Jon Kitna's influence on Tony

[Macnalty]

I know he has not been on the field during real games but is it just a coincidence that Tony is playing better with real competition in the house vs the pet cat we had last year (Brad Johnson). We seem to be throwing accolades around and I feel this guy has been slighted. Word was he was a great teacher, no evidence to the contrary from what I have read and nothing but support for the team and Tony. These details are so important, I freely admit I thought getting rid of TO was a poor move and that Bennett would have the breakout season Miles is experiencing. Way to go Cowboys, keep the surprises coming, hoping we have hit on the Mcgee QB from A&M and maybe one of the special team lads from this last draft (Brewster/Williams/Williams). Great time to be a cowboy fan especially after the way things went last year at this time with the team and Tony. Go Cowboys

 

[gmoney112]

You know, I was going to post something similar a few days ago but decided not too. Kitna came in this year and Romo has really stepped up his game to baller status. Kitna has helped Romo's game, maybe not drastically but Kitna is supposedly a very knowledgeable guy and a fiery vet.

 

[Brooksey]

Tony says it started after the Giants game. I remember aftern that game Romo started sitting in the pocket hanging onto the ball, taking sacks. We were getting worried, thinking they took the Romo out of Tony but it was a maturation process that he decided to go through that is paying off. Did Kitna have anything to do with Tony making that decision after the Giants game ? It's possible it was a a factor, I think more of a factor was his desire to win.

 

[sago1]

Don't believe at all that Kitna's presence on the team somehow threatened Romo into altering his style of play. I do believe that Kitna's view of QB leadership and his strong personality might have shown Romo another view of how he could lead this team.

I do think the departure of TO was huge. I suspect we will never know how much damage TO might have done to this team and to Romo's role. Don't think we should forget how much damage TO's actions/comments hurt his former 49er (can't remember the guy's name) and also in Philly against McNabb--and both of them had lot more experience in the NFl vs. Romo, etc. TO is a great WR but he became poison in the lockerroom once he became a big play WR with a national following. Steve Young has mentioned several times that he had no problem with TO while he was the QB but credited the presence of so many veteran players on the team who could contain/direct TO. Once they all were gone, TO's real personality began to take over.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I would imagine that Kitna may have given some pointers and I am sure support along the way but I don't know how much credit he should be given for Romo's turn around.

One of Tony's biggest improvements is his turn over ratio and let's face it Kitna was not exactly great in his Turn over ratio during his career as a starter.

He has 44 career fumbles and years that he started 12 or more games he averaged 18.57 INTs.

 

[Macnalty]

It was clear with us getting Kitna and drafting McGee that the staus quo with Tony was not going to cut it, this is all just conjecture on my part but the parts fit.
I hope we do not have to see what Kitna's assets are this year or next. Now McGee better show something this next preseason.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

I don't view Jon Kitna as "real" competition.

Jon Kitna is a good player, but he is a back up for a reason.

Tony Romo's progression has more to do with team chemistry, a playmaking/team player at Wide Receiver and a willingness to grow and correct mistakes.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Yes, Kitna has been a positive influence on ROMO......and Kitna suggested that ROMO should be considered for Pro Bowl or MVP honors .....i read that somewhere.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I don't view Jon Kitna as "real" competition.

Jon Kitna is a good player, but he is a back up for a reason.

Tony Romo's progression has more to do with team chemistry, a playmaking/team player at Wide Receiver and a willingness to grow and correct mistakes.

Agreed and I would also say that Tony's biggest competition is himself and not another player.

 

[burmafrd]

Tony looks at all the QBs he works with and tries to learn from them. He admits he learned a lot from Vinny. Why not from Kitna?

 

[Beast_from_East]

I am sorrry, but the idea that Kitna is "real competition" for Romo is just crazy. Go look up career stats, Romo is vastly superior in almost every category when compared to Kitna.


Romo with one freaking arm would still beat out Kitna for the starting job!!!

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm sure Kitna has been a help to Romo. It's good to have a vet on the sideline to provide an extra set of eyes

 

[adbutcher]

I don't view Jon Kitna as "real" competition.

Jon Kitna is a good player, but he is a back up for a reason.

Tony Romo's progression has more to do with team chemistry, a playmaking/team player at Wide Receiver and a willingness to grow and correct mistakes.

 

[CATCH17]

Kitna may have helped us on pass defense more than anything.

 

[aikemirv]

I don't view Jon Kitna as "real" competition.

Jon Kitna is a good player, but he is a back up for a reason.

Tony Romo's progression has more to do with team chemistry, a playmaking/team player at Wide Receiver and a willingness to grow and correct mistakes.

I don't even think Kitna views himself as real competition.

I remember when he was in Cinncinati and Palmer came around, Kitna was content with the backup job - I remember him saying so at the time and I was shocked.

 

[Doomsday101]

I don't even think Kitna views himself as real competition.

I remember when he was in Cinncinati and Palmer came around, Kitna was content with the backup job - I remember him saying so at the time and I was shocked.

Kitna knew why he was brought here and it was not to take over or compete for the job Romo. Dallas has a commitment with Romo but we also wanted a vet backup we could turn to.

 

[Arch Stanton]

Kitna may have helped us on pass defense more than anything.

Catching INT's in practice?

 

[Hook'em#11]

I don't view Jon Kitna as "real" competition.

Jon Kitna is a good player, but he is a back up for a reason.

Tony Romo's progression has more to do with team chemistry, a playmaking/team player at Wide Receiver and a willingness to grow and correct mistakes.

I agree. Can't look at Kitna and see any high level of competiton for Tony. Is Kitna better then Brad? Yes, But, I don't think Tony had anything to be worried about in that sense.

After the first Giants game, there was definately something different about Tony. I do think Kitna has played a role in Tony's development this season.

 

[lspain1]

One area where I would have expected Kitna to help would be with the chemistry between Romo and Roy W. That chemistry has come along slowly...although it looked good this past week.

 

[JBond]

Honestly I believe Tony matured into a great QB this year. Not a good or very good QB, a great one. Having a OK backup is fine, but I am not sure it influenced Tony all that much.