Right now, it actually doesnt matter who the QB is

[Idgit]

I dont think we've played a team yet that is playing like what we would see in the playoffs. That is my concern.

Like I asked in another thread, in 2008, Matt Cassel went 11-5...so I guess had they made the playoffs and tom been healed, you still go with cassel? lol. You always field your best players until they prove they arent the best. Tony AT LEAST deserves 2 games to show he's better than Dak.

I have very little doubt that Tony would come in and in very short order be playing at a very high level again. As well as Dak's playing, though, I'm not sure you end up netting anything significant with the switch. Tony does a ton of things better, but what he does with experience and smarts, Dak is looking like he can about match with youth, energy, and the threat to run the football.

I worry less about what the change requires of either QB, honestly. But everything changes for everybody on offense when Tony comes back in. How long they have to block, the progressions, how he keeps the plays alive and so how the WRs need to adjust on the routes, the spin and velocity of the ball, how the QB takes the ball coming from center, or in shotgun. The adjustments they make, or don't make, at the line, the Center's responsibilities (Frederick makes the line calls with Dak in). All that stuff the team can handle, but it's all just a little bit different. I don't want to make more out of that than it's worth, but there's something to the argument that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

Re: your Cassel argument, Cassel wasn't playing at Dak's level even then, and that team hadn't rattled off 5 (or 6, as the case may be) straight. And Romo's not quite Brady. If we were 4-2 right now, and the team was being carried primarily by the defense, I don't think there'd be a lot of talk about a QB controversy in Dallas, either.

 

[CrownCowboy]

I have very little doubt that Tony would come in and in very short order be playing at a very high level again. As well as Dak's playing, though, I'm not sure you end up netting anything significant with the switch. Tony does a ton of things better, but what he does with experience and smarts, Dak is looking like he can about match with youth, energy, and the threat to run the football.

I worry less about what the change requires of either QB, honestly. But everything changes for everybody on offense when Tony comes back in. How long they have to block, the progressions, how he keeps the plays alive and so how the WRs need to adjust on the routes, the spin and velocity of the ball, how the QB takes the ball coming from center, or in shotgun. The adjustments they make, or don't make, at the line, the Center's responsibilities (Frederick makes the line calls with Dak in). All that stuff the team can handle, but it's all just a little bit different. I don't want to make more out of that than it's worth, but there's something to the argument that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

Re: your Cassel argument, Cassel wasn't playing at Dak's level even then, and that team hadn't rattled off 5 (or 6, as the case may be) straight. And Romo's not quite Brady. If we were 4-2 right now, and the team was being carried primarily by the defense, I don't think there'd be a lot of talk about a QB controversy in Dallas, either.

Good post.

The only avenue that I would take in disagreement is that I believe the offensive line and running game is what is carrying this team right now and you could throw in how well the defense has held it together.

Without this dominant line and running game, I don't think we'd have the record we have. I think Dak deserves all the accolades he is receiving and it could be slightly different stylistically with Romo in there but the one thing will be constant with both. The offensive line moves people more times than not and we'll average a ton of yards per game on the ground.

 

[John813]

The run game is definitely making the defense gear up to stop it first and forthmost.

However, Dak is doing a very good job when he steps back to pass. Pocket awareness, vision downfield, power and touch on his passes. Sure, he has struggled here and there, but he's been clutch.

So, with the run game, either QB can succeed, but Dak is definitely showing he can put the team on his back when needed.

 

[Idgit]

Good post.

The only avenue that I would take in disagreement is that I believe the offensive line and running game is what is carrying this team right now and you could throw in how well the defense has held it together.

Without this dominant line and running game, I don't think we'd have the record we have. I think Dak deserves all the accolades he is receiving and it could be slightly different stylistically with Romo in there but the one thing will be constant with both. The offensive line moves people more times than not and we'll average a ton of yards per game on the ground.

Without a doubt. The offense is a 16-wheeler right now. Either guy could drive it. There are going to be situations that might come up where one driver is maybe better than the other, or where they might both get it done, only differently.

Now, if the wheels were falling off, or the tranny was questionable, I know which guy I'd want back there right now, but that's not what's going on here.

 

[Super_Kazuya]

Good post.

The only avenue that I would take in disagreement is that I believe the offensive line and running game is what is carrying this team right now and you could throw in how well the defense has held it together.

Without this dominant line and running game, I don't think we'd have the record we have. I think Dak deserves all the accolades he is receiving and it could be slightly different stylistically with Romo in there but the one thing will be constant with both. The offensive line moves people more times than not and we'll average a ton of yards per game on the ground.

And therein lies the dilemma. We could go 14-2 if we continue to run and pass protect like this (averaging 191 yards per game the last month, and teams win 85% of games like that regardless of anything else that happens). But all it takes is running in to one team in the playoffs (like Donkey Kong Suh's Lions in 2014) who can shut down our run game with their front 4 and then Dak would get his pants pulled down on national TV because he lacks advanced passing skills. Do you really think Jerry could live with himself losing in that scenario, starting a rookie in the playoffs (which is hard enough), when he had a 13 year vet on the bench who holds every franchise passing record and has seen it all? Who did save you in that exact same scenario less than 2 years ago? I don't.

 

[Gabe]

The way I see it, Dak is a PRIMARY reason the OL, Zeke, Defense (limited possessions) are playing the level they are. Take out his leadership, poise, and energy and a lot of that goes away. I made a post a while back about how so much of what he does actually doesn't show up in the stat sheet.

I don't agree with the interchangeable part. Otherwise we would have been great last year and not 4-12. Dak has been incredible with an out of shape Zeke for 3-4 games and no Dez. Both should be a full go for the Eagles game and that is scary.

He has also dealt with a banged up LT Tyron Smith who was out two games.

 

[CrownCowboy]

Without a doubt. The offense is a 16-wheeler right now. Either guy could drive it. There are going to be situations that might come up where one driver is maybe better than the other, or where they might both get it done, only differently.

Now, if the wheels were falling off, or the tranny was questionable, I know which guy I'd want back there right now, but that's not what's going on here.

That's a good analogy to use, my friend.

I am on record saying that I'd prefer a healthy Romo in there but you really hit the nail on the head in this situation. Both ball players can get it done and I really don't think there will be much in the way of chemistry issues with either one. There could be, but I doubt it. These are professional football players and this offensive line cut it's teeth with Tony in there.

Regardless of who it is, I couldn't be more excited and hope that it keeps going. I'll also say in general that I am not counting Tony Romo out. Whether it's on the field or helping out the offense from afar, he is a vital part of this ballclub and we need him.

 

[CrownCowboy]

The way I see it, Dak is a PRIMARY reason the OL, Zeke, Defense (limited possessions) are playing the level they are. Take out his leadership, poise, and energy and a lot of that goes away. I made a post a while back about how so much of what he does actually doesn't show up in the stat sheet.

I don't agree with the interchangeable part. Otherwise we would have been great last year and not 4-12. Dak has been incredible with an out of shape Zeke for 3-4 games and no Dez. Both should be a full go for the Eagles game and that is scary.

Interchangable parts doesn't mean with multiple parts.

When you have two really good parts, then it works.

And I just fundamentally disagree with you, but respectfully. Without this dominant offensive line, this offense wouldn't be as successful and that includes Dak.

 

[CrownCowboy]

And therein lies the dilemma. We could go 14-2 if we continue to run and pass protect like this (averaging 191 yards per game the last month, and teams win 85% of games like that regardless of anything else that happens). But all it takes is running in to one team in the playoffs (like Donkey Kong Suh's Lions in 2014) who can shut down our run game with their front 4 and then Dak would get his pants pulled down on national TV because he lacks advanced passing skills. Do you really think Jerry could live with himself losing in that scenario, starting a rookie in the playoffs (which is hard enough), when he had a 13 year vet on the bench who holds every franchise passing record and has seen it all? Who did save you in that exact same scenario less than 2 years ago? I don't.

Yessir, I completely agree.

I have been on here arguing the same thing as I am clearly in the Romo camp as to who should lead this offense. Mainly but not exclusively for the argument you just presented. And like the Dak supporters, that doesn't mean I'm hating on the other guy.

 

[Idgit]

That's a good analogy to use, my friend.

I am on record saying that I'd prefer a healthy Romo in there but you really hit the nail on the head in this situation. Both ball players can get it done and I really don't think there will be much in the way of chemistry issues with either one. There could be, but I doubt it. These are professional football players and this offensive line cut it's teeth with Tony in there.

Regardless of who it is, I couldn't be more excited and hope that it keeps going. I'll also say in general that I am not counting Tony Romo out. Whether it's on the field or helping out the offense from afar, he is a vital part of this ballclub and we need him.

Tony's the man, no doubt about it. I think he's actually having fun watching it happen, too.

This is a great situation to be in. It's a tough call, and a delicate situation for Tony and Dak, but we'll handle it right. Of course, if they do go back to Tony, people are going to howl and make a much bigger deal out of it than it ought to be. The same with the passing of the torch takes if they stick with Dak. But the reality is, both of these guys can play at a high level. At the most important position in all of sports, it's a good thing to have two guys, not a bad thing. I still can't believe how lucky we got with Dak in the first place. It's like somebody gifted us 3-5 years of meaningful football in not having to find Romo's replacement by painful trial and error.

 

[Gabe]

Interchangable parts doesn't mean with multiple parts.

When you have two really good parts, then it works.

And I just fundamentally disagree with you, but respectfully. Without this dominant offensive line, this offense wouldn't be as successful and that includes Dak.

I agree the OL is awesome. But, remember Dak was still incredible with Chaz Green protecting his blindside.

 

[CrownCowboy]

Tony's the man, no doubt about it. I think he's actually having fun watching it happen, too.

This is a great situation to be in. It's a tough call, and a delicate situation for Tony and Dak, but we'll handle it right. Of course, if they do go back to Tony, people are going to howl and make a much bigger deal out of it than it ought to be. The same with the passing of the torch takes if they stick with Dak. But the reality is, both of these guys can play at a high level. At the most important position in all of sports, it's a good thing to have two guys, not a bad thing. I still can't believe how lucky we got with Dak in the first place. It's like somebody gifted us 3-5 years of meaningful football in not having to find Romo's replacement by painful trial and error.

Yep.

I spent alot of time on here in heated discussions defending Romo and why he should start when he's healthy. It's really pointless considering the overall scenario of the team.

I hope they decide to put Tony Romo in there when he is ready but Dak Prescott has proven to me that he can be the man for years to come after Romo hangs them up. The bottomline is that this team on offense has been built the right way. I can't tell you how many years I screamed for them to fix up real nice and pretty this offensive line and now lo and behold they did it and here we are.

Of course people will cite last year and that debacle, but in this day and age of the NFL, one year is totally different than the next. Injuries derailed last year across the board. But overall, with Prescott emerging, our young powerful offensive line and the secondary emerging, this team's future looks bright and that's really all you can ask for.

 

[CrownCowboy]

I agree the OL is awesome. But, remember Dak was still incredible with Chaz Green protecting his blindside.

That he was, my friend.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

Without a doubt. The offense is a 16-wheeler right now. Either guy could drive it. There are going to be situations that might come up where one driver is maybe better than the other, or where they might both get it done, only differently.

Now, if the wheels were falling off, or the tranny was questionable, I know which guy I'd want back there right now, but that's not what's going on here.

haha, he said tranny was questionable

 

[mrmojo]

We weren't even talking playoffs when Tony went down and now we are. So for me anything that happens from this point on is gravy. knowing we have our QB of the future on the roster. To even be thinking we could go deep in the playoffs is a credit to how special this team has become.....don't mess it up Jerry!

 

[endersdragon]

And therein lies the dilemma. We could go 14-2 if we continue to run and pass protect like this (averaging 191 yards per game the last month, and teams win 85% of games like that regardless of anything else that happens). But all it takes is running in to one team in the playoffs (like Donkey Kong Suh's Lions in 2014) who can shut down our run game with their front 4 and then Dak would get his pants pulled down on national TV because he lacks advanced passing skills. Do you really think Jerry could live with himself losing in that scenario, starting a rookie in the playoffs (which is hard enough), when he had a 13 year vet on the bench who holds every franchise passing record and has seen it all? Who did save you in that exact same scenario less than 2 years ago? I don't.

I also worry about us playing a team that could put up a bunch of points like the Pats (should we make it that far) or the Falcons. I worry what he does if they score on their first two drives and suddenly we are down 21-6 or the like at the end of the first half. Romo has been in that situation many times before and has won quite a few games like that. Dak as of yet hasn't been, he's basically been playing with a lead most of the season except 2 drives into the 49er game but our defense shut them down after that. I love Dak and was so happy we drafted him even saying his floor is a good career backup... But the better overall QB right now is Romo, I just hope when we do put Romo in he's able to silence critics right away.

 

[irving]

Many people who are the so called experts, have said that it appears that Dak brings a confidence to the team, that is contagious. I don't think you can just interchange players, and assume that you will get the same results. Some players are just special, whether some of us want to recognize it or not.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

I also worry about us playing a team that could put up a bunch of points like the Pats (should we make it that far) or the Falcons. I worry what he does if they score on their first two drives and suddenly we are down 21-6 or the like at the end of the first half. Romo has been in that situation many times before and has won quite a few games like that. Dak as of yet hasn't been, he's basically been playing with a lead most of the season except 2 drives into the 49er game but our defense shut them down after that. I love Dak and was so happy we drafted him even saying his floor is a good career backup... But the better overall QB right now is Romo, I just hope when we do put Romo in he's able to silence critics right away.

This is the big issue, and main reason for my original post.

Come playoff time when Brady, Ben, Ryan, etc. are there to put up 40 points....I simply dont expect Dak to keep up. Whereas I know Tony can and has.

 

[DFWJC]

Many people who are the so called experts, have said that it appears that Dak brings a confidence to the team, that is contagious. I don't think you can just interchange players, and assume that you will get the same results. Some players are just special, whether some of us want to recognize it or not.

They mean confidence to the team compared to what they ran out there last year at 4-12. Compared to Weeden, Cassel, etc.
The 12-4 team the year before with Romo was extremely confident.
And the overall I team is a bit better this year.

Dak will start though.

 

[toto1939]

If it doesn't matter who the QB is, then maybe we should keep the guy we're paying $500,000 and get rid of the $108,000,000 man and use the money elsewhere