Who should be the man in Dallas?
By Cris Collinsworth
Special to NFL.com
(Oct. 12, 2006) -- Bill Parcells announced this week that, despite throwing three interceptions in a loss to the Eagles last week, Drew Bledsoe will continue to be the Cowboys' starting quarterback. After two solid games against Washington and Tennessee, Bledsoe struggled against the Eagles' relentless pass rush, renewing speculation that Tony Romo might replace him in the starting lineup.
Bledsoe still has one of the better arms in the NFL. His problem is, and has always been, mobility. He doesn't have the speed to get away from the pass rush, doesn't throw well once he starts to move and doesn't make his best decisions when he's under pressure. Unfortunately for him, this weakness is magnified by the Cowboys' inability to protect the quarterback. The Eagles' game plan, blitzing up the middle between the guards, confused the Cowboys' offensive line, particularly left tackle Flozell Adams, who made numerous mental mistakes that led to sacks. Bledsoe was sacked seven times and hurried and harassed countless other times.
Backup quarterback Tony Romo has the speed and agility to avoid sacks and make plays on the move. He also has good arm strength and makes good decisions. I watched a lot of tape of him this preseason and didn't see any reason he can't play quarterback in the NFL. He has been with the Cowboys for four years, so he is well-versed in their offensive system. Romo's biggest problem is a complete lack of experience. He has looked great in the preseason, but has never attempted a regular-season pass, which is a whole different level of football.
Playing Romo, instead of Bledsoe, would also open up the Cowboys' playbook. They have eliminated almost every play in their offense that wasn't a straight dropback. Romo's mobility would allow them to run more rollouts, which could take some of the pressure off the offensive line. They could also send their talented tight ends, Jason Witten and Anthony Fasano, out on pass routes more, rather than having to use them to help out the offensive tackles.
On the other hand, making a change at quarterback right now may be a make-or-break move. If Romo fails, it might cost them the season. It would be tough to turn back to Bledsoe at that point and expect the team to still have confidence in him, as a player and a leader. For some coaches, it might be worth the risk to get the young quarterback some experience for the future, but there's a good chance that this is Parcells' last year in Dallas. He is only interested in what gives him the best shot at winning a Super Bowl this year.
If the Cowboys were going to make the change, this would have been the ideal time. They are at home against the Texans, who are last in the NFL in total defense, pass defense and interceptions. They are also home next weekend, which would give the young quarterback two full games at home before he had to take his act on the road.
Parcells' decision came down to Bledsoe's experience vs. Romo's mobility. There is no question that, at this point, Bledsoe is the better pure passer of the two. But, considering the pounding he's taking behind a questionable offensive line, you have to wonder if Romo isn't the better choice for this team.
Special to NFL.com
(Oct. 12, 2006) -- Bill Parcells announced this week that, despite throwing three interceptions in a loss to the Eagles last week, Drew Bledsoe will continue to be the Cowboys' starting quarterback. After two solid games against Washington and Tennessee, Bledsoe struggled against the Eagles' relentless pass rush, renewing speculation that Tony Romo might replace him in the starting lineup.
Bledsoe still has one of the better arms in the NFL. His problem is, and has always been, mobility. He doesn't have the speed to get away from the pass rush, doesn't throw well once he starts to move and doesn't make his best decisions when he's under pressure. Unfortunately for him, this weakness is magnified by the Cowboys' inability to protect the quarterback. The Eagles' game plan, blitzing up the middle between the guards, confused the Cowboys' offensive line, particularly left tackle Flozell Adams, who made numerous mental mistakes that led to sacks. Bledsoe was sacked seven times and hurried and harassed countless other times.
Backup quarterback Tony Romo has the speed and agility to avoid sacks and make plays on the move. He also has good arm strength and makes good decisions. I watched a lot of tape of him this preseason and didn't see any reason he can't play quarterback in the NFL. He has been with the Cowboys for four years, so he is well-versed in their offensive system. Romo's biggest problem is a complete lack of experience. He has looked great in the preseason, but has never attempted a regular-season pass, which is a whole different level of football.
Playing Romo, instead of Bledsoe, would also open up the Cowboys' playbook. They have eliminated almost every play in their offense that wasn't a straight dropback. Romo's mobility would allow them to run more rollouts, which could take some of the pressure off the offensive line. They could also send their talented tight ends, Jason Witten and Anthony Fasano, out on pass routes more, rather than having to use them to help out the offensive tackles.
On the other hand, making a change at quarterback right now may be a make-or-break move. If Romo fails, it might cost them the season. It would be tough to turn back to Bledsoe at that point and expect the team to still have confidence in him, as a player and a leader. For some coaches, it might be worth the risk to get the young quarterback some experience for the future, but there's a good chance that this is Parcells' last year in Dallas. He is only interested in what gives him the best shot at winning a Super Bowl this year.
If the Cowboys were going to make the change, this would have been the ideal time. They are at home against the Texans, who are last in the NFL in total defense, pass defense and interceptions. They are also home next weekend, which would give the young quarterback two full games at home before he had to take his act on the road.
Parcells' decision came down to Bledsoe's experience vs. Romo's mobility. There is no question that, at this point, Bledsoe is the better pure passer of the two. But, considering the pounding he's taking behind a questionable offensive line, you have to wonder if Romo isn't the better choice for this team.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:26 PM
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