Silver Linings

[NorthwestDallas40]

1. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariotta came out as juniors and played well as rookies. Dak played four years, through his senior year. While Dak was not graded as highly as those two, there is no reason to think he can't be as successful with a better offensive supporting cast.

2. This was not a Super Bowl roster. Nor did the FO treat this as a Super Bowl team. They made no significant free agent moves. And used a high 2nd round pick on a redshirt player. Losing Romo may have cost us a shot at a division championship and maybe a playoff win, but that is all. So let's keep that in perspective and enjoy the glimpse of our future in Dak.

3. This is a great reason to change this offensive playbook. Last year, it was proven again that no other QB can succeed in this Garrett/Linehan system other than Romo. So, if this coaching staff was smart, they will tailor the system to the player (Dak), not the player to the system, and change this system for good. We have the personnel to turn this offense in the SEA offense: run-first, play action passing, lots of rollouts to keep the pass rush guessing, read draws to open up bigger rushing lanes for Zeke. I would love to see this transition.

4. If Dak succeeds, Romo can be a premier backup. I know he (and some here) won't want to hear that, and his contract is probably un-cuttable until end of next year (in 2017, he has a cap hit of $24M, but dead money of $19M, so only a $5M savings; whereas in 2018, he has a cap hit of $25M, but dead money of only $8M, so a $17M savings). So, if Dak proves capable, keep Romo around to back him up through 2017, and cut him in 2018. Or trade him, if you find a willing contender.

 

[plymkr]

1. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariotta came out as juniors and played well as rookies. Dak played four years, through his senior year. While Dak was not graded as highly as those two, there is no reason to think he can't be as successful with a better offensive supporting cast.

2. This was not a Super Bowl roster. Nor did the FO treat this as a Super Bowl team. They made no significant free agent moves. And used a high 2nd round pick on a redshirt player. Losing Romo may have cost us a shot at a division championship and maybe a playoff win, but that is all. So let's keep that in perspective and enjoy the glimpse of our future in Dak.

3. This is a great reason to change this offensive playbook. Last year, it was proven again that no other QB can succeed in this Garrett/Linehan system other than Romo. So, if this coaching staff was smart, they will tailor the system to the player (Dak), not the player to the system, and change this system for good. We have the personnel to turn this offense in the SEA offense: run-first, play action passing, lots of rollouts to keep the pass rush guessing, read draws to open up bigger rushing lanes for Zeke. I would love to see this transition.

4. If Dak succeeds, Romo can be a premier backup. I know he (and some here) won't want to hear that, and his contract is probably un-cuttable until end of next year (in 2017, he has a cap hit of $24M, but dead money of $19M, so only a $5M savings; whereas in 2018, he has a cap hit of $25M, but dead money of only $8M, so a $17M savings).

1. agree
2. agree
3. agree
4. Let's hope this is a problem we have to deal with cuz Dak will have to play out of this world to unseat Romo when Romo is healthy.

I'm digging your positive vibes. We need that around here during these dark times.

 

[Nightman]

1. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariotta came out as juniors and played well as rookies. Dak played four years, through his senior year. While Dak was not graded as highly as those two, there is no reason to think he can't be as successful with a better offensive supporting cast.

2. This was not a Super Bowl roster. Nor did the FO treat this as a Super Bowl team. They made no significant free agent moves. And used a high 2nd round pick on a redshirt player. Losing Romo may have cost us a shot at a division championship and maybe a playoff win, but that is all. So let's keep that in perspective and enjoy the glimpse of our future in Dak.

3. This is a great reason to change this offensive playbook. Last year, it was proven again that no other QB can succeed in this Garrett/Linehan system other than Romo. So, if this coaching staff was smart, they will tailor the system to the player (Dak), not the player to the system, and change this system for good. We have the personnel to turn this offense in the SEA offense: run-first, play action passing, lots of rollouts to keep the pass rush guessing, read draws to open up bigger rushing lanes for Zeke. I would love to see this transition.

4. If Dak succeeds, Romo can be a premier backup. I know he (and some here) won't want to hear that, and his contract is probably un-cuttable until end of next year (in 2017, he has a cap hit of $24M, but dead money of $19M, so only a $5M savings; whereas in 2018, he has a cap hit of $25M, but dead money of only $8M, so a $17M savings).

there is no reason to write off any season, not with the schedule we have.....we have been rebuilding for years...no excuses

 

[Alexander]

3. This is a great reason to change this offensive playbook. Last year, it was proven again that no other QB can succeed in this Garrett/Linehan system other than Romo. So, if this coaching staff was smart, they will tailor the system to the player (Dak), not the player to the system, and change this system for good. We have the personnel to turn this offense in the SEA offense: run-first, play action passing, lots of rollouts to keep the pass rush guessing, read draws to open up bigger rushing lanes for Zeke. I would love to see this transition.

This is a thought, but it is not something that will happen until 2017. The offense is already installed. I believe it will take Romo being gone for any real change to happen that will take advantage of the tools that Prescott has.

 

[CATCH17]

1. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariotta came out as juniors and played well as rookies. Dak played four years, through his senior year. While Dak was not graded as highly as those two, there is no reason to think he can't be as successful with a better offensive supporting cast.

2. This was not a Super Bowl roster. Nor did the FO treat this as a Super Bowl team. They made no significant free agent moves. And used a high 2nd round pick on a redshirt player. Losing Romo may have cost us a shot at a division championship and maybe a playoff win, but that is all. So let's keep that in perspective and enjoy the glimpse of our future in Dak.

3. This is a great reason to change this offensive playbook. Last year, it was proven again that no other QB can succeed in this Garrett/Linehan system other than Romo. So, if this coaching staff was smart, they will tailor the system to the player (Dak), not the player to the system, and change this system for good. We have the personnel to turn this offense in the SEA offense: run-first, play action passing, lots of rollouts to keep the pass rush guessing, read draws to open up bigger rushing lanes for Zeke. I would love to see this transition.

4. If Dak succeeds, Romo can be a premier backup. I know he (and some here) won't want to hear that, and his contract is probably un-cuttable until end of next year (in 2017, he has a cap hit of $24M, but dead money of $19M, so only a $5M savings; whereas in 2018, he has a cap hit of $25M, but dead money of only $8M, so a $17M savings). So, if Dak proves capable, keep Romo around to back him up through 2017, and cut him in 2018. Or trade him, if you find a willing contender.

It's real easy to say this isn't a Super Bowl roster but year after year we see teams come from nowhere to be a SuperBowl team.

Dallas was a Super Bowl contender with Romo.

 

[Reality]

This is a thought, but it is not something that will happen until 2017. The offense is already installed. I believe it will take Romo being gone for any real change to happen that will take advantage of the tools that Prescott has.

Agreed. The coaching staff of every team spends the summer creating the offensive system for the upcoming season. They are not making any major changes to it now. They have already shown they can adapt to Dak with their playcalling and Dak has shown that if given time, he can quarterback this offense.

 

[Runwildboys]

I'm not a fan of the whole "No other QB can play in this system" mentality. Just because we've had crap backups so far doesn't mean everyone is incapable of running the offense. Yes, it's designed around Tony's strengths, but Dak seems to have the physical skills to make it possible they can trim it down to suit him, assuming he continues to play at a comparable level to what he's been doing. Just my opinion, I could be stupid.

 

[Alexander]

They have already shown they can adapt to Dak with their playcalling and Dak has shown that if given time, he can quarterback this offense.

That is what I am not completely certain about. While what he has done in the preseason has been incredible, I question how this staff will react when teams prepare for Prescott in earnest. Will they draw back the reigns like they did last year when Romo was gone?

 

[Kaiser]

People are overreacting to this - and yes, I know that is what this site is for.

I agree with the first three in the OP but not with #4, Dak isn't taking Romo's job. This situation is a total fluke, it isn't related to previous injuries and it isn't because Romo is brittle. Look at it like DLaw, as if it was some flakey suspension for the first 4 - 6 games.

So on the OP, I would add my own silver lining. The playbook is going to have a limited set of plays that look like this:

Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Safe route to Dez
Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Deep ball to TWill or Dez
Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Dump off to Witten
Run Morris
Run Morris
Run Morris


The good news is that we have the personnel to do that successfully. We have a dominant OLine and Dak has shown he can make all the throws and run a ball control offense. We don't need Dak to be Romo, we just need him to execute a run-first offense.

I know the Romo thread will hit 200 pages, but in the big scheme of things this doesn't change our season all that much.

 

[Kaiser]

I'm not a fan of the whole "No other QB can play in this system" mentality. Just because we've had crap backups so far doesn't mean everyone is incapable of running the offense. Yes, it's designed around Tony's strengths, but Dak seems to have the physical skills to make it possible they can trim it down to suit him, assuming he continues to play at a comparable level to what he's been doing. Just my opinion, I could be stupid.

I agree, the difference is going to be more in strategy in tactics. They will play a slimmed down playbook, run the ball a lot more and have the QB to a lot more designed rollouts than they would have with Romo.

 

[JoeKing]

Romo is only out for the first few games and we have a serviceable backup in the interim. There is no need to panic over Romo's injury. The accelerated education of Dak is a good thing in the long run. Everything is still possible.

 

[Reality]

That is what I am not completely certain about. While what he has done in the preseason has been incredible, I question how this staff will react when teams prepare for Prescott in earnest. Will they draw back the reigns like they did last year when Romo was gone?

That actually is a valid concern. I think they'll go into the season with the same philosophy, though with more focus on the run than we saw during preseason. That said, my concern is what will happen if Dak throws one or two interceptions. Will they then go back into the shell offense where they run, run, dink, run run, dunk, etc. rather than remain aggressive.

In college, Dak could throw an interception and then come back and play awesome the rest of the game. I think the Cowboys coaches have to go into each game letting Dak be aggressive like they did in preseason and they have to accept that it may mean an interception here or there, but the end result would still be worth it.

 

[thisiscowboyscountry]

there is no reason to write off any season, not with the schedule we have.....we have been rebuilding for years...no excuses

Exactly, this offense has many weapons to win games. All Dak has to do is manage the game and take what the defense gives. If he plays decent this team should be able to start the season atleast 3 and 3. If he plays exceptional we could very well be 5 and 1, or 6 and 0, while never looking back. Worst case we win no games, learn a lot about Dak and puts us in position to draft a top QB next year.

I am bummed that again were unlucky with injuries, but im much more optimistic than when Romo went down early last season.

 

[Alexander]

In college, Dak could throw an interception and then come back and play awesome the rest of the game. I think the Cowboys coaches have to go into each game letting Dak be aggressive like they did in preseason and they have to accept that it may mean an interception here or there, but the end result would still be worth it.

If Romo were gone the year, I would think they might possibly do that.

But, there will be a weekly countdown, well, that is one more week down, only X weeks until #9's return. You know, just like last year where there were games to be won but being conservative cost them some.

 

[EPL0c0]

1. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariotta came out as juniors and played well as rookies. Dak played four years, through his senior year. While Dak was not graded as highly as those two, there is no reason to think he can't be as successful with a better offensive supporting cast.

2. This was not a Super Bowl roster. Nor did the FO treat this as a Super Bowl team. They made no significant free agent moves. And used a high 2nd round pick on a redshirt player. Losing Romo may have cost us a shot at a division championship and maybe a playoff win, but that is all. So let's keep that in perspective and enjoy the glimpse of our future in Dak.

3. This is a great reason to change this offensive playbook. Last year, it was proven again that no other QB can succeed in this Garrett/Linehan system other than Romo. So, if this coaching staff was smart, they will tailor the system to the player (Dak), not the player to the system, and change this system for good. We have the personnel to turn this offense in the SEA offense: run-first, play action passing, lots of rollouts to keep the pass rush guessing, read draws to open up bigger rushing lanes for Zeke. I would love to see this transition.

4. If Dak succeeds, Romo can be a premier backup. I know he (and some here) won't want to hear that, and his contract is probably un-cuttable until end of next year (in 2017, he has a cap hit of $24M, but dead money of $19M, so only a $5M savings; whereas in 2018, he has a cap hit of $25M, but dead money of only $8M, so a $17M savings). So, if Dak proves capable, keep Romo around to back him up through 2017, and cut him in 2018. Or trade him, if you find a willing contender.

There is no doubt that Romo makes up for A LOT of shortcomings in playcalling/coaching, in pass protection/blitz pickup, on defense, on special teams...

 

[shabazz]

People are overreacting to this - and yes, I know that is what this site is for.

I agree with the first three in the OP but not with #4, Dak isn't taking Romo's job. This situation is a total fluke, it isn't related to previous injuries and it isn't because Romo is brittle. Look at it like DLaw, as if it was some flakey suspension for the first 4 - 6 games.

So on the OP, I would add my own silver lining. The playbook is going to have a limited set of plays that look like this:

Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Safe route to Dez
Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Deep ball to TWill or Dez
Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Run Zeke
Dump off to Witten
Run Morris
Run Morris
Run Morris


The good news is that we have the personnel to do that successfully. We have a dominant OLine and Dak has shown he can make all the throws and run a ball control offense. We don't need Dak to be Romo, we just need him to execute a run-first offense.

I know the Romo thread will hit 200 pages, but in the big scheme of things this doesn't change our season all that much.

But that is the point. He very well may take Romos job because this is not a fluke and Romo appears to be brittle

His injury history suggests that this is true,

His history also suggests that he is one tough sob and plays for more than money and am proud that he was a part of this franchise. Just think his time is done as a starter. Hope I'm wrong

 

[Kaiser]

There is no doubt that Romo makes up for A LOT of shortcomings in playcalling/coaching, in pass protection/blitz pickup, on defense, on special teams...

And if Romo is only out 4 - 6 games the Cowboys can play a slimmed down playbook without the entire league adjusting to it. When he is healthy again Romo will be able to use the entire playbook from day one and opposing DCs will have to adjust to that.

Dak isn't going to take Romo's job, but in a short stretch like this is could be both a trial by fire and a great learning experience for Dak.

 

[Runwildboys]

That actually is a valid concern. I think they'll go into the season with the same philosophy, though with more focus on the run than we saw during preseason. That said, my concern is what will happen if Dak throws one or two interceptions. Will they then go back into the shell offense where they run, run, dink, run run, dunk, etc. rather than remain aggressive.

In college, Dak could throw an interception and then come back and play awesome the rest of the game. I think the Cowboys coaches have to go into each game letting Dak be aggressive like they did in preseason and they have to accept that it may mean an interception here or there, but the end result would still be worth it.

He's already shown the ability to forget throwing an interception in the NFL. Just because it was negated by a penalty doesn't mean it wouldn't get into most rookies' heads, but he blew right by it.....Very impressive!

 

[UTmodisette]

The silver lining to me is the fact that this happened in preseason. Gives Romo 2 weeks of healing while not missing any games, and the team gets to mentally prepare to win games without Romo. The team cannot rely on the Romo comeback, we have no idea if Dak has that kind of clutch ability, especially as a rookie. This means the rest of the offense has to be on their game, and either the special teams or defense is going to have to step up as well. I would love to see our opponents underestimate Dallas without Romo, and then Dak and the team surprises the NFL on the way to a 4-2 record going into the bye.

 

[Runwildboys]

And if Romo is only out 4 - 6 games the Cowboys can play a slimmed down playbook without the entire league adjusting to it. When he is healthy again Romo will be able to use the entire playbook from day one and opposing DCs will have to adjust to that.

Dak isn't going to take Romo's job, but in a short stretch like this is could be both a trial by fire and a great learning experience for Dak.

Too new to have "Likes" at my disposal, so...."Like".