Tony Romo best Cowboy QB of all time
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Cowboysfan1975
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Romo has done his thing with much less then the other great Cowboys QBs. I love them all, but Romo has had to deal with bad teams, some bad coaches, Rotating offensive cords, Horrible o lines until recently. Not winning a SB is not on him. Like others have said, he would have the skins had he played on the SB teams of the past. I'm not going to try to ramk them, but Romo is in the conversation for greatest Cowboys QB ever!
Rockport
AmberBeer
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Well you sure haven't made a case to support your opinion.
GimmeTheBall!
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GimmeTheBall!
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Rockport
AmberBeer
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What? He had Bob Hayes, Ditka, John Niland, Rayfield Wright, Blaine Nye, Duane Thomas, Calvin Hill, Preston Pearson, Drew Pearson and Tony Dorsett just to name a few of the offensive guys from 2 seasons.
Reverend Conehead
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You obviously weren't watching back then. Roger was a freak of nature. He was the most poised QB I've very seen and among the most elusive and the best leader. I would choose him over Joe Montana or John Elway or Tom Brady. He played in an era without all the QB protections we have today and without the bump and run that protects receivers, and yet he torched defenses. Romo's great, but he doesn't surpass Staubach.
bark
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[quote="MichaelValentino, post: 6427684, member: 38434
I love Tony Romo. He's a great QB and a great player. He is also a classy guy. I am behind him 100% and want to see him win multiple SBs.
But in this conversation, I take both Staubach and Aikman over Romo.
Plasticman makes a compelling argument for Aikman over Romo. Consider also that in SBXXVIII, Aikman was playing one week after suffering a concussion vs SF in the first half of the NFCCG. He took less than half the snaps in practice the week leading up to the SB, which that year was played one week, not two, after the conference finals. In the first half he badly underthrew Irvin for his only INT in three SB appearances. Indeed, if not for his concussion vs the 9ers, his playoff stat line would be even more impressive. The Aikman of SBXXVIII was not the passing surgeon that he was the year prior vs. Buffalo, and Dallas knew they had to rely on the O-line and Emmitt to take control of the game in the 2nd half.
If not for the 1st quarter meltdown vs the 9ers in the 94 NFCCG (w/out Erik Williams, with a banged-up Emmitt nursing a pulled hamstring sustained the prior week in the blowout over GB, with the leadership vacuum left in the wake of Jimmy Johnson's departure), Aikman would have won 4 SBs in a row and his name would be mentioned in the same breath with Joe Montana - let alone Tony Romo.
As for Staubach, we can throw out the passing stats, at least when compared to today's QB numbers. As others have said, it was a different era. Staubach started eight seasons in the NFL, and only two of those followed the 1978 rule changes which prevented defenders from hitting receivers and backs downfield (before the ball was in the air) and which allowed O-linemen to extend their arms in pass blocking (vs. keeping their elbows bent and forearms in front of their bodies). The first rule change opened up passing lanes; the second took a huge advantage away from the D-linemen - and let's not forget that in the 1970s the NFL experienced its golden age of great defensive fronts and great D-linemen.
Staubach became a starter during the 71 season at the age of 29. In eight years as a starter, Staubach posted a record of 82-28, took Dallas to six NFC title games and four SBs. In his last two seasons, at the ages of 36 and 37, he led the NFL in QB rating. In 78, he threw 25 TDs, which tied for 2nd in the league - at a time when only five QBs threw for more than 20 TDs. The following year, he threw 27 TDs, which put him third in the league, when seven QBs threw for more than 20 TDs.
Roger took the 75 team, with 12 rookies and with Preston Pearson and Robert Newhouse leading the running game, to SB X. There he faced one of the greatest teams in NFL history - and arguably the greatest defense of all time. Roger was sacked 7 times in the game and played heroically just to keep the Cowboys close to the heavily favored defending champion Steelers. Dallas lost 21-17 largely because of the incredible play of two Steelers, Lynn Swann (game MVP) and L.C. Greenwood (four sacks, despite lining up against future HOFer Rayfield Wright).
In SB XIII, Roger again played heroically against a great team. But for a dropped TD (Jackie Smith), a freak play (Randy White fumbling the kick-off with a cast on his right hand - the Steelers scored on the next play) and bad PI call (on Benny Barnes vs. Swann) - as well as Coach Landry getting away from the running game despite Tony Dorsett gashing the Steelers D for 38 yards on his first three carries - Roger would have a third ring.
Unfortunately for Staubach (and the Cowboys) they had to face the Steelers in two SBs. Joe Montana, who was utterly brilliant in his four SBs, never faced a defense even remotely as good as the 75 and 78 Steelers. In fact, in his four SBs Montana never faced a defense as good as the 77 Denver defense, which was truly great in its own right.
If you took the 2004 Carolina Panthers and the 2005 Eagles and replaced them with the 75 and 78 Steelers, Tom Brady would be 2-4 in the SB, and not 4-2 (we won't even mention Pete Carroll's inexplicable play calling that cost his team last year's SB). Put Brady on the 75 Cowboys and Dallas would not have been down four points with a desperation throw into the end zone to end that game. Roger took a beating in that game that Brady has never had to face in a playoff game. Brady is great - no one can deny that - but against that punishing Steelers front seven, Brady would have wilted had he taken the punishment Roger had to take in SB X.
The 75 Steelers had eight Pro Bowlers and five All Pros on defense; the 78 D had six PBs and three APs. They had some of the greatest players of all time at their respective positions (Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount). Terry Bradshaw was surrounded by more talent than Staubach was, on both sides of the ball. I am a lifelong Cowboys fan, but that is the truth.
If not for Pittsburgh's great teams, especially the 75 team with the "dead ball" rules in place and Dallas with no bonafide rushing game (post Duane Thomas/Calvin Hill, pre Tony Dorsett), Roger would have four rings and people would mention him with Montana and Johnny Unitas as the greatest ever.
Granted, you can counter with, "Then he should have played better in those Super Bowls." With Percy Howard and Drew Pearson being mugged by Blount and with the Pittsburgh front seven dominating the Cowboys O-line in 1975, what more could Staubach have done? Do you think Romo would have led the Cowboys to victory against that team on that day? In January 1979, I think a combination of things (see above) as well as Coach Landry's play calling hurt Dallas. After taking the opening kick-off and with the line opening up huge holes for Dorsett, Landry called a double-reverse. Drew Pearson fumbled Dorsett's handoff and Pittsburgh recovered. To this day, I wonder why that play was called. Pittsburgh was reeling and they knew they had no answer for Dorsett's speed and slashing style. Either keep with the run or go to play action in that situation. Then, late in the 2nd quarter, Landry called for a play that resulted in a score in SB X. On the sidelines, Roger argued with Coach Landry. He was not comfortable calling that play in that area of the field. Too bad Roger didn't audible as Blount intercepted him inside the 20 yard line. In any event, Staubach played a great game in SB XIII. He faced a team for the ages.
Had Dallas won either of the SBs vs the Steelers, Staubach would universally be discussed as a top-5 QB all-time.
We all have our own opinions on this matter. For what it's worth, my top 3 Dallas QBs are Staubach, Aikman and Romo (with White and Meredith rounding out the top five).
I hope Romo winds up with four rings, but having watched Staubach in the 70s, I'd still go with Roger as Dallas's GOAT.[/quote]
X1000
I love Tony Romo. He's a great QB and a great player. He is also a classy guy. I am behind him 100% and want to see him win multiple SBs.
But in this conversation, I take both Staubach and Aikman over Romo.
Plasticman makes a compelling argument for Aikman over Romo. Consider also that in SBXXVIII, Aikman was playing one week after suffering a concussion vs SF in the first half of the NFCCG. He took less than half the snaps in practice the week leading up to the SB, which that year was played one week, not two, after the conference finals. In the first half he badly underthrew Irvin for his only INT in three SB appearances. Indeed, if not for his concussion vs the 9ers, his playoff stat line would be even more impressive. The Aikman of SBXXVIII was not the passing surgeon that he was the year prior vs. Buffalo, and Dallas knew they had to rely on the O-line and Emmitt to take control of the game in the 2nd half.
If not for the 1st quarter meltdown vs the 9ers in the 94 NFCCG (w/out Erik Williams, with a banged-up Emmitt nursing a pulled hamstring sustained the prior week in the blowout over GB, with the leadership vacuum left in the wake of Jimmy Johnson's departure), Aikman would have won 4 SBs in a row and his name would be mentioned in the same breath with Joe Montana - let alone Tony Romo.
As for Staubach, we can throw out the passing stats, at least when compared to today's QB numbers. As others have said, it was a different era. Staubach started eight seasons in the NFL, and only two of those followed the 1978 rule changes which prevented defenders from hitting receivers and backs downfield (before the ball was in the air) and which allowed O-linemen to extend their arms in pass blocking (vs. keeping their elbows bent and forearms in front of their bodies). The first rule change opened up passing lanes; the second took a huge advantage away from the D-linemen - and let's not forget that in the 1970s the NFL experienced its golden age of great defensive fronts and great D-linemen.
Staubach became a starter during the 71 season at the age of 29. In eight years as a starter, Staubach posted a record of 82-28, took Dallas to six NFC title games and four SBs. In his last two seasons, at the ages of 36 and 37, he led the NFL in QB rating. In 78, he threw 25 TDs, which tied for 2nd in the league - at a time when only five QBs threw for more than 20 TDs. The following year, he threw 27 TDs, which put him third in the league, when seven QBs threw for more than 20 TDs.
Roger took the 75 team, with 12 rookies and with Preston Pearson and Robert Newhouse leading the running game, to SB X. There he faced one of the greatest teams in NFL history - and arguably the greatest defense of all time. Roger was sacked 7 times in the game and played heroically just to keep the Cowboys close to the heavily favored defending champion Steelers. Dallas lost 21-17 largely because of the incredible play of two Steelers, Lynn Swann (game MVP) and L.C. Greenwood (four sacks, despite lining up against future HOFer Rayfield Wright).
In SB XIII, Roger again played heroically against a great team. But for a dropped TD (Jackie Smith), a freak play (Randy White fumbling the kick-off with a cast on his right hand - the Steelers scored on the next play) and bad PI call (on Benny Barnes vs. Swann) - as well as Coach Landry getting away from the running game despite Tony Dorsett gashing the Steelers D for 38 yards on his first three carries - Roger would have a third ring.
Unfortunately for Staubach (and the Cowboys) they had to face the Steelers in two SBs. Joe Montana, who was utterly brilliant in his four SBs, never faced a defense even remotely as good as the 75 and 78 Steelers. In fact, in his four SBs Montana never faced a defense as good as the 77 Denver defense, which was truly great in its own right.
If you took the 2004 Carolina Panthers and the 2005 Eagles and replaced them with the 75 and 78 Steelers, Tom Brady would be 2-4 in the SB, and not 4-2 (we won't even mention Pete Carroll's inexplicable play calling that cost his team last year's SB). Put Brady on the 75 Cowboys and Dallas would not have been down four points with a desperation throw into the end zone to end that game. Roger took a beating in that game that Brady has never had to face in a playoff game. Brady is great - no one can deny that - but against that punishing Steelers front seven, Brady would have wilted had he taken the punishment Roger had to take in SB X.
The 75 Steelers had eight Pro Bowlers and five All Pros on defense; the 78 D had six PBs and three APs. They had some of the greatest players of all time at their respective positions (Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount). Terry Bradshaw was surrounded by more talent than Staubach was, on both sides of the ball. I am a lifelong Cowboys fan, but that is the truth.
If not for Pittsburgh's great teams, especially the 75 team with the "dead ball" rules in place and Dallas with no bonafide rushing game (post Duane Thomas/Calvin Hill, pre Tony Dorsett), Roger would have four rings and people would mention him with Montana and Johnny Unitas as the greatest ever.
Granted, you can counter with, "Then he should have played better in those Super Bowls." With Percy Howard and Drew Pearson being mugged by Blount and with the Pittsburgh front seven dominating the Cowboys O-line in 1975, what more could Staubach have done? Do you think Romo would have led the Cowboys to victory against that team on that day? In January 1979, I think a combination of things (see above) as well as Coach Landry's play calling hurt Dallas. After taking the opening kick-off and with the line opening up huge holes for Dorsett, Landry called a double-reverse. Drew Pearson fumbled Dorsett's handoff and Pittsburgh recovered. To this day, I wonder why that play was called. Pittsburgh was reeling and they knew they had no answer for Dorsett's speed and slashing style. Either keep with the run or go to play action in that situation. Then, late in the 2nd quarter, Landry called for a play that resulted in a score in SB X. On the sidelines, Roger argued with Coach Landry. He was not comfortable calling that play in that area of the field. Too bad Roger didn't audible as Blount intercepted him inside the 20 yard line. In any event, Staubach played a great game in SB XIII. He faced a team for the ages.
Had Dallas won either of the SBs vs the Steelers, Staubach would universally be discussed as a top-5 QB all-time.
We all have our own opinions on this matter. For what it's worth, my top 3 Dallas QBs are Staubach, Aikman and Romo (with White and Meredith rounding out the top five).
I hope Romo winds up with four rings, but having watched Staubach in the 70s, I'd still go with Roger as Dallas's GOAT.[/quote]
X1000
WPBCowboysFan
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Do I need to make a case if I say the sky is blue, or grass is green?
TimHortons
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Brady and Rodgers wouldn't dominate in other eras? Sure Rodgers is struggling this season, but he's a 2x MVP. Brady would dominate in any era.
KJJ
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Are you serious??? An open and shut case can be made to support Roger Staubach being not only the greatest QB in Cowboys history but the franchises greatest player. Before Staubach became the Cowboys starting QB they were known as bridesmaids and next years champions. It was one heartbreak after another for the Cowboys with losses to the Packers in two title games and a SB loss to the Colts. When Staubach became the starting QB in 1971 everything changed he led the Cowboys to 10 straight wins including their first championship after the team started that season 4-3. He was nicknamed Captain Comeback with some of the most miraculous comebacks in team history. Roger Staubach is the reason the Cowboys became so popular and were dubbed America's Team.
He's the only QB Tom Landry ever won a championship with. Many including myself became Cowboy fans because of Staubach. Some of the greatest QBs in NFL history such as Steve Young and John Elway idolized him. No QB the Cowboys ever had could make the players around him better like Staubach. He had almost a magical way of elevating the team in critical situations. No QB other than Joe Montana scared the hell out of defenses when games were on the line like Roger Staubach. He's one of the most influential players to ever play the game and although Tony Romo is a vey good QB he hasn't come remotely close to impacting the franchise like Roger Staubach. Roger played during a BRUTAL era where QBs were pummeled.
They were hit high/low and well after they threw the ball. QBs didn't slide during that era. Staubach suffered at least 27 concussions making plays with his legs and arm. He didn't play under the same rules that Romo has played under because it was a different game when Staubach took over the team 44 years ago. Offenses were different and receivers were mugged down the field. You didn't see 4-5 WR sets and multiple TE's. Everything today is bent on the passing game and perfecting the performance of QBs which has resulted in much higher completion percentages, yards, TD's and passer ratings. You're a FAN who lives in the moment of today and now and had the Cowboys lost yesterday this thread wouldn't exist.
StarBoyz83
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Nope I'm too young. I didn't start watching until about 88 or 89. Heard a lot of things about him. He must have been something special.
TheMarathonContinues
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I can't say this until Romo's career over. But I will say that I believe Romo faces tougher physically gifted competition than Staubach did but Staubach played in a not so passer friendly era. Hard to compare the two.
Rockport
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So you can't. Just what I thought.
DandyDon1722
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How about that fact that we as lifelong fans of the Dallas Cowboys, perhaps the premier sports franchise in the world, can even have this conversation about an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Illinois.
The only think more staggering than the quarterback lineage of this team--
Are the expectations on the next guy who is named the full time starter.
The only think more staggering than the quarterback lineage of this team--
Are the expectations on the next guy who is named the full time starter.
PA Cowboy Fan
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The bigger question is how many other franchises have 5 good to great QBs like the Cowboys do?