Dallas Cowboys: There is no QB Controversy…Yet

Contrary to popular belief, the Dallas Cowboys are NOT in the midst of a quarterback controversy. But these next two games could change that…

For as much fun as it is to discuss, the Dallas Cowboys do not have a quarterback controversy. If Tony Romo were to come back today, the Cowboys would not hesitate to reinsert him in the starting lineup.

Period.

That’s not to say Dak Prescott hasn’t been anything but brilliant. The rookie 4^th round pick has defied all odds and taken a severely damaged (injured and generally talent-starved) Dallas Cowboys team and guided them to a shocking 3-1 record.

He’s done so with accurate passing, efficient progressions, timely runs, and a veteran demeanor. Prescott has thrown for 1,012 yards, 3 touchdowns in the air and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Most importantly, he’s done it without throwing a single interception. In fact, with 131 passing attempts without an INT, he’s already broken the rookie record.

It’s become very clear to anyone who’s been watching that Dak Prescott is a real NFL QB. But that doesn’t mean the Dallas Cowboys are entertaining the idea of making Tony Romo a backup.

Great performances against the Bengals and Packers is the only thing that could create a real controversy.

As an offensive weapon, the delta between a healthy Tony Romo and the rookie Dak Prescott is significant to say the least. While Dak Prescott certainly adds a running element to the playbook, he’s still working with a Cliffs Notes version. Tony Romo, on the other hand, has virtually written Jason Garrett’s unabridged version of the playbook.

Think back. Waaaaay back to when a healthy Tony Romo was operating this offense. It was Peyton Manning-esque the way he conducted the offensive symphony at the line. Yes, he threw more interceptions than Dak Prescott’s current 0%, but Romo still has one of the best TD to INT ratio’s all time.

That isn’t to take away from how great Dak Prescott is playing. It’s ok to love both Dak and Tony. Truth be told, I love Dak more than Tony. But that doesn’t mean I think he’s better than Tony right now.

Luckily for us, it’s ok to love both Dak and Tony at the same time. They don’t need to be mutually exclusive. It’s difficult to accept this, especially during political season when you’re either This or That, but in the Good Book of Cowboys Fandom, you can love two Cowboys who play the same position.

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The Next Two Games

Not to take away from any of the Cowboys’ wins but there’s an good chance all four teams the Cowboys have faced, are going to miss the playoffs, while the next two teams are virtual playoff locks. The Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers are excellent football teams. From top to bottom, their rosters are among the best there is in the NFL.

That’s why while there is no QB controversy today, there could be in two weeks.

These are the measuring sticks that Dak Prescott must be measured. If he does well enough, he could force a controversy. Even before the Romo injury, many looked at these next two weeks and hoped for 1-1 split. They’re tough games. Great performances against them is the only thing that could create a real controversy.

If Dak can achieve the improbable and guide the Cowboys over them – THEN we have ourselves a real life Dallas Cowboys QB controversy. And you should know there is no bigger thing in the sporting world than that.

Next: Should the Cowboys Trade Romo?

Some may question whether Tony Romo will ever get to 100%, or if he does, how long he can stay that way. That’s an entirely different conversation. Where we stand today is that there is no controversy. 100% Romo beats 100% Prescott, plain and simple. But Prescott has two games to change that.