The Cowboys are an NFC-best 7-1 under rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, but that doesn’t mean he’ll keep the starting job ffor the rest of the year. Prescott only took the reins in the first place because of the broken bone Tony Romo suffered in his back in an Aug. 25 preseason game. Now, with Romo’s return perhaps drawing closer, owner Jerry Jones isn’t willing to commit to either signal-caller.
“What we are going to do — play by play, series by series and game by game – is (consider) what’s in the best interest of winning the game,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday (via A.J. Perez of USA Today).
Jones’ comments are a departure from his assertion last month that Romo would take over upon coming back, but he has still left the door open for the four-time Pro Bowler to usurp the starting job from Prescott at some point. Dallas would first have to activate Romo, who Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported Sunday isn’t close to returning. Jones seems somewhat more confident, saying Tuesday that Romo will step up his work in practice this week in advance of the Cowboys’ game in Pittsburgh.
“He has to absolutely get ready to play at his top level,” Jones stated.
While Romo has a laundry list of accomplishments in his 14-year career and still expects to reclaim his longtime role, it’s difficult to imagine the Cowboys turning away from Prescott barring a collapse. As evidenced by the Cowboys’ record – not to mention their third-ranked passing DVOA and NFC-leading point differential – they’ve been resoundingly successful this year, and Prescott hasn’t merely been a passenger. The fourth-round pick from Mississippi State is toward the top of the NFL in yards per attempt (8.15) and passer rating (104.2). Prescott has also completed 66.5 percent of aerial attempts and added 16 touchdown (12 passing, four rushing) against a meager two interceptions. Despite his statistical brilliance, it seems the 23-year-old will have to continue making a weekly case to remain Dallas’ top option under center.
It would be a HUGE mistake to insert Romo back into as QB. Even if Dak falters down the stretch he has done so much good this season he has earned the right to play this out.
Unfortunately for Romo he is now damage goods… A great name, a Mercedes Benz running with an exhausted and aging Volkswagen motor… It just happens…
I wonder what they could get for him on the trade market this offseason.
Defense and or draft picks would be nice
After only 8 games Dak “has earned the right to play this out”??? And all the seasons Romo has played hasn’t earned him anything? Dumb. You play a Tom Brady, Denver D, even Carr, if you want a legit chance to win, you want Romo in there! Not a rookie….
Cowboys are winning and Romo is paper machete so he sits until further notice