The QB situation

[coult44]

A few months ago, Jerry and Steven both said that backup QB was their number one off season concern. They put all of their stock, and the weight of that need, on the shoulders of a 4th round draft pick. So either they lied about the need, failed to meet that need, or are gambling on the health of a QB closer to 40 years old than 30.

I have concluded that they are more than hoping on a few things. The health of Tony being numero uno. We all know that Dak won't be ready for a long while. However, I do believe that he will get a lot of PT during the camps, and for for some reason I think he's going to go balls to the wall to learn the system as fast as he can. Why? Because he knows, and has probably been told that Kelen Moore has no long term future as the QB of the Dallas Cowboys, regardless of what JJ said today. Moore will begin the season as the backup, and unfortunately he will probably have to play.

This year will be different though. I think that the addition of Ezekiel Elliot, along with a healthy Romo and Dez will get us off to a fast start, possibly 5-1 with our schedule. We won't have to play catch up. We will come out on fire offensively, and the defense will have time to catch up.

Uh oh, Here comes the big Buttttttt, There is no way Tony makes it all year without the back, collarbone, or shoulder coming up. I hate it, but he's just at that point. And that brings me to my point. Our "backup" QB , Kellen Moore, will have to come in, but just for a while. He'll have to drive the bus and keep us on track. Hopefully he can do it, but I feel he will be on a short leash. Why? If it go's like our experiments at the position last year with Weeden, and Cassel. Our future "franchise" QB, Dak Prescott, will have to be a quick on the job learner for the rest of the season, or keep us on top until Tony gets back.

I don't trust The Joneses ability to make sound decisions about backup QB's . Last year was proof enough for me to make that conclusion. This off seasons continuation of that problem, has started out similarly. What I am trusting though, is that their acceptance with the scouting departments reasoning to bring in Dak will pay off. Thank God Lynch didn't work out. I hope Tony takes the roll of a mentor and teaches him as much as he can, as fast as he can. Both are good enough men to play those rolls perfectly.

 

[LittleD]

Obviously Linehan and Garrett see something in Moore that was lacking in Weeden and Cassle.
I'm willing to let Moore have a shot and see if he can keep a position at backup QB for this
season. At least we don't have to blow another 3-4 mil on another guy that might not
be any better.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

It would be wis to assume Prescott will not be the backup this season. It would also be wise to assume Moore will not be the long-term solution as the backup. So, it would be wise to try and upgrade the temporary backup position ASAP with a someone who can win games if Romo goes down.

I know the Jones boys do not wish to pay high-dollar ($4-mil) to a backup but that may be their reality unless they get lucky with someone who is content to be Tony's backup and commands a responsible salary.

 

[DBOY3141]

Obviously Linehan and Garrett see something in Moore that was lacking in Weeden and Cassle.
I'm willing to let Moore have a shot and see if he can keep a position at backup QB for this
season. At least we don't have to blow another 3-4 mil on another guy that might not
be any better.

I agree. I think this is 100% Garrett/Linehan's call. Linehan had him in Detroit and likes what he see's. I'm not a JJ/Stephen fan, but if this fails, this goes on the coaches.

 

[Idgit]

They failed to seriously address the QB2 role. Dak's not even an option in that regard this year as far as I'm concerned.

I think it happened for a couple of reasons: 1, I think the guys they really liked in this year's FA period were signed for more than they had allocated (I've heard they had interest in Daniels, who got $21M from PHI). And 2, I think Linehan really does like Moore for that job. They brought Matt Moore in and looked at him seriously, and I'm guessing one of the sticking points was Dallas wanting to structure a deal so that it was flexible in the event K Moore won the job. That's speculation, but it makes sense. They were also probably serious about a QB at #4 if one was there, and in Lynch at the end of round one if they could get it done.

At the end of the day, they didn't do enough to get it done, and there's not really a good option out there in FA, either. It's really disappointing.

 

[LittleD]

They failed to seriously address the QB2 role. Dak's not even an option in that regard this year as far as I'm concerned.

I think it happened for a couple of reasons: 1, I think the guys they really liked in this year's FA period were signed for more than they had allocated (I've heard they had interest in Daniels, who got $21M from PHI). And 2, I think Linehan really does like Moore for that job. They brought Matt Moore in and looked at him seriously, and I'm guessing one of the sticking points was Dallas wanting to structure a deal so that it was flexible in the event K Moore won the job. That's speculation, but it makes sense. They were also probably serious about a QB at #4 if one was there, and in Lynch at the end of round one if they could get it done.

At the end of the day, they didn't do enough to get it done, and there's not really a good option out there in FA, either. It's really disappointing.

There's really no need to worry. Zeke said that no one is getting to Romo on his watch.

 

[xvendettax914]

The only other viable option is wait until people start getting released. A lot of Qbs were drafted, resulting in the inevitable release of other qbs. Are they the answer? I don't know, as we haven't gotten there yet and haven't a clue who they will be, it isn't out of the question to find quality there, or in our case, "better than moore" as we don't know what dak is, quite yet.

 

[Sydla]

I agree. I think this is 100% Garrett/Linehan's call. Linehan had him in Detroit and likes what he see's. I'm not a JJ/Stephen fan, but if this fails, this goes on the coaches.

And I tend to think that's likely not true. I suspect if Colt McCoy or someone of his ilk was asking for a lot less, we'd have signed him. I think the backup QB situation with Moore is more a reflection of the fact that Cowboys didn't want to pay what some of the backups in the market got as opposed to Garrett thinking Moore has been the answer all along.

 

[waldoputty]

A few months ago, Jerry and Steven both said that backup QB was their number one off season concern. They put all of their stock, and the weight of that need, on the shoulders of a 4th round draft pick. So either they lied about the need, failed to meet that need, or are gambling on the health of a QB closer to 40 years old than 30.

I have concluded that they are more than hoping on a few things. The health of Tony being numero uno. We all know that Dak won't be ready for a long while. However, I do believe that he will get a lot of PT during the camps, and for for some reason I think he's going to go balls to the wall to learn the system as fast as he can. Why? Because he knows, and has probably been told that Kelen Moore has no long term future as the QB of the Dallas Cowboys, regardless of what JJ said today. Moore will begin the season as the backup, and unfortunately he will probably have to play.

This year will be different though. I think that the addition of Ezekiel Elliot, along with a healthy Romo and Dez will get us off to a fast start, possibly 5-1 with our schedule. We won't have to play catch up. We will come out on fire offensively, and the defense will have time to catch up.

Uh oh, Here comes the big Buttttttt, There is no way Tony makes it all year without the back, collarbone, or shoulder coming up. I hate it, but he's just at that point. And that brings me to my point. Our "backup" QB , Kellen Moore, will have to come in, but just for a while. He'll have to drive the bus and keep us on track. Hopefully he can do it, but I feel he will be on a short leash. Why? If it go's like our experiments at the position last year with Weeden, and Cassel. Our future "franchise" QB, Dak Prescott, will have to be a quick on the job learner for the rest of the season, or keep us on top until Tony gets back.

I don't trust The Joneses ability to make sound decisions about backup QB's . Last year was proof enough for me to make that conclusion. This off seasons continuation of that problem, has started out similarly. What I am trusting though, is that their acceptance with the scouting departments reasoning to bring in Dak will pay off. Thank God Lynch didn't work out. I hope Tony takes the roll of a mentor and teaches him as much as he can, as fast as he can. Both are good enough men to play those rolls perfectly.

Frankly if Romo out a long time, we are better off tanking.
If Romo out a couple games, Dak may provide some interesting run and option possibilities.

One of the biggest complaints for Moore is his noodle arm.
Here are some ball velocities for Moore compared to QBs drafted this year including Dak.
Everyone would have been happy with Wentz - he is 5 MPH better than Moore and 3 MPH better than Dak - how important?

Moore: 52 MPH
Paxton Lynch, Memphis 59 MPH
Jared Goff, California 58 MPH
Carson Wentz, North Dakota State 57 MPH
Dak Prescott, Mississippi State 54 MPH
Cook was only 50MPH but may have had some issue
http://blogs.ourlads.com/2016/03/02/quarterback-ball-velocity-at-nfl-combine-2008-2015/

 

[Idgit]

There's really no need to worry. Zeke said that no one is getting to Romo on his watch.

To be clear, I'm not nearly as worried about Romo's health as everybody else seems to be. He plays through anything, and it's not like he's got especially weak clavicles for an NFL QB. It was a fluke injury, and they ran the (obviously correct) risk in trying to rush him back when they did. It's just a shame that we were so woefully inept with him out last season and couldn't buy him a week or two of extra rehab time.
That said, I expect him back healthy and throwing darts. All-told, he's got the best protection in the league. If he just adjusts to throw the ball away at the last minute a bit more, we're as well off as anybody in the healthy starting QB department. It's just out backup that stinks.

 

[Nightman]

Frankly if Romo out a long time, we are better off tanking.
If Romo out a couple games, Dak may provide some interesting run and option possibilities.

One of the biggest complaints for Moore is his noodle arm.
Here are some ball velocities for Moore compared to QBs drafted this year including Dak.
Everyone would have been happy with Wentz - he is 5 MPH better than Moore and 3 MPH better than Dak - how important?

Moore: 52 MPH
Paxton Lynch, Memphis 59 MPH
Jared Goff, California 58 MPH
Carson Wentz, North Dakota State 57 MPH
Dak Prescott, Mississippi State 54 MPH
Cook was only 50MPH but may have had some issue
http://blogs.ourlads.com/2016/03/02/quarterback-ball-velocity-at-nfl-combine-2008-2015/

What if we start 8-2 and Romo goes down.....do we tank from there???

I would say no way and that is why having KMoore as the QB2 is a big mistake

It isn't just his arm....it is his overall size, lack of athletic ability and propensity for TOs

 

[Nightman]

I do think the FO decided to go after a QB hard this year in the draft

I think they would have taken Wentz, Goff, Lynch, Cook, Hackenburg or Dak

I am glad they didn't trade up for Lynch- JSmith will be a star and Lynch needs a lot of work

We still could get lucky and sign a vet QB with some wins under his belt after the rookies mini-camps

 

[LittleD]

To be clear, I'm not nearly as worried about Romo's health as everybody else seems to be. He plays through anything, and it's not like he's got especially weak clavicles for an NFL QB. It was a fluke injury, and they ran the (obviously correct) risk in trying to rush him back when they did. It's just a shame that we were so woefully inept with him out last season and couldn't buy him a week or two of extra rehab time.
That said, I expect him back healthy and throwing darts. All-told, he's got the best protection in the league. If he just adjusts to throw the ball away at the last minute a bit more, we're as well off as anybody in the healthy starting QB department. It's just out backup that stinks.

Makes sense...I can agree with you on that.

 

[waldoputty]

What if we start 8-2 and Romo goes down.....do we tank from there???

I would say no way and that is why having KMoore as the QB2 is a big mistake

It isn't just his arm....it is his overall size, lack of athletic ability and propensity for TOs

I never understood why size is that critical considering the QB in Seattle etc, but he is a running threat.
I do think Dak may offer something useful for a 1-2 game absence with the run/option scenarios.
Frankly, if 1-2 games have that big an effect on our chances, we are not a dominant team and will not win the Lombardi.

Your 8-2 dilemma does pose an issue.
After 10 games and Romo is out for a long time, I may be ok with a tank.
IMO, it depends on if Romo can come back without rushing things.

I dont think we can win the Lombardi without Romo next year.
If our chances are not good for winning it all, I personally rather tank.
Especially if we can get a high-1 for a franchise type player (or at least a mid-1 really good player).
Also a high-2 (starter) and high-3 (rotation/good chance for eventual starter)
We could get QB/DE/DB or something close.

 

[Nightman]

I never understood why size is that critical considering the QB in Seattle etc, but he is a running threat.
I do think Dak may offer something useful for a 1-2 game absence with the run/option scenarios.
Frankly, if 1-2 games have that big an effect on our chances, we are not a dominant team and will not win the Lombardi.

Your 8-2 dilemma does pose an issue.
After 10 games and Romo is out for a long time, I may be ok with a tank.
IMO, it depends on if Romo can come back without rushing things.

I dont think we can win the Lombardi without Romo next year.
If our chances are not good for winning it all, I personally rather tank.
Especially if we can get a high-1 for a franchise type player (or at least a mid-1 really good player).
Also a high-2 (starter) and high-3 (rotation/good chance for eventual starter)
We could get QB/DE/DB or something close.

Tanking at 8-2 would be a joke.....it was bad enough at 4-8...they would be fighting to lose to get the 14th pick instead of the 17th...c'mon man

 

[Doomsday101]

I do think the FO decided to go after a QB hard this year in the draft

I think they would have taken Wentz, Goff, Lynch, Cook, Hackenburg or Dak

I am glad they didn't trade up for Lynch- JSmith will be a star and Lynch needs a lot of work

We still could get lucky and sign a vet QB with some wins under his belt after the rookies mini-camps

I think we will see how much Lynch can do early on. While Sanchez will likely start the season I don't think he can win for Denver. I would not be surprised to see Lynch starting some where around week 5.

 

[YosemiteSam]

It would be wis to assume Prescott will not be the backup this season.

It would be wise to assume that Prescott may never amount to anything resembling a starting QB. He is more Tim Tebow than he is even a Stephen McGee. He is more Colin Kaepernick than he is even Randall Cunningham. (that may sound like an odd comparison, but it's not)

I don't care how talented he is, if he can't become a true pocket passer, he will never be a long term starting QB. This is EXACTLY why I said this is 110% a Jerry Jones pick. This is his type of guy. A physical freak, but having a blind eye to what is really important in a good football players makeup.

 

[Nightman]

I think we will see how much Lynch can do early on. While Sanchez will likely start the season I don't think he can win for Denver. I would not be surprised to see Lynch starting some where around week 5.

Lynch has a lot of work to do....he was never under center and his 5 and 7 step drops looked off....he threw a ton of WR screens at MEM.....I don't think he can help this year but they have won with Tebow and broken down Peyton...

 

[waldoputty]

Tanking at 8-2 would be a joke.....it was bad enough at 4-8...they would be fighting to lose to get the 14th pick instead of the 17th...c'mon man

If Romo is out for the season at 8-2, which backup QB do you think we have a chance to win the Lombardi with?
A short playoff run - IMO why bother and may get some players hurt.
I am only interest in the Lombardi and dynasty building like mid 70's an early 90's.

If we are 8-2 and we lose the rest of the games, that makes it 8-8.
How many picks different between 8-8 and say 11-5?
My guess is 15 vs. 25.
That is a pretty big difference.
This year, that was the difference between the top WR vs. some questionable DB.

My friends do think I am a bit extreme lol
So you are not the only one to think my priorities are not reasonable.
With a fan like me, Jerry can afford to take all the big chances (e.g. Smith) once the foundation (OL etc) is assembled.

 

[Doomsday101]