The Dallas Cowboys are off to an incredible 5-1 start. Not only are the Cowboys 5-1, but they did this with a backup quarterback. Dallas now has to decide who will start at the quarterback position following the team’s bye week next week. Will they stick with the backup Dak Prescott or will they give the reins back to Tony Romo. In this piece I will explain why it would be a big mistake to remove Prescott as the starter.
When it comes to Tony Romo, Dallas no longer knows what it can expect from the 36 year old veteran. In 2014 Romo led the Cowboys to a 12-4 record. He was also sensational the entire season putting up an impressive stat line 3,705 yards, 34 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 113.2 passer rating. Had it not been for a reversed Dez Bryant catch in the playoffs we could be looking at Tony Romo in a completely different light.
When 2015 rolled around we saw an entirely different Romo. Over the course of just 4 games Romo threw for 884 yards, 5 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 79.2 quarterback rating. Dallas faltered to a 4-12 record and were doomed by horrific quarterback play. Matt Cassel and Brandon Weeden in particular may have sunk the Cowboys season once Romo was injured during the 2015 campaign. This time around Dallas has a real quarterback who should no longer be considered the backup.
Frankly in my opinion Dallas would be crazy to replace Dak Prescott at this point. Of course that isn’t to say the Cowboys won’t need Tony Romo at some point this season. Many people don’t remember the Patriots still needed Drew Bledsoe to finish the AFC title game for Tom Brady in 2001 in a similar scenario where Brady took over for Bledsoe that season. The fact of the matter is Dallas is moving and grooving. To mess with this chemistry would be a mistake.
Pundit’s can call the current Cowboys offense whatever they want, the fact is it is perfect for the way their team is constructed. The Cowboys thus far have dominated in time of possession leading the NFL in that category. There are two big reasons for that statistic. The first is that Dallas leads the NFL in 3rd down conversations and are converting them with historic success. The second is that they have the best ground attack in football with Ezekiel Elliot. The rookie from Ohio State leads the NFL in yards with 703 through only 6 games. My fantasy team has been grateful for his production all season long. Elliot has brought a spark to the Cowboys offense in more ways than one. Most importantly he might be the best pass protecting rookie back I have ever seen. This guy has an explosion you just don’t see from running backs. Let’s also not forgot the steady contribution Alfred Morris has brought to the table as well. The fact is this offense is perfectly suited for Dak Prescott.
The biggest take away from Prescott thus far has been his ability to not turn the ball over. He has been so good in that department that he has the longest streak to start a career without throwing an interception. Behind a mediocre defense, Dallas is frankly better served playing this style of football. I don’t think we have ever seen a rookie 4th rounder take over the huddle so quickly. Sure Prescott only has 7 touchdowns on the season but who cares. A ton of credit has to go to offensive coordinator Scott Linehan who has been a terrific play caller all season. Prescott follows the game-plan and converts the 3rd and manageable. With Tony Romo you know he is going to be a little more creative and turn the football over. That simply does not work with this Cowboys team. If Jerry Jones is smart he will stick with Prescott until further notice.
