Dallas Cowboys: Why Team Must Stick With Dak Prescott Over Tony Romo
Tony Romo, when healthy, is an elite quarterback. However, a new era has arrived in Dallas in the form of rookie Dak Prescott. At this point in his career, he doesn’t have the same superstar ability as Romo does, but he is the right man for the job, even when Romo comes back from his injury.
Prescott, a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has led Dallas to a 5-1 record. But, make no mistake; he has had a lot of help from the league’s best offensive line, and one of the league’s best running backs in fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliot. The key for Prescott is that he doesn’t make mistakes.
It shows in his Total QBR of 82.8, which leads all of football.
NFL Total QBR Leaders, according to ESPN:
- Dak Prescott – 82.8
- Matt Ryan – 82.0
- Ben Roethlisberger – 73.9
- Phillip Rivers – 73.8
- Aaron Rodgers – 73.2
While he may not have the same play-making ability as Romo quite yet, Prescott doesn’t have to do too much in order for the Cowboys to win games. They can afford to set up the pass with the run, and when you don’t turn the ball over much, you tend to win more than you lose.
[Image by Matt Ludtke/AP Images]
He has thrown just one interception and has fumbled three times while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. Prescott has shown his ability to impact the game with his arm and his feet. He has seven passing touchdowns to go with three of the rushing variety. Dallas hasn’t made him do too much, and that’s why they look like one of the best teams in the NFC.
The Cowboys would be better served by continuing to start Prescott over Romo for a couple reasons. Most of all, it would allow the team to have the continuity they’ve had over the first half of the season.
Allows the Team to Maintain Continuity
As the old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Romo may be the most talented quarterback right now, but Prescott has the team believing they can be successful with him under center. Going back to Romo once he’s healthy could throw a wrench into those plans. While the team trusts Romo based on his past, Prescott has changed some people’s minds in that locker room.
[Image by Ron Jenkins/AP Images]
The team is going to want to continue rolling the way they have and likely wouldn’t be in favor of replacing the signal caller that has led them to a great first half. Of course, there is also always the possibility Romo gets hurt again and ruin the team’s momentum.
Romo Could Get Hurt Again
After being injury prone over the last couple years, it has to be in the back of the Cowboys’ mind that Romo could go down again as soon as he comes back. That would be a disaster because then they would have to go back to Prescott after essentially telling him they trust Romo more than him.
One more injury could destroy Romo’s trade value, which is something the Cowboys have to take into account now that Prescott has proven capable of running the offense.
Romo Still Has Trade Value
Despite his recent injury history, there are other teams who would love to get the last 2 or 3 good seasons Romo has left in him. There is a good chance the Cowboys could get a second or third round pick for Romo while continuing to start Prescott.
[Image by Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Images]
These are some of the teams that could be interested in trading for Romo.
- Chicago Bears
- San Francisco 49ers
- Denver Broncos
- Cleveland Browns
Any team that feels they are a quarterback away from being competitive would be foolish not to take a chance on Romo in a trade. He has more value on another team, where his raw talent could elevate a team. Based on the playing style of the Cowboys, with a conservative, run-first offense, Romo’s talent would go to waste.
Instead, they should stick with Prescott and allow him to develop into the potentially great quarterback he has shown he could become.
[Featured image by Ron Jenkins/AP Images]
