Cowboys Don't Need A Quarterback Controversy

Of all the issues facing the Dallas Cowboys less than a month into this season, a quarterback controversy is the last thing that needs to be added.

I knew this would happen no matter how the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Backup quarterback Brandon Weeden would take the blame and many would start calling for recently acquired journeyman Matt Cassel to save the day.

Never mind what Weeden did or didn’t do, or what the defense was simply unable to do.

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Forget about all those missing players, which include quarterback Tony Romo, wide receiver Dez Bryant, defensive end Greg Hardy and rookie pass-rush specialist Randy Gregory.

Yes, there were more missing or hindered than that, but I think those four names are sufficient for this conversation.

Nonetheless, media folk like Troy Aikman, who was a far better quarterback than he’ll ever be a broadcaster, is already fanning the flames of quarterback controversy, whether he means to or not. Maybe owner and general manager Jerry Jones shouldn’t have made that comment last week about how wonderful Weeden’s throws look, right?

Bob Sturm of Dallas Morning News, via Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket, offers questions and answers pertaining to the Falcons game and the obvious inquiry is included, his own mind you:

Is there a quarterback controversy now?

Sturm offers the following answer:

"I’m not sure it’s a controversy as much as it’s trying to survive and win a few games between now and Nov. 22 (when Tony Romo is slated to return). There certainly is some hesitancy to be running Weeden out there many more times. You just cant have a 21-7 lead and throw that interception, and you can’t slide in the backfield when you’re down to your last chance and try to avoid contact."

In other words, there’s no quarterback controversy in Dallas; but there is.

Debates such as who should play quarterback have always been created and driven by the media, primarily to generate interest and subsequent dollars related to selling advertisements.

While it’s true that Weeden didn’t play a perfect game, which certainly includes an ill-advised pass in the general direction of Jason Witten in the first half that was easily intercepted.

At the same time, there’s just not much in the way of justification to assume that Cassel is the answer.

To start with, Cassel was just brought in by the Cowboys and I think it’s a real safe bet that he doesn’t even know the playbook yet. I highly doubt that you could send him out with an adequate game plan to beat anybody before Halloween.

Second, there’s a reason that Cassel was available to begin with.

Finally, is Cassel’s presence in the huddle going to magically generate the first sack of the season for a Cowboys defensive end?

I highly doubt that.

The fact is this: Backup quarterbacks don’t win football games at the same rate as quality starters do. If you have two to choose from, it’s almost always a better idea to go with the guy who’s younger and/or more experienced in the system being run.

Right now, like it or not, that’s Weeden.

What I can’t get passed is the fact that the Cowboys defense could do nothing to prevent Atlanta from scoring in each and every quarter on Sunday while also allowing 25 unanswered points.

Aug 29, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Matt Cassel (16) looks to make a pass during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

This is not to say that the defense is solely to blame for the Cowboys’ first, and I repeat, first loss of the season. You win as a team and you lose as a team, period.

But I do realize that the Dallas defense will get better following next week’s trip to New Orleans to play the Saints.

Is it not impossible to suggest that Weeden might actually get better as well?

I just don’t think so.

If the Cowboys manage to fall to 2-3 or 2-4 with Weeden under center, then we’ll talk about Cassel, who will probably be ready to offer something to a football game in Dallas by then.

Until then, ignore the white noise about Weeden.

Next: Cowboys vs. Falcons Film Review: Standouts, Notes and Observations

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Cowboys Don’t Need A Quarterback Controversy

By Christian Blood | Sep 28, 2015

Of all the issues facing the Dallas Cowboys less than a month into this season, a quarterback controversy is the last thing that needs to be added.

More from Sports Dallas Fort-Worth