Quinn in a Dallas uniform?
San Antonio Express-News
by Tom Orsborn
Could Notre Dame's Brady Quinn wind up with the Dallas Cowboys? How about Michigan State's Drew Stanton?
Don't laugh. Jerry Jones said last week he's prepared to target a quarterback in the first round of the draft should Tony Romo falter. And don't forget the Cowboys' owner often makes moves with the sizzle factor in mind. Wouldn't landing Quinn fill some seats at Texas Stadium?
"Part of the responsibility I have is how you address the long-term situation at quarterback," said Jones, who added he's "consciously tried not to go to the top of the draft to get a quarterback" but could change if Romo isn't the answer.
Trading up to select Quinn or Stanton would be costly. Most 2007 mock drafts have them going in the top 10.
But why not make a move to end this quarterback nonsense once and for all?
The Cowboys have started eight quarterbacks — Romo will be No. 9 — since Troy Aikman retired after the 2000 season. The carousel has included the likes of Anthony Wright, Clint Stoerner and Ryan Leaf.
Jones tried to stop the ride by picking Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson and Drew Henson for auditions. Bill Parcells brought in old pals Vinny Testaverde and Drew Bledsoe.
So why not stop the madness and draft a can't-miss passer? History says it's a fairly tried-and-true route for a quarterback to achieve greatness with the Cowboys.
In 1964, they drafted Vietnam-bound Navy star Roger Staubach in the 10th round. Aikman was their top pick in 1989. Both have busts in Canton.
Now, there have been misses. As Parcells is fond of saying, the draft is not an exact science.
The Cowboys chose Craig Morton sixth overall in 1965. Carter was a second-round choice in 2001.
Both had their moments but were eventually sent packing.
Of course, Jones may wind up using his 2007 first-round pick on an offensive lineman — now there's a thought — or a receiver. But the guess here is he goes looking for a quarterback if Romo crumbles.
Working in Romo's favor is his relationship with Terrell Owens.
Owens said Thursday he planned to bake cookies for Romo. Before Romo was named the starter and became worthy of Toll House time with T.O., the two played catch after practice and chatted on the sideline about defensive schemes.
Such bonding experiences never occurred between Owens and Bledsoe.
"I honestly tried to do that time and time again," Owens said. "But for whatever reason, it didn't happen."
Translation: "I didn't want to get chummy with a quarterback who already had a go-to guy (Terry Glenn)."
But even with Owens on his side, Romo faces an uphill climb. His biggest obstacle is the offensive line. After six games, it's clear the unit falls apart when it faces physical front sevens that can bring the heat.
Playing behind that line, even a quarterback with Michael Vick's legs, Dan Marino's arm, Joe Montana's cool and Johnny Unitas' grit would struggle.
But Romo could surprise. He's got a strong arm, a quick release, a sharp mind and that certain something extra you look for in a quarterback.
But then again, so does Brady Quinn.
Who would you rather have?
by Tom Orsborn
Could Notre Dame's Brady Quinn wind up with the Dallas Cowboys? How about Michigan State's Drew Stanton?
Don't laugh. Jerry Jones said last week he's prepared to target a quarterback in the first round of the draft should Tony Romo falter. And don't forget the Cowboys' owner often makes moves with the sizzle factor in mind. Wouldn't landing Quinn fill some seats at Texas Stadium?
"Part of the responsibility I have is how you address the long-term situation at quarterback," said Jones, who added he's "consciously tried not to go to the top of the draft to get a quarterback" but could change if Romo isn't the answer.
Trading up to select Quinn or Stanton would be costly. Most 2007 mock drafts have them going in the top 10.
But why not make a move to end this quarterback nonsense once and for all?
The Cowboys have started eight quarterbacks — Romo will be No. 9 — since Troy Aikman retired after the 2000 season. The carousel has included the likes of Anthony Wright, Clint Stoerner and Ryan Leaf.
Jones tried to stop the ride by picking Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson and Drew Henson for auditions. Bill Parcells brought in old pals Vinny Testaverde and Drew Bledsoe.
So why not stop the madness and draft a can't-miss passer? History says it's a fairly tried-and-true route for a quarterback to achieve greatness with the Cowboys.
In 1964, they drafted Vietnam-bound Navy star Roger Staubach in the 10th round. Aikman was their top pick in 1989. Both have busts in Canton.
Now, there have been misses. As Parcells is fond of saying, the draft is not an exact science.
The Cowboys chose Craig Morton sixth overall in 1965. Carter was a second-round choice in 2001.
Both had their moments but were eventually sent packing.
Of course, Jones may wind up using his 2007 first-round pick on an offensive lineman — now there's a thought — or a receiver. But the guess here is he goes looking for a quarterback if Romo crumbles.
Working in Romo's favor is his relationship with Terrell Owens.
Owens said Thursday he planned to bake cookies for Romo. Before Romo was named the starter and became worthy of Toll House time with T.O., the two played catch after practice and chatted on the sideline about defensive schemes.
Such bonding experiences never occurred between Owens and Bledsoe.
"I honestly tried to do that time and time again," Owens said. "But for whatever reason, it didn't happen."
Translation: "I didn't want to get chummy with a quarterback who already had a go-to guy (Terry Glenn)."
But even with Owens on his side, Romo faces an uphill climb. His biggest obstacle is the offensive line. After six games, it's clear the unit falls apart when it faces physical front sevens that can bring the heat.
Playing behind that line, even a quarterback with Michael Vick's legs, Dan Marino's arm, Joe Montana's cool and Johnny Unitas' grit would struggle.
But Romo could surprise. He's got a strong arm, a quick release, a sharp mind and that certain something extra you look for in a quarterback.
But then again, so does Brady Quinn.
Who would you rather have?
posted by The Gryphon at 9:09 AM
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