Tony Romo best Cowboy QB of all time

[Bullet22]

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.

Agree..

 

[JoeBoBBY]

These best of all times votes are so subjective. Fun. But.....


For me, nothing will come close, or ever come close, to Roger Staubach. forget the numbers, although he had decent numbers.

Its what Roger was. Watch his football life story.


Staubach. best Cowboys player of all time, hands down.

 

[khiladi]

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!

Aikman's latter years were surrounded by trash. Guys like a washed-up Ernie Zampese as an OC, Chan Gailey and Jack Reilly... They also faced a huge loss of talent as a result of free agency, killing any sense of continuity in that team...

Remember, free agency hit the Cowboys at their prime... Their depth was killed...

 

[MichaelValentino]

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.

Let's say, for the sake of argument, that you (bold above) are correct. Does "tougher physically gifted" mean better football players?

Sure, there may be 75 OLBs on the 32 NFL rosters in 2015 that can run a faster 40 or do more reps with 225 than Jack Ham. But, how many of those guys are a better player than Ham?

Is there a better MLB in the NFL than Dick Butkus was? Is there a starting MLB in the league today that can even hold a candle to Butkus? And yet how many MLBs today and how many college MLBs can run a much faster 40 than Butkus could on his best day? Ndamakug Suh can very likely bench press more than Mean Joe Green or Bob Lilly, but does he dominate his level of competition the way those two all-time greats did theirs?

A lot of you guys on this forum are very smart and have a ton of football knowledge, but let's not be so quick to make broad-brushed statements about today's player-athlete versus yesteryear's.

Roger played in an era that featured the likes of Lilly, Greene, Merlin Olsen, Alan Page, Curly Culp, L.C. Greenwood, Deacon Jones, Jack Youngblood, Carl Eller, Harvey Martin, Lyle Alzado, Jim Marshall and Dwight White on the D-line; Butkus, Jack Lambert, Ham, Bobby Bell, Willie Lanier, Tommy Nobis, Randy Gradishar, Ted Hendricks and Nick Buoniconti at LB; Mel Blount, Mike Haynes, Willie Brown, Mel Renfro, Roger Wehrli, Lem Barney, Ken Houston, Jake Scott, Jack Tatum, Cliff Harris, Paul Krause and Dick Anderson at DB.

Tell me those guys wouldn't make NFL rosters today, and of that bunch how many would be starting over guys who can run, say, a 4.4 to their 4.55?

Staubach played in an era when QBs were not protected; when you rarely saw three WRs on the field at the same time (the passing game is much more sophisticated today) and when receivers were hit and pushed and grabbed throughout their entire routes; and when O-linemen were unable to extend their arms in pass protection. Moreover, there was no sliding in that era. A QB past the line of scrimmage was open game. Guys like Staubach and Terry Bradshaw took a heavy pounding, with none of the protections afforded today's QB.

Yes, today's athlete is bigger and faster. And there are players that transcend eras. Jim Brown and Walter Payton would still run over, through and past today's LBs just as they did in the 1960s or 1970s-80s, respectively. Cliff Branch, Paul Warfield, Lynn Swann, Lance Alworth, John Stallworth, John Jefferson, Raymond Berry and Bob Hayes would put up huge numbers versus today's corners. And Staubach, Bradshaw, Bart Starr, Ken Stabler, Dan Fouts, Johnny Unitas, Sonny Jergensen and a few others would post 4000+ yard and 30-35+ TD seasons in today's NFL.

I wonder how Tom Brady, taking seven-step drops, and getting hit late and getting hit high multiple times a game would have fared in the 1960s-70s. He would have been great, no doubt, but his stats would be pedestrian compared to what they are now. Put him on the 1970s Steelers and he probably wins four SBs. But put him on a team that had to face the 1970s Steelers, and he may not have won any.

 

[zrinkill]

Goodlord

I love Tony Romo ....... but Troy and Roger were both better than him

people just take it too far ....... The only player on this team who is the best of all time on the cowboys at his position is Jason Witten.

 

[silver]

Roger is the best of all time. Nobody is close.

 

[Doomsday]

Aikman has to be one of the most underrated QBs in the history of the NFL.

With his arm strength and accuracy he would be just as dominate as Tom Brady in today's NFL.

 

[khiladi]

Just as an aside, when talking about the alleged evolution of athletes...

There was a TED talk that discussed this evolution and the guy was saying that Jesse Owens, adjusting for the track in particular of today's runners, would be running right next to the legend Bolt at his top speed, maybe losing by a fraction...

What one considers evolution of the athlete is normally evolution of the environment that surrounds the athlete..

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

Aikman has to be one of the most underrated QBs in the history of the NFL.

With his arm strength and accuracy he would be just as dominate as Tom Brady in today's NFL.

He sacrificed stats for the good of the team. I wish Romo could have done that but obviously the team wasn't built for that or he'd already have a SB title.

 

[mrmojo]

This. In spades.

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.

Great POST!

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I'd take Roger, Emmitt, Randy White, Larry Allen, Tony Dorsett (people forget how *great* he was), and even though he's dead to me...Troy Aikman.

That doesn't include guys I didn't see like Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, Chuck Howley when they were playing (I've seen them on video).

I think Roger is the clear cut favorite here and anywhere else you look. Even Cowboys haters and those indifferent to the Cowboys would put Roger well above Romo. For me, Emmitt was special. That guy just had a will and determination to win games that I've only seen from somebody like Jordan and Brady. Unfortunately, too many goofs get caught up in the 'Emmitt's line dominated everybody' argument despite the fact that most of the O-Line was a bunch of jamokes until Emmitt came along and turned them into All-Pro's.

Unfortunately, I don't think Romo got the coaching nor did he quite get the right type of supporting case that he needed and deserved after Parcells left.

I think if Parcells had stayed and we gave the playcalling reigns to Sean Payton after 2005 and we had Parcells reigning Romo just enough to not let him get carried away...we would have likely seen a Roethlisberger type of success with a SB ring or two.

Instead, we didn't get that with Garrett and Wade. We became too pass happy and Romo wasn't the QB for that and the defense wasn't suited to handle that either. We ignored the O-Line for too long as well.





YR

 

[khiladi]

I wonder how Tom Brady, taking seven-step drops, and getting hit late and getting hit high multiple times a game would have fared in the 1960s-70s. He would have been great, no doubt, but his stats would be pedestrian compared to what they are now. Put him on the 1970s Steelers and he probably wins four SBs. But put him on a team that had to face the 1970s Steelers, and he may not have won any.

Patriots essentially run versions of the K-Gun and Run and Shoot.. these are essentially spread offenses, plus they pick a lot. The CBs can't do anything about it... Those offenses consistently got smashed by NFC teams in the SB. Ther were considered trick offenses. Brady wouldn't even be in the discussion...

You can't remember any of these small WRs making it back then and the offenses were predicated on the bigger guys, because they could go at it with CBs... Irvin gave Deion fits that NFC championship game and he got PI'd on that side-line route right in front of the refs that halted their comeback..

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

I'd take Roger, Emmitt, Randy White, Larry Allen, Tony Dorsett (people forget how *great* he was), and even though he's dead to me...Troy Aikman.

That doesn't include guys I didn't see like Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, Chuck Howley when they were playing (I've seen them on video).

I think Roger is the clear cut favorite here and anywhere else you look. Even Cowboys haters and those indifferent to the Cowboys would put Roger well above Romo. For me, Emmitt was special. That guy just had a will and determination to win games that I've only seen from somebody like Jordan and Brady. Unfortunately, too many goofs get caught up in the 'Emmitt's line dominated everybody' argument despite the fact that most of the O-Line was a bunch of jamokes until Emmitt came along and turned them into All-Pro's.

Unfortunately, I don't think Romo got the coaching nor did he quite get the right type of supporting case that he needed and deserved after Parcells left.

I think if Parcells had stayed and we gave the playcalling reigns to Sean Payton after 2005 and we had Parcells reigning Romo just enough to not let him get carried away...we would have likely seen a Roethlisberger type of success with a SB ring or two.

Instead, we didn't get that with Garrett and Wade. We became too pass happy and Romo wasn't the QB for that and the defense wasn't suited to handle that either. We ignored the O-Line for too long as well.





YR

Very well said.

 

[RS12]

This. In spades.

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.

Thanks for takling the time to lay this out for those who did not see the Staubach era. As I said at the beggining of the thread when the when the subject was brought up. Staubach GOAT not even debatable.

 

[khiladi]

This. In spades.

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.

When a guy just drops a HOF post on a forum.. Enshrine this post in gold and hang it in Canton...

 

[KJJ]

So basically the only evidence you presented were comeback victories and Romo has Roger beat by a mile. And I've stated several times in the recent past how I thought Romo was the best Cowboys QB ever.

You actually need more evidence than what I just posted? LOL Stop making yourself look foolish a lot more was presented than just comeback victories in touting Staubach as the greatest QB in Cowboys history. Romo's had one comeback victory in a playoff game while Staubach had three and arguably his greatest comeback win was in his last regular season game with the NFC East on the line vs Washington in 1979. Staubach won 11 more playoff games than Romo and has as many SB wins as Romo has playoff wins. You've stated several times that you have Romo ranked ahead of Staubach and Aikman but this is the first thread you've started proclaiming it.

Yesterdays win got you all excited as you continue living in the moment. There's not a FAN on this board who lives in the moment like you do. Odd that you would start a thread like this making such a ridiculous argument after a game in which Romo didn't play that great. He had 2 picks one on a poor decision and his passer rating was only 83.5. He's going to have to play a lot better on Thanksgiving because if he throws some picks vs Carolina the Cowboys will lose by at least 2 scores and you won't be around because you live in the moment. Now go ahead and spin that I hate Romo.

 

[MRV52]

I love Tony Romo but he is not in the the league of Roger Stauback. Roger the Dodger was a freak of nature, so cool in the pocket and so elusive that he gave me so many years of enjoyment. I could never figure out how the heck he got away at times, and to be able to complete a beautiful pass down the field right on the money in tight windows.

 

[Bullet22]

When a guy just drops a HOF post on a forum.. Enshrine this post in gold and hang it in Canton...

Don't forget the Jackie Smith dropped Td....

 

[Rockport]

You actually need more evidence than what I just posted? LOL Stop making yourself look foolish a lot more was presented than just comeback victories in touting Staubach as the greatest QB in Cowboys history. Romo's had one comeback victory in a playoff game while Staubach had three and arguably his greatest comeback win was in his last regular season game with the NFC East on the line vs Washington in 1979. Staubach won 11 more playoff games than Romo and has as many SB wins as Romo has playoff wins. You've stated several times that you have Romo ranked ahead of Staubach and Aikman but this is the first thread you've started proclaiming it.

Yesterdays win got you all excited as you continue living in the moment. There's not a FAN on this board who lives in the moment like you do. Odd that you would start a thread like this making such a ridiculous argument after a game in which Romo didn't play that great. He had 2 picks one on a poor decision and his passer rating was only 83.5. He's going to have to play a lot better on Thanksgiving because if he throws some picks vs Carolina the Cowboys will lose by at least 2 scores and you won't be around because you live in the moment. Now go ahead and spin that I hate Romo.

You presented no evidence but just opinion.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

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.

Rodgers maybe. Brady is the most league protected QB I have ever seen. Back in the old rule NFL Brady would be a crying mess.