September 2006 - Posts

Tuesday, September 12, 2006 10:44 AM

Bledsoe vs. Romo

Bill says it's not worthy of discussion right now.  Jerry and the entire organization have remained publicly supportive of their starting quarterback.  But we all hear what started as a soft whisper by a few during the preseason steadily crescendo into a chorus of voices crying in unison, "Romo...Romo...Romo".

As the host of the Lunch Break (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, on DallasCowboys.com – shameless plug), the fan email has been inundated with Bledsoe/Romo talk.

So, who should be the starting QB of your Dallas Cowboys?

Frankly, I think we all are clueless.

I have no problem if Bill decides to make the switch, but Bill is the only one who knows if Romo is ready. The only place that he has played enough to get an accurate evaluation of his readiness is practice. Since practice is closed to fans and the media, which of us can honestly say that Romo is ready?

Sure, I like what I saw from Romo throughout training camp and the preseason. I also noticed that Romo laid the ball on the carpet a couple of times. Can anyone other than Bill say that they know Tony doesn't do the same thing in practice and that this is a recurring theme with him?

Romo made very nice throws during those preseason games. I also noticed a huge difference between the Saints/49ers preseason defenses and the Jags regular season defense.

Didn't Bledsoe light up the Saints and 49ers first team defenses before Romo played well against their second teams?  If Bledsoe's preseason games are erased by a horrible regular season game, how can one place so much value in the performance of Romo against lesser players in the same preseason games?

Furthermore, the final preseason game against the Vikings included two interceptions by Romo against the 2nd and 3rd team defense.  Not to suggest that Romo isn’t a good player (personally I believe he will be the Cowboys starting QB next season), but consider that he too has flaws and bad days.

On the opposite side, there are those that attempt to suggest that Super Bowls can only come by way of experienced quarterbacks.  Thus a switch to Romo during this season would, in essence, end the Cowboys aspirations for 2006.  This is one of the biggest fallacies in football.

Recent history suggests that first-year starters at quarterback can take their teams to the Super Bowl assuming:

1.       The team has an above average defense.

2.       The quarterback has been an NFL player for, at least, one season before becoming a starter.

3.       There are enough offensive playmakers on the team so that the quarterback isn’t asked to win every ballgame with spectacular plays.

In recent history, Tom Brady and Jake Delhomme have reached the Super Bowl within their first season as a starter.  Ben Rothlesberger reached the same plateau in his second season as a starter.  All had the benefit of the aforementioned assets and their inexperience was mitigated by these assets.

Can the same argument not be made for Tony Romo?

Of course, the defense didn’t play like an above average unit against Jacksonville, but their problems remain the same as last season:  finishing the game.  They played a stellar first three quarters.  The touchdown in the second quarter was more a product of the great field position handed over by Bledsoe’s ill-timed interception with less than 2:00 minutes remaining before the half.

Without the interceptions, I believe the defensive unit’s play would have been more than adequate to win in Jacksonville.  Remember 2 of the 3 touchdowns scored by Jacksonville came after interceptions when they started at the Dallas 32 and Dallas 40.

This team certainly has offensive weapons that could adequately carry the load of making plays.  Romo would simply have to get the ball to Terrell, Terry, Jason, Julius or Marion and watch the play unfold.  Nothing fancy, just do his job…drive the bus!

So, whether you are a supporter of Bledsoe or Romo, you should know this.  Either quarterback could provide the Cowboys a viable shot at the Super Bowl assuming they don’t lose games by not taking care of the ball.  The only one who truly knows which quarterback gives this team the best chance to win is Parcells.  Just be patient and trust his experience.
Posted by deagleton | 526 comment(s)
Saturday, September 09, 2006 1:09 PM

No Vanderjagt In Jacksonville

It now seems apparent that Parcells was serious about playing one kicker in the season opener in Jacksonville.  Mike Vanderjagt was not on the team charter Saturday afternoon leaving little doubt that Shaun Suisham will handle kickoff and field goal duties.

This really should be no surprise.  Vanderjagt has been injured most of the preseason and highly inconsistent when playing.  After missing two field goals in the final preseason game (32 and 22 yards), Parcells said that he was very concerned about the kicking game.

Ironically, Suisham has been very consistent on kickoffs and performed fairly well kicking field goals throughout training camp and in preseason games.

Parcells has given no indication as to when he expects Vanderjagt to be ready to go.  If Suisham shows the same consistency as the preseason, it may be less of an issue.

Posted by deagleton | 21 comment(s)
Wednesday, September 06, 2006 11:38 AM

Cowboys And Jags Seeking Validation

During the offseason, especially June - July (no football or basketball), I find myself watching a lot of stuff on the tube.  This past offseason, I really got sucked into a series of documentaries on prison life in America...fascinating stuff.

One particular inmate described his experience of entering the penal system and rising to the top of the prison gang hierarchy as a literal fight for respect.  He explained that he sought the biggest, toughest guy in the cell block and made an example of him - right in front of the general population so that everyone could witness and take note of who he was.

I found all sorts of parallels between that seedy world and the world in which you and I live.  If you wanna be The Man, you gotta beat The Man!

I was reminded of this edict as I read an article written on Jaguars.com entitled Opportunity Knocks.  The author claims that the Jaguars earned a 12-4 record in 2005 but gained little respect in the process.  Quite frankly, when the national spotlight was on them, they folded.

But, what does this have to do with the Cowboys you might ask?

The Jaguars, at least according to the article, are looking for the biggest, toughest team on the block, and they want to make an example.  Their validation, for week one, at least, must come at the expense of a high-profile and talented Dallas team.

Not so fast...aren't the Cowboys seeking a little validation of their own?

Although there are some in the national media who think the Cowboys are destined for greatness in 2006, there are just as many pundits who think they will self-destruct.

They have only been in the playoffs once in the last 6 seasons.  This is Parcells' fourth season in Dallas and most would agree that he has, at best, had moderate success (two winning seasons and one playoff appearance in three years).

This defense had games in 2005 when they were brilliant for 3.5 quarters only to give up a lead and ultimately the victory in the final minutes.  To a player, the Cowboys defense believes it is among the elite in the NFL, but they have to prove it.

Sounds like a classic need for validation to me...so what gives?  Two big, tough teams square off in week one looking to move up the NFL hierarchy with aspirations of reaching the top.  I can think of no better way to kickoff the 2006 season.  Let the games begin!

Posted by deagleton | 52 comment(s)