sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Editor's Note: This is the first in an 11-part series analyzing every position on the Cowboys' roster, providing a quick look back before addressing the needs of each spot on the field and how it can be improved heading into the 2011 season.
Pressing Matters: The biggest issue regarding the quarterback position is undoubtedly the health of one Tony Romo. And it doesn't matter how the Cowboys fared before or after his season-ending collarbone injury, Romo is still the team's No. 1 option at quarterback. And it definitely hasn't changed, nor should it.
Romo has said he is not only healthy and ready to play, but excited about getting things started up again. Had the Cowboys had a chance to play for a postseason berth, it's likely Romo could've played near the end of the season. However, it wasn't until the final week of the schedule, after he had been placed on injured reserve, that he told reporters he was 100 percent pain free.
As for the contract status of the quarterbacks - Romo, Jon Kitna and Stephen McGee are all under deals. The team had to sign veteran Chris Greisen at the end of the season, but it's unlikely he will be back in 2010, even in the offseason or training camp.
2010 Evaluation: The Cowboys went from a season in which Romo took every snap from center for the first time in his career, to the next year when three different quarterbacks had to start a game. That's quite a turnaround - similar to an 11-win season dipping down to just six victories.
And that drop-off can be attributed somewhat to the quarterback position, although the veteran Kitna was 4-5 in his nine starts after Romo went 1-5 to open the year. McGee started the final game of the season and now has a 1-0 record going into next year.
Before Romo's injury, he was putting up gaudy numbers (other than his W-L record). Romo was averaging 313.2 passing yards in his first five starts with at least one touchdown toss in every game.
When Kitna entered the picture, he managed the game well, using more check-downs, and the Cowboys focused more on the running game. But Kitna should be applauded for his performance in relief, which included four 300-yard games and an overall quarterback rating of 88.9.
While McGee doesn't look ready to take over as the backup, he showed some flashes in the last two games. He twice rallied the offense for a go-ahead touchdown in the final two minutes, although the Cowboys managed to lose in Arizona and waste McGee's valiant effort.
Need More From ... : The obvious answer here is Romo. It's really the only answer. For starters, the Cowboys simply need him on the field more. In the last three seasons, the Cowboys are just 6-7 without Romo in the lineup. With him, the team is 20-15 during that span and 39-22 over his five years as the starter. Sure, Kitna greatly exceeded expectations and gave Dallas a much-needed boost, but the fact remains that Romo is still the leader of this team and the Cowboys have to have him healthy.
Upgrades Needed: There may not be a significant change at any of the three spots. Romo will continue to be the starter, Kitna has established himself as the backup and McGee will still be the No. 3. The Cowboys may know a lot more about both Kitna and McGee, and it's doubtful their roles will change.
As for additions, the Cowboys will likely sign a rookie free agent to get through the minicamps and offseason practices, but it's unlikely they'll get anyone who could seriously push for McGee's job.
Position Analysis:
Tony Romo - If the Cowboys can indeed run the ball better, like they did toward the end of the season, it should take some much-needed pressure away from Romo.
Jon Kitna - Proved he can definitely start and be a factor when he's in the game. The best part about him is his understanding of his role. He won't be a boat-rocker.
Stephen McGee - It was beneficial for him to play in the last two games and, more importantly, for the Cowboys to evaluate him in game situations. He might be the backup in the future, but it doesn't have to be this year.
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Editor's Note: This is the first in an 11-part series analyzing every position on the Cowboys' roster, providing a quick look back before addressing the needs of each spot on the field and how it can be improved heading into the 2011 season.
Pressing Matters: The biggest issue regarding the quarterback position is undoubtedly the health of one Tony Romo. And it doesn't matter how the Cowboys fared before or after his season-ending collarbone injury, Romo is still the team's No. 1 option at quarterback. And it definitely hasn't changed, nor should it.
Romo has said he is not only healthy and ready to play, but excited about getting things started up again. Had the Cowboys had a chance to play for a postseason berth, it's likely Romo could've played near the end of the season. However, it wasn't until the final week of the schedule, after he had been placed on injured reserve, that he told reporters he was 100 percent pain free.
As for the contract status of the quarterbacks - Romo, Jon Kitna and Stephen McGee are all under deals. The team had to sign veteran Chris Greisen at the end of the season, but it's unlikely he will be back in 2010, even in the offseason or training camp.
2010 Evaluation: The Cowboys went from a season in which Romo took every snap from center for the first time in his career, to the next year when three different quarterbacks had to start a game. That's quite a turnaround - similar to an 11-win season dipping down to just six victories.
And that drop-off can be attributed somewhat to the quarterback position, although the veteran Kitna was 4-5 in his nine starts after Romo went 1-5 to open the year. McGee started the final game of the season and now has a 1-0 record going into next year.
Before Romo's injury, he was putting up gaudy numbers (other than his W-L record). Romo was averaging 313.2 passing yards in his first five starts with at least one touchdown toss in every game.
When Kitna entered the picture, he managed the game well, using more check-downs, and the Cowboys focused more on the running game. But Kitna should be applauded for his performance in relief, which included four 300-yard games and an overall quarterback rating of 88.9.
While McGee doesn't look ready to take over as the backup, he showed some flashes in the last two games. He twice rallied the offense for a go-ahead touchdown in the final two minutes, although the Cowboys managed to lose in Arizona and waste McGee's valiant effort.
Need More From ... : The obvious answer here is Romo. It's really the only answer. For starters, the Cowboys simply need him on the field more. In the last three seasons, the Cowboys are just 6-7 without Romo in the lineup. With him, the team is 20-15 during that span and 39-22 over his five years as the starter. Sure, Kitna greatly exceeded expectations and gave Dallas a much-needed boost, but the fact remains that Romo is still the leader of this team and the Cowboys have to have him healthy.
Upgrades Needed: There may not be a significant change at any of the three spots. Romo will continue to be the starter, Kitna has established himself as the backup and McGee will still be the No. 3. The Cowboys may know a lot more about both Kitna and McGee, and it's doubtful their roles will change.
As for additions, the Cowboys will likely sign a rookie free agent to get through the minicamps and offseason practices, but it's unlikely they'll get anyone who could seriously push for McGee's job.
Position Analysis:
Tony Romo - If the Cowboys can indeed run the ball better, like they did toward the end of the season, it should take some much-needed pressure away from Romo.
Jon Kitna - Proved he can definitely start and be a factor when he's in the game. The best part about him is his understanding of his role. He won't be a boat-rocker.
Stephen McGee - It was beneficial for him to play in the last two games and, more importantly, for the Cowboys to evaluate him in game situations. He might be the backup in the future, but it doesn't have to be this year.