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Romo vs. Rogers — Battle of the Young, Old-School QBs

September 18, 2008

Tony Romo’s sudden success in mid-’06 caught a lot of people by surprise.  Back then we argued here at BSR that Romo was quick to adapt because he was nutured in the old-school, apprentice system that was the standard in the ’60s and ’70s.  A QB, no matter how highly picked, was required to “carry the clipboard” for at least a couple of seasons while he learned the art of quarterbacking.  Think of Craig Morton, a top 5 pick for Dallas in ‘65.  He was Don Meredith’s understudy for four years before becoming a starter.  Roger Staubach was a third year pro before he earned a start.

There was a sound reason for the apprentice method — QBs back then called their own plays.  They were “field generals” to a far greater extent than today’s signal callers, who read miniature play sheets velcroed to their wrists.  Quarterbacking is still a difficult craft to master but putting the play calling on your coordinator shortens the learning curse.

That said, way too many modern QBs are rushed into play.  The good ones, the Payton Mannings, the Troy Aikmans, the Tom Bradys adapt faster.  Romo, being an undrafted free agent from a small school, didn’t have the pressure his big name peers like Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson and Drew Henson did.  He could learn and grow without media scrutiny, though backup QBs are some of the NFL’s most popular players, no matter the team or city.

Romo had three years of pro experience before he earned a start.  He was familiar with his offense, his teammates and the speed of the pro game.  Aaron Rogers has started so effectively in Green Bay because he also learned in a pressure-free environment.  Rogers was a first round pick but dropped about 15 to 20 spots below his anticipated range on draft day.  He also backed up Brett Favre, who was in no hurry to retire.

Look at Jacksonville’s David Garrard, who looked like an old pro when Jacksonville finally made him a starter last year.  Look today at New England’s Matt Cassell.  He’s another guy with multiple years of backup experience.  Replacing Tom Brady has not fazed him.  He doesn’t seem to have the superstar potential of Romo and Rogers, but he knows how to move his team and minimize mistakes.

Romo’s and Rogers’ backgrounds suggest an interesting game.  Both are still relative newcomers to their starting lineups, but neither is a newcomer to the pro game.  Another duel, to rival Monday night’s, may be in the offing.

Written by Rafael Vela · Filed Under News | 67 Comments 

Glenn Situation Could Be Resolved Today

July 23, 2008

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Cowboys and WR Terry Glenn may resolve his situation today, either finding a common ground that will keep the veteran on the roster or release him.

I was put on alert yesterday that news could be forthcoming shortly but the team and Glenn clearly could not work something out.  I was told by a source that “Glenn is better than any player available on the street,” suggesting that anybody pining for a Jeremy Shockey-like trade to fill the Cowboys #2 spot will be sorely disappointed.

– I was also told that the Brett Favre situation could heat up in the next few days.  One source maintains that Tampa Bay remains the most likely landing place, because they appear willing to give Green Bay the first-day pick the Packers seek in exchange for Favre.

Written by Rafael Vela · Filed Under News | 50 Comments 

Source: Jones at CB Probably Sooner Than Later

July 17, 2008

I spoke to couple of sources tonight who offered some interesting news on the Cowboys and the Brett Favre situation.

– One source told me he’s convinced Adam Jones will win one of the CB spots in Dallas.  That’s hardly shocking news.  What did surprise me was his assessment of incumbent Anthony Henry, who he claimed looked “so bad” at the team’s OTA workouts.  He thinks Henry may be still be ailing and that “he looked slow… no burst or quickness.”

That’s something to watch when camp opens next week.

– I also learned that Tampa Bay may be Brett Favre’s landing place, if the Packers agree to trade him at all.  I was told it would take a 2nd round pick to get him and the Bucs may be willing to pay this price.  Again, stay tuned.

Written by Rafael Vela · Filed Under News | 21 Comments 

Who Are This Year’s Packers?

June 20, 2008

The outlook was lukewarm for Green Bay this time last year — and that’s from their unshakably-sunny fans’ perspective. I remember boos when they picked Justin Harrell with their top selection. The so-called experts didn’t think much of their draft either. Mel Kiper gave it a C+, as did Scott Wright. The team was enduring another will-he-or-won’t-he-retire Brett Favre melodrama.

In the end the team that closed strong to reach 8-8 in ‘06 started strong in ‘07 and zipped to 13-3.

This happens every year. The year before the Saints went from homeless to a good half of play short of the Super Bowl.

I’ve talked a lot about the Fantastic Four, the teams that go from losers to the playoffs, but I want to zero in on the NFC team that will not only improve, but be a legitimate threat in January.

I nominate the Minnesota Vikings.

They had the best run defense I saw last year, with monster DTs Pat Williams and Kevin Williams gumming up everything inside. They have a lethal running game with Chester Taylor and the magnificent Adrian Peterson. They’re already well built on both offensive and defensive lines.

And they got better this offseason, trading for DE Jared Allen and signing WR Bernard Berrian. They only had one first day draft pick, after the Allen deal, but used it on SS Tyrell Johnson, who builds up their weakest defensive unit.

The Vikings have Tarvaris Jackson at QB, so they’ll attempt to play the 2000 Baltimore Ravens model or the Houston Oilers model circa 1977 and 78: ride a stout defense, a top tier running back and an opportunistic passing game to the Super Bowl. Jackson will have some passing options, in Berrian and TE Jim Kleinsasser, but his job description will nonetheless read “busdriver.”

Those Earl Campbell-led Oilers came up short, unable to get past a more balanced Steelers team, but the Ravens won it all. In the era of parity, especially in the NFC, anything is possible. I still prefer Dallas’ chances but I think the Vikings will be throwing their weight around come playoff time.

A Reminder: Check out our “beat down-o-meter” on the right and pinch Donny’s wallet. You’ll get an extra week of camp coverage out of it.

Written by Rafael Vela · Filed Under History, NFL | 14 Comments 

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