The timing of Romo's return

[romothesavior]

It looks and sounds like a near-certainty that Romo will be the starter when he returns. There are a hundred threads on here discussing whether that's the right decision, so that's not what I'm interested in discussing. The question then becomes the timing of that return.

I've always thought the Cleveland game made sense because it would make for a decent "tune up" game (to the extent any NFL game could be viewed as a tune-up) to sort of ease him in, but the DC.com guys are saying it looks more like Pittsburgh or even Baltimore.

The problem with that (especially Baltimore) is that you are setting the guy up for a comeback game followed by another game on short rest.

Assuming he can't go next weekend, would it make sense from a tactical perspective to hold him out until Washington on Thanksgiving?

 

[Cowboysfan917]

I was thinking about this the other day and even if he started week 9, I would seriously consider sitting him the Sunday before thanksgiving or thanksgiving day for extra rest.

I do think waiting until thanksgiving could be a solid plan

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

What are your thoughts if we continue to win and continue to look good while doing it? In your opinion does this effect if/when he should start?

 

[DFWJC]

It looks and sounds like a near-certainty that Romo will be the starter when he returns. There are a hundred threads on here discussing whether that's the right decision, so that's not what I'm interested in discussing. The question then becomes the timing of that return.

I've always thought the Cleveland game made sense because it would make for a decent "tune up" game (to the extent any NFL game could be viewed as a tune-up) to sort of ease him in, but the DC.com guys are saying it looks more like Pittsburgh or even Baltimore.

The problem with that (especially Baltimore) is that you are setting the guy up for a comeback game followed by another game on short rest.

Assuming he can't go next weekend, would it make sense from a tactical perspective to hold him out until Washington on Thanksgiving?

They should not do the 2 games in 4 days thing again like last year.

That was beyond dumb last year..........
Let's see, bring him back early and on the road vs a fairly stout defense in Miami.
Then, on a very short week, suit him up again on Thanksgiving to play a Panther defense that has been annihilating every team in the league.
That was craziness.

I don't know how long they ride the wave they're on now.
Maybe they just stay with Dak. Don't know for sure.
But no, whatever they do, do not bring back a player from injury to play two games in 4-5 days.

 

[JackOfNoTrades]

What are your thoughts if we continue to win and continue to look good while doing it? In your opinion does this effect if/when he should start?

I believe the larger misconception by many is the Romo of 2014 and before is the same Romo today. And that with Romo comes the long ball this offense is missing with Dak. Well, I do not think Romo is the same player by any stretch and do not think his long ball is the prominent threat to defenses it once was. Besides, I think he's one missed block by Free to being down again.

On the flip, replacing Dak with Romo, I believe, hurts the offense in many more ways. Specifically, Dak's ability to run, especially on the edge, keep DE from crashing the middle of the line and provides Zeke more holes to hit. Dak can hit the short and mid throws and I think his long ball will continue to develop. His presence brings the dynamic of a QB running the ball at any point while keeping d-lines honest, which we have seen has been a great benefit to Zeke,

 

[Super_Kazuya]

It would be a pretty big setback to not be able to get him in the Cleveland game. Couldn't lay out any better as far as easy games (although I know Cleveland will be feistier than many think). Trying to wait until the last few games would be a mistake. He needs to go out and play... either to get ready or to be proven to be ineffective.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

It would be a pretty big setback to not be able to get him in the Cleveland game. Couldn't lay out any better as far as easy games (although I know Cleveland will be feistier than many think). Trying to wait until the last few games would be a mistake. He needs to go out and play... either to get ready or to be proven to be ineffective.

A "set back" if we're continue to win playing sound football with Dak? A "set back" for Romo or for the team? Do you advocate starting Romo regardless of record and team performance?

 

[CrownCowboy]

A "set back" if we're continue to win playing sound football with Dak? A "set back" for Romo or for the team? Do you advocate starting Romo regardless of record and team performance?

And if Romo were to ever play this year and this team and offense doesn't miss a beat and perhaps actually gets even better. Would you consider that an overall good thing for the team or an overall setback for Dak as the bottomline?

We can go back and forth all day on this if you'd like.

 

[Super_Kazuya]

A "set back" if we're continue to win playing sound football with Dak? A "set back" for Romo or for the team? Do you advocate starting Romo regardless of record and team performance?

Yes, because neither I nor the coaches are stupid enough to think that any one player is the reason why we are winning. It's a no-lose situation because we still have a solid QB we can go back to. The only people opposed to giving a 15-4 QB (last two years) a shot against the winless Browns on their 7th QB are Romo haters. Plain and simple.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

And if Romo were to ever play this year and this team and offense doesn't miss a beat and perhaps actually gets even better. Would you consider that an overall good thing for the team or an overall setback for Dak as the bottomline?

We can go back and forth all day on this if you'd like.

I was responding to a specific poster and not looking for a fight. Was just simply presenting a question. If we insert Romo and we don't miss a beat and actually improve without any set backs or loss of continuity.. then yes.. I'd be all for it. I'm an advocate of staying with Dak but I'll root for the team regardless. They question that I was presenting is if we beat Philly and Dak continues to play well, are you advocating to just cold insert Romo for the next game? It's simply a question?

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

Yes, because neither I nor the coaches are stupid enough to think that any one player is the reason why we are winning. It's a no-lose situation because we still have a solid QB we can go back to. The only people opposed to giving a 15-4 QB (last two years) a shot against the winless Browns on their 7th QB are Romo haters. Plain and simple.

False. I don't hate Romo but I disagree with this idea. I think that's Ok to have differing opinions right? If no one player is the reason why we're winning-- meaning Romo wouldn't be either.. why replace Dak? The same QB who's gone 15-4 has also only played two full games in the last two years as well.

 

[DandyDon52]

I think Romo needs to suit up and practice for several weeks before actually playing a game.
Cleveland has a good defense, so no game is really a good game for him to start rusty in.
The only thing about cleveland is he could play bad and still win.

I still think it is crazy to switch qb's at this point.
Tony should wait till next season.

 

[CrownCowboy]

I was responding to a specific poster and not looking for a fight. Was just simply presenting a question. If we insert Romo and we don't miss a beat and actually improve without any set backs or loss of continuity.. then yes.. I'd be all for it. I'm an advocate of staying with Dak but I'll root for the team regardless. They question that I was presenting is if we beat Philly and Dak continues to play well, are you advocating to just cold insert Romo for the next game? It's simply a question?

Fair enough.

I'm not looking for a fight either. I just wanted to pose the same question from the other point of view. I respect and appreciate your opinion.

As far as keeping Dak in if we beat the Eagles. I believe that is a subjective question. I am of the opinion that a healthy Tony Romo is better than Dak Prescott at the moment and can elevate the play of this offense even further. The merits of that stance have been argued on this forum ad naseum, but that's where I stand and I'd play him.

With that being said, the debate on this issue is whether or not Tony Romo is healthy and can stay healthy. That's a question that has to be answered in my opinion. Of course, I'd say the majority of fans here think that that question has already been answered and they might be right. But I still think it's an open ended question.

A healthy Tony Romo would make us better, alot better. That's not a knock on Dak. I am actually very excited about him and can't believe we have found our future for years to come so soon. Either way, I'll pull for whoever is playing, whether it's Romo or Dak. I want what we all want here and that's a Super Bowl.

It's a great time to be a Cowboy's fan and I'm more excited now than I have been since 2014. I just don't care much for the Romo disrespect, not saying that you are the one being disrespectful.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

Fair enough.

I'm not looking for a fight either. I just wanted to pose the same question from the other point of view. I respect and appreciate your opinion.

As far as keeping Dak in if we beat the Eagles. I believe that is a subjective question. I am of the opinion that a healthy Tony Romo is better than Dak Prescott at the moment and can elevate the play of this offense even further. The merits of that stance have been argued on this forum ad naseum, but that's where I stand and I'd play him.

With that being said, the debate on this issue is whether or not Tony Romo is healthy and can stay healthy. That's a question that has to be answered in my opinion. Of course, I'd say the majority of fans here think that that question has already been answered and they might be right. But I still think it's an open ended question.

A healthy Tony Romo would make us better, alot better. That's not a knock on Dak. I am actually very excited about him and can't believe we have found our future for years to come so soon. Either way, I'll pull for whoever is playing, whether it's Romo or Dak. I want what we all want here and that's a Super Bowl.

It's a great time to be a Cowboy's fan and I'm more excited now than I have been since 2014. I just don't care much for the Romo disrespect, not saying that you are the one being disrespectful.

Fair enough... Although I'm a Dak advocate... I can see the merits of the other point of view. My biggest issue is Does Tony.. , at this stage of his career.. have the right stuff.. the right internal make up and ingredients to lead this team beyond the divisional round. There is just an "accident" factor with him that I just can't shake but I still love the guy at the same time. The last 10 years has provided many thrills but has also left me nauseous at the same time. I'm obviously not a coach.. but the eye test and my gut tells me the pre-season and our winning streak is not a fluke. I truly believe Dak possesses a key ingredient that you just have or you don't... I'm not going to say he's a more skilled player than Tony.. that wouldn't be fair. But what he "lacks" is being made up for in other areas. We seem to be playing with greater discipline, focus.. the play calling is sharper..Dak is carrying out the design of the plays beautifully and legs are an added dimension. it's like this offense has added a different type of competency unseen since Romo has been our starter. Perhaps we're compensating for what Dak can't do just yet. Can't put my finger on it but I believe Dak has something special with him... and it's not quite a Tony being "better" than Dak decision in my eyes. There are so many more layers to it...

 

[Super_Kazuya]

False. I don't hate Romo but I disagree with this idea. I think that's Ok to have differing opinions right? If no one player is the reason why we're winning-- meaning Romo wouldn't be either.. why replace Dak? The same QB who's gone 15-4 has also only played two full games in the last two years as well.

You replace him because he's a much better quarterback and you always try to improve your team. The coaches aren't as scared of Cleveland as our cowardly fan base it would seem.

 

[Kevinicus]

There is just an "accident" factor...that I just can't shake

Sounds like a personal problem.

 

[Romotil45]

It looks and sounds like a near-certainty that Romo will be the starter when he returns. There are a hundred threads on here discussing whether that's the right decision, so that's not what I'm interested in discussing. The question then becomes the timing of that return.

I've always thought the Cleveland game made sense because it would make for a decent "tune up" game (to the extent any NFL game could be viewed as a tune-up) to sort of ease him in, but the DC.com guys are saying it looks more like Pittsburgh or even Baltimore.

The problem with that (especially Baltimore) is that you are setting the guy up for a comeback game followed by another game on short rest.

Assuming he can't go next weekend, would it make sense from a tactical perspective to hold him out until Washington on Thanksgiving?

He may come back sooner than I expect but I am looking for him around week 15. This does several things: one Romo cant get hurt on the bench if Romo comes back n gets hurt his season is over. Two gives you ample time to evaluate Dak how is he progressing. Three allows Romo to knock off some rust before the playoffs without becoming over exposed to injury. This is what I would do as long as we are winning. If Dak begins to struggle Romo comes back sooner.

 

[CrownCowboy]

Fair enough... Although I'm a Dak advocate... I can see the merits of the other point of view. My biggest issue is Does Tony.. , at this stage of his career.. have the right stuff.. the right internal make up and ingredients to lead this team beyond the divisional round. There is just an "accident" factor with him that I just can't shake but I still love the guy at the same time. The last 10 years has provided many thrills but has also left me nauseous at the same time. I'm obviously not a coach.. but the eye test and my gut tells me the pre-season and our winning streak is not a fluke. I truly believe Dak possesses a key ingredient that you just have or you don't... I'm not going to say he's a more skilled player than Tony.. that wouldn't be fair. But what he "lacks" is being made up for in other areas. We seem to be playing with greater discipline, focus.. the play calling is sharper..Dak is carrying out the design of the plays beautifully and legs are an added dimension. it's like this offense has added a different type of competency unseen since Romo has been our starter. Perhaps we're compensating for what Dak can't do just yet. Can't put my finger on it but I believe Dak has something special with him... and it's not quite a Tony being "better" than Dak decision in my eyes. There are so many more layers to it...

I understand your point of view, my friend.

I can't disagree with much of it. I have said all along that Tony's return and play is all about his health. If he is really healthy then we can make judgements. If he is not then it's all she wrote for him.

I think Dak can be something special and will learn to be one of the best in the league. He is not there yet in my opinion and the comparisons some make between him and a healthy Tony Romo is where I take issue.

With all that said, I agree with you on the fact that I love how this team is disciplined and playing all the way around. As I said before, I am excited as hell right now.

 

[etw926]

 

[irving]

I think Romo needs to suit up and practice for several weeks before actually playing a game.
Cleveland has a good defense, so no game is really a good game for him to start rusty in.
The only thing about cleveland is he could play bad and still win.

I still think it is crazy to switch qb's at this point.
Tony should wait till next season.

I agree with you on this, there is really no good game for Romo to return, these are NFL teams , they will be coming at him hard. People say there is a book on Dak, well there is probably a book on any play maker in the NFL. I'm sure most teams will bring the heat and see how Romo moves, and if he can take the hit. Anybody remember Peyton's last year, he had to get rid of the ball quickly, because teams were coming after him, they knew he wasn't the same quarterback. Romo is going to have to prove to the league that he can still play, and is worthy of the defense's respect. (Remember the Carolina game last year)