first rounder. But I would think it would be smart to do some solid scouting in the QB department and bring that guy into the fold next year.

I agree. I think it is important to have a young QB in the wings.

 

[Stautner]

On point 1: I agree, he is no superstar.


On point 2: He does not suck. I would not agree that he is solid. Unless by solid you mean an average QB. That is what Bledsoe is. His QB rating bears that out. You can look at on a year by year basis or look at his cumalitive QB rating, it is average and he is average. What do you mean by successful. As the starter for his team he has only been to the playoffs three times in his 13 years. One very successful season in which he led his team to the Super Bowl over 10 years ago.

On point 3: Yes and no. I think he makes the O-line look as every bit as bad as the O-Line makes him look. They contribute mutually in that endeavor. I refuse to give either one a free pass. I am quite confident that a more mobile QB and one who gets rid of the ball quicker would not have been sacked 49 times last year or fumbled the ball 17 times. Again, I do not excuse the OL nor do I excuse Bledsoe.

On point 4: I agree entirely. As I said earlier in another post I have never at any point been on the Romo bandwagon. I have no idea if he is any good. At some point the only way to find out though is to put him on the field. I am not suggesting he go out there this week or the following. Maybe it is next year, but unless Bledsoe gets hurt it is going to take some cojones to make the difficult call to put Romo out there and find out if he is the answer or is it time to move on again.

On point 5: I would never be in favor of benching Bledsoe over one game. However, Bledsoe is not so good or earned such a reputation in Dallas or anywhere else for that matter that he is untouchable. Shoot, I do not think Brett Favre is untouchable in Green Bay, why would I think Bledsoe is untouchable in Dallas.

On point 6: I agree.

On point 7: I agree.

I think most of what you have said is reasonable. My only point of disagreement is on the definition of a solid NFL QB. Outside of the truly outstanding QB's, who typically averages 100 point QB ratings each year. Look around the NFL - even at Bledsoe's age probably over half of the QB's are below his level. In Bledsoe's prime he may not have been at the top of the NFL, but he was always probably in the top 20-25% of QB's in the league. That would qualify as above average.

Not to mention the career numbers - obviously NFL coaches thought enough of him to keep in starting for a lot of years, which doesn't happen with QB's that are merely average.

Saying Bledsoe is just average is to me like saying Terry Glenn is just average. Glenn isn't a superstar and isn't a Hall of Famer, but he is always a big play threat and even at his age is a starter and considered a quality receiver. And over the course of his career, there have been a hell of a lot more WR's below his level than above it - like Bledsoe.

Stop and think about all the Charlie Batches and Ryan Leafs and Quincy Carters and Bobby Heberts and Patrick Ramseys and Brian Grieses and Tommy Madduxes and on and on ........... that have come through the NFL as starters over the years. There are a hell of a lot more of those - and even starters below that level - that have come along over the years than starters who were consistently better than Bledsoe. That's what qualifies him as a solid - and above average QB.

 

[gbrittain]

I think most of what you have said is reasonable. My only point of disagreement is on the definition of a solid NFL QB. Outside of the truly outstanding QB's, who typically averages 100 point QB ratings each year. Look around the NFL - even at Bledsoe's age probably over half of the QB's are below his level. In Bledsoe's prime he may not have been at the top of the NFL, but he was always probably in the top 20-25% of QB's in the league. That would qualify as above average.

Not to mention the career numbers - obviously NFL coaches thought enough of him to keep in starting for a lot of years, which doesn't happen with QB's that are merely average.

Saying Bledsoe is just average is to me like saying Terry Glenn is just average. Glenn isn't a superstar and isn't a Hall of Famer, but he is always a big play threat and even at his age is a starter and considered a quality receiver. And over the course of his career, there have been a hell of a lot more WR's below his level than above it - like Bledsoe.

Stop and think about all the Charlie Batches and Ryan Leafs and Quincy Carters and Bobby Heberts and Patrick Ramseys and Brian Grieses and Tommy Madduxes and on and on ........... that have come through the NFL as starters over the years. There are a hell of a lot more of those - and even starters below that level - that have come along over the years than starters who were consistently better than Bledsoe. That's what qualifies him as a solid - and above average QB.

I think the terms HOF, great, good, and average have been cheapend a bit. One might think that average is a terrible thing to be, but it is not.

Jake Plummer has been in the league 10 years and he is average in my book. Maybe for guys like Bledsoe and Plummer above average is more appropriate.

There is just no way I can put Bledsoe in the good category personally.

 

[Stautner]

I think the terms HOF, great, good, and average have been cheapend a bit. One might think that average is a terrible thing to be, but it is not.

Jake Plummer has been in the league 10 years and he is average in my book. Maybe for guys like Bledsoe and Plummer above average is more appropriate.

There is just no way I can put Bledsoe in the good category personally.

Relative to the vast majority of other QB's over the last 14 years Bledsoe has to be considered good.

Hell, statistically he is in very good company - very similar to guys like Warren Moon, Boomer Esiason, Dan Fouts, Dave Krieg and others. Some of those are HOFers, while others were less than the best, no doubt, but still among the top QB's of their era.

I'm not saying Bledsoe is necessarily as good as those guys, but it would be incredibly unfair to say he isn't in the ballpark.

He is a 4 time Pro-Bowler and has averaged 231 yards per game over the course of his career and 21 TD's per every 16 games - it aint Elway, but it aint bad.

The guy you put in the same class (Plummer) has no Pro-Bowls, has averaged 214 ypg over his career and 19 TD's per 16 games.

Plus, Bledsoe has a positive TD/INT ratio (245 to 201) and Plummer has a negative ratio (150 to 151).

Not a fair comparison.

Great, good, average, etc... are relative terms, and compared to the vast majority of QB's over the years Bledsoe has been pretty darn good.

 

[Zaxor]

Relative to the vast majority of other QB's over the last 14 years Bledsoe has to be considered good.

Hell, statistically he is in very good company - very similar to guys like Warren Moon, Boomer Esiason, Dan Fouts, Dave Krieg and others. Some of those are HOFers, while others were less than the best, no doubt, but still among the top QB's of their era.

I'm not saying Bledsoe is necessarily as good as those guys, but it would be incredibly unfair to say he isn't in the ballpark.

He is a 4 time Pro-Bowler and has averaged 231 yards per game over the course of his career and 21 TD's per every 16 games - it aint Elway, but it aint bad.

The guy you put in the same class (Plummer) has no Pro-Bowls, has averaged 214 ypg over his career and 19 TD's per 16 games.

Plus, Bledsoe has a positive TD/INT ratio (245 to 201) and Plummer has a negative ratio (150 to 151).

Not a fair comparison.

Great, good, average, etc... are relative terms, and compared to the vast majority of QB's over the years Bledsoe has been pretty darn good.

He has finished last or next to last in his division something like all but 2 or 3 years...pee stinking U...

Bledsoe has played in 189 games but has thrown 201 Ints has 120 fumbles and been sacked 453 times and a career avg QBR of 77...that isn't pretty darn good that is disgusting

 

[Stautner]

He has finished last or next to last in his division something like all but 2 or 3 years...pee stinking U...

Bledsoe has played in 189 games but has thrown 201 Ints has 120 fumbles and been sacked 453 times and a career avg QBR of 77...that isn't pretty darn good that is disgusting

Cut the crap.

As a rookie Bledsoe took over a team that was 2-14 the year before. Two years later they were 10-6 and won the division. NE won the division 3 times while Bledsoe was the QB (doesn't count the injury year when Brady took over).

In Buffalo he took over another very bad team - 3-13 the year before. They improved to 8-8 in Bledsoe's 1st year and had a winning record at 9-7 in 2004.

Last year Bledsoe took a Dallas team that was 6-10 the previous year and helped them to a 9-7 record. If you don't think he was a significant upgrade over Vinny you weren't paying attention.

Granted, Bledsoe's W/L record isn't stellar, but at each stop he took over a very bad team and helped turn them around.

As for the interceptions, Bledsoe has thrown an average of 1.06 INT's per game. By comparison, Aikman threw 1.17 INT's per game.

You need to understand that on a percentage basis the INT's aren't a problem - the gross number is naturally high merely because he has thrown a heck of a lot of passes over his career.

All of this doesn't mean Bledsoe was a star, but it does mean your statement is bogus.

 

[Zaxor]

Cut the crap.

As a rookie Bledsoe took over a team that was 2-14 the year before. Two years later they were 10-6 and won the division. NE won the division 3 times while Bledsoe was the QB (doesn't count the injury year when Brady took over).

In Buffalo he took over another very bad team - 3-13 the year before. They improved to 8-8 in Bledsoe's 1st year and had a winning record at 9-7 in 2004.

Last year Bledsoe took a Dallas team that was 6-10 the previous year and helped them to a 9-7 record. If you don't think he was a significant upgrade over Vinny you weren't paying attention.

Granted, Bledsoe's W/L record isn't stellar, but at each stop he took over a very bad team and helped turn them around.

As for the interceptions, Bledsoe has thrown an average of 1.06 INT's per game. By comparison, Aikman threw 1.17 INT's per game.

You need to understand that on a percentage basis the INT's aren't a problem - the gross number is naturally high merely because he has thrown a heck of a lot of passes over his career.

All of this doesn't mean Bledsoe was a star, but it does mean your statement is bogus.

I don't think you know what you are talking about

Aikman threw 141 Int's in 165 games so you are WRONG!

http://www.aikman.com/foot_pro.shtml

also

1993 next to last

AFC East W L T % PF PA Buffalo Bills 12 4 0 .750 329 242 Miami Dolphins 9 7 0 .563 349 351 New York Jets 8 8 0 .500 270 247 New England Patriots 5 11 0 .313 238 286 Indianapolis Colts 4 12 0 .250 189 378

1994 2nd place

AFC East W L T % PF PA Miami Dolphins 10 6 0 .625 389 327 New England Patriots 10 6 0 .625 351 312 Indianapolis Colts 8 8 0 .500 307 320 Buffalo Bills 7 9 0 .438 340 356 New York Jets 6 10 0 .375 264 320

1995 next to last

AFC East W L T % PF PA Buffalo Bills 10 6 0 .625 350 335 Indianapolis Colts 9 7 0 .563 331 316 Miami Dolphins 9 7 0 .563 398 332 New England Patriots 6 10 0 .375 294 377 New York Jets 3 13 0 .188 233 384

1996 1st

AFC East W L T % PF PA New England Patriots 11 5 0 .688 418 313 Buffalo Bills 10 6 0 .625 319 266 Indianapolis Colts 9 7 0 .563 317 334 Miami Dolphins 8 8 0 .500 339 325 New York Jets 1 15 0 .063 279 454

1997 1st

AFC East W L T % PF PA New England Patriots 10 6 0 .625 369 289 Miami Dolphins 9 7 0 .563 339 327 New York Jets 9 7 0 .563 348 287 Buffalo Bills 6 10 0 .375 255 367 Indianapolis Colts 3 13 0 .188 313 401

1998 next to last

AFC East W L T % PF PA New York Jets 12 4 0 .750 416 266 Miami Dolphins 10 6 0 .625 321 265 Buffalo Bills 10 6 0 .625 400 333 New England Patriots 9 7 0 .563 337 329 Indianapolis Colts 3 13 0 .188 310 444

1999 Last

AFC East W L T % PF PA Indianapolis Colts 13 3 0 .813 423 333 Buffalo Bills 11 5 0 .688 320 229 Miami Dolphins 9 7 0 .563 326 336 New York Jets 8 8 0 .500 308 309 New England Patriots 8 8 0 .500 299 284

2000 last

AFC East W L T % PF PA Miami Dolphins 11 5 0 .688 323 226 Indianapolis Colts 10 6 0 .625 429 326 New York Jets 9 7 0 .563 321 321 Buffalo Bills 8 8 0 .500 315 350 New England Patriots 5 11 0 .313 276 338

2001 Brady and of course wins superbowl

Bledsoe shuffles off to Buffalo

2002 last

AFC East W L T % PF PA New York Jets 9 7 0 .563 359 336 New England Patriots 9 7 0 .563 381 346 Miami Dolphins 9 7 0 .563 378 301 Buffalo Bills 8 8 0 .500 379 397

2003 last

AFC East W L T % PF PA New York Jets 9 7 0 .563 359 336 New England Patriots 9 7 0 .563 381 346 Miami Dolphins 9 7 0 .563 378 301 Buffalo Bills 8 8 0 .500 379 397

2004 next to last

AFC East W L T % PF PA New England Patriots 14 2 0 .875 348 238 Miami Dolphins 10 6 0 .625 311 261 Buffalo Bills 6 10 0 .375 243 279 New York Jets 6 10 0 .375 283 299

bledsoe in Dallas

2005 next to last

NFC East W L T % PF PA New York Giants 11 5 0 .688 422 314 Washington Commanders 10 6 0 .625 359 293 Dallas Cowboys 9 7 0 .563 325 308 Philadelphia Eagles 6 10 0 .375 310 388

that is 9 out of 12 in last or next to last in his division so you are wrong again...

 

[Zaxor]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/playerStats?categoryId=70231&seasonStatus=4his post season is attrocious 7 games 6 tds 12 ints 17 sacks and 4 fumbles a qbr of 54.9...peeeeeeeeeeeeee U