Cowboys Offense: The Kitna Effect

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Jun 24, 2009 1:30 AM CDT Comment 131 comments

The Dallas Cowboys never made the blockbuster move this offseason. The Cowboys were however quite efficient at filling holes with affordable free agents. One of the first moves the Cowboys made at the onset of free agency was shipping aging cornerback Anthony Henry to Detroit in exchange for quarterback Jon Kitna. This move was only a footnote to all of the madness that is the free agency signing period, but for the Cowboys it could prove to be the biggest move of the offseason.

Jon Kitna is not without his flaws. He has struggled with injury of late and has always had a propensity for throwing interceptions. Still, Kitna is quite the upgrade over last year’s backup, Brad Johnson. If nothing else, Kitna’s arm strength will force other teams to respect the entire field. Kitna’s arm will also keep the team from having to reign in the playbook, which Kitna is quite familiar with, having spent time in a system with similar terminology in Detroit.

Kitna knows he is not here to compete for a starting job and has said as much. While he offers security as a backup quarterback, his greatest value may be as a mentor. As a Bengal in 2003, Kitna served as a mentor for #1 overall pick Carson Palmer. The fact that Kitna was willing to groom a rookie to eventually supplant him says a lot in itself about Kitna’s character. Much like Trent Dilfer, Kitna is a player whose average play is not a fair indicator of his immense knowledge of the game. Some guys are just better teachers than players, and Carson Palmer has always gone out of his way to attribute much of his success to Kitna’s teaching. Palmer believes that Kitna will be an asset to Tony Romo as well.

Palmer Tuesday on ESPN’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd:

"…you said that the biggest move of the offseason wasn’t Jay Cutler. It wasn’t T.O., but it was Jon Kitna going to Dallas, and you couldn’t have been more right…If Tony just follows what he (Kitna) says and listens to him, he’s gonna have a great year."

Maybe a guy like Kitna is just what Tony Romo needs. A backup who is not exactly breathing down his neck, but who is a good and willing teacher. Kitna is not a Hall of Famer by any stretch of the imagination, but he has seen a lot more live bullets than Tony Romo has in his short career. Kitna should be a great guy for Romo to have with him in the film room. If nothing else, Kitna ought to be able to draw from his experience and drop a few words of wisdom on Tony when times get tough. If things go well for the Cowboys, Jon Kitna won’t be playing a single meaningful down this season. If things go well for Tony Romo, it may have something to do with Jon Kitna.

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1st!!!

Woo! Haven’t posted in a while.

Maybe Kitna can replace Garrett if he falters or bolts.

by Turbo73 on Jun 24, 2009 1:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't Brad Johnson have been doing the same thing?

Garrett and Wilson also are former NFL qb’s. I’m kinda sceptical about Kitna showing Romo something those 3 weren’t but hopefully he does.

"If your good at something never do it for free." - The Joker

by houseofprime on Jun 24, 2009 2:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

true...

However, sometimes things just sound better coming from who is in the fire with you as opposed to someone who already went through it. Which is explains why a younger sibling will listen to the exact same advice the parent gave but from an older sibling. Or wife will listen to her girlfriend over her husband even if his advice was dead on.

Whether you think you can or you think you can't either way your right

by UnNessecsary Roughness on Jun 24, 2009 2:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember Johnson saying

he wasn’t there to mentor, he was there to compete for the starting job. Whether h followed through on that I don’t know, but the soundbites from Kitna are very different.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 5:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For one thing

Kitna has recently played against the same DCs, and defensive players that Romo will be facing, unlike Wilson and Garrett.

"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams

by Jim Vance on Jun 24, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kitna seemed to have the Cowboy #

My memory could be faulty, but it always seemed like Kitna and Roy Williams had the Cowboys #, especially in the red zone.

I remember a Kitna to Roy Williams that had the whole Lions sideline laughing how easy it was to line-up and even though everyone knew where it was going…Roy Williams grab the TD pass over whoever was covering for the TD…like taking candy from a baby.

If anything..maybe Kitna will give Romo the confidence needed when throwing the ball to Roy Williams. And if Romo goes down…at least the backup QB has a hookup with Roy.

by tb0n3 on Jun 24, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kitna is an upgrade over Johnson for sure

I thought when Johnson was signed he was going to be there to serve as a mentor to Romo

by FearTheStar on Jun 24, 2009 2:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Kitna can show Romo the finer points on

what it takes to lead a team to the playoffs.

Oops. I forgot. Kitna has never lead a team to the playoffs.

Maybe he can show Romo how to cut down on his turnovers.

In 12 seasons the guy threw more touchdowns than interceptions 3 times.

And one of those years he only played 4 games.

You know it’s a JJ Production when you give up a starter and get trash in return.

See the trades with the Dolphins last year. I wonder who got the better of those deals.

by Sharksbreath on Jun 24, 2009 6:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I can barely contain myself

waiting for your review fo “Free Reign”’s latest performance, followed by a player-by-player fashion analysis.

Try not to stay here too long. Somewhere out there, there’s breaking news about Jason Campbell.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 6:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm surprised Danny Boy Snyder

Isn’t trying to outbid the Vikes for Farve. Yet.

Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.

by APerfectStar on Jun 25, 2009 4:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trading a starter and getting trash in return?

In week 1 of the 2009 season, Kitna would have had a better chance of starting in Detroit than Henry would have had here. Henry would have been lucky to be the #4 guy on our roster.

by aussie_cowboy on Jun 24, 2009 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Point

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Romo needs a mentor?

I don’t think having a quality veteran around to take Romo ‘under his wing’ is really what’s needed. Of course, it probably can’t hurt. But isn’t Romo a bit beyond that stage where he needs the influence of a wisened veteran to take him to the next level. He played the understudy role for some time before becoming a pro bowl player in his own right. I’m glad we got Kitna. We need quality insurance at the most imporant position in the game. But I’m not sure his presence on the team is what’s needed to advance Romo’s game. That’s what coaches are for.

by Boundforbeach on Jun 24, 2009 7:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

Romo has only really played in actual games for less than 3 years, he still has a lot to learn and can get much better. Kitna, being a veteran, can certainly help with that maturation process.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not really.

I’m Romo fanboy too, but Romo is far past the point where he needs a mentor. If he hasn’t gotten “it” by now, he’s not going to. Romo is a football veteran by any definition of the term.

by danielt on Jun 24, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it has nothing to do with getting"it"

whatever that’s supposed to mean anyway, what I’m saying is that Kitna has much more experience than Romo and sharing anything he’s learned over the years can only help or benefit Romo.

Romo might be a veteran in terms of being in the league, but he isn’t in terms of playing experience at that particular position as it takes several years to fully master the art of playing qb in the NFL.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're trying to have it both ways...

You’ve been arguing for months on these threads that Romo has the experience, leadership and playing abilities which make him one of the best QB’s in the game. And now you backpeddle and say he is not a veteran and has limited playing experience. Which is it?

by Boundforbeach on Jun 24, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know that this argument or discussion...

Isn’t something that will go anywhere. Proceed to bash your head against a wall.

it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.

by AirforceBat on Jun 25, 2009 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I never said Romo has a lot of experience

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I tend to agree. Maybe that

was motivation behind bringing Brad in, but they clearly signed Kitna because he was a perfect fit – cap friendly, willing to be the back-up, and still able to throw a 20 yard pass.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

They realized the backup needs to be able to actually throw a pass in an regular season football game.

Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.

by APerfectStar on Jun 25, 2009 4:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good pickup

Terry: I agree, but is more than just helping with the “maturation process”. This was one of the most important pickups this past offseason, especially, considering what was available. Kitna is not Romo from a talent perspective, but he is a tough SOB and from an intangibles perspective, he has what Tony does not; 1) focused; 2) will get in someone’s face, when necessary; 3) not interested in celebrity distrractions; 4) can throw that important slant to RWI; 4) and will get really pissed when he loses. And I like that in a football player. Let’s give the guy a chance and accept him for what he is, Terry.

"The Most Dangerous Man in the world is the one with nothing to lose"

by SaratogaRacing on Jun 24, 2009 9:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Kitna brings some toughness to the game. He also knows RW a lot better than Tony does, and can help him with that aspect of his game.

After all we need RW to produce, and I’m all for any help in that regard.

by oldtimer on Jun 24, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree obviously

because 1) Romo is super focused on football, don’t believe the hype, it’s not true, 2) Romo does get in player’s face when necessary, 3) Romo dating Simpson isn’t a distraction, 4) Romo can throw a slant to RW every bit as well as Kitna and 5) Romo gets upset when he loses, he just has the maturity and intelligence not to whine about losing in pressers.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Weren't both his ints in the 2nd Redskins game

both on slants?

by DavidH22 on Jun 24, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of them was because T.O deflected it in the air if I remember correctly and to be fair, that was his first game back from injury.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Cowboyfan729 on Jun 24, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

one was a good pass that T.O. failed to catch of course

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was low and behind him.

He could have caught it, but it was hardly a “good” pass. Romo consistently throws the quick slant behind receivers.

by Baked Potato Soup on Jun 24, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

last year with a bad hand, I agree he wasn't his most accurate

that doesn’t mean he’s not capable of throwing it because I’ve seen him throw plenty of good slants in the past.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by aussie_cowboy on Jun 25, 2009 1:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was inaccurate

But it was a catch that a WR, certainly a star WR should catch.

by AirforceBat on Jun 25, 2009 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's very debatable.

I played WR in high school, and although I was terrible, I know how hard it is to catch a pass like that when you are running full speed in the opposite direction. As noted, he did get his hands on it, which is what led to the INT. One could say that it’s a throw that a QB, certainly a star QB should make, but that didn’t happen either.

by Baked Potato Soup on Jun 25, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

T.O. isn't a high school receiver

Any pro receiver should catch any pass that they get their hands on, bottom line.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely not true.

Any pro QB should be able to throw an accurate slant, but that’s not how the game works. Just because a guy gets his hand on the ball doesn’t mean he should catch it every time. It was a bad throw. Believe it or not, Romo does make those.

by Baked Potato Soup on Jun 25, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not disagreeing that the throw should have been better.

but IMO he should have caught it. I know it’s a hard pass to catch, but that’s what top paid receivers are there for.

by AirforceBat on Jun 25, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And top QBs are paid to throw good passes

but in football, nobody performs at 100%.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 25, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True...

But isn’t that what seperates the elite receivers from the rest of the pack, being able to catch the tough balls?

by AirforceBat on Jun 26, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but

it is unrealistic to expect them to catch them all. Elite receivers will make more tough catches (and not so tough catches), but it isn’t reasonable to expect them to catch all of them. The poorer the pass, the lower the completion percentage. 20 years of watching football (and I am no sage) tells me the old “if you can touch it you should catch it” line is not a reasonable standard. If you follow that rule, there has never been an elite receiver.

Similarly, elite QBs put the ball right in the mitts where a receiver can take it in stride and keep motoring (Aikman was crazy good at this), but they won’t do it every time.

The other nature of football is that certain positions bail each other out. An elusive QB can cover up a missed block, a good receiver can cover up a crap throw, a good safety can make a tackle that a linebacker missed, etc – but it won’t happen every time. A team needs to minimize the mistakes, maximize their ability to cover them up, and hope that the mistakes that don’t get covered don’t come at bad times.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 26, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with all of that...

Maybe the fact that he dropped some easy ones throughout his stay in Dallas makes me a bit biased.

by AirforceBat on Jun 26, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was the real issue

Also, TO was never good at the tough catch, and Dallas knew that from the get go.

I also think some receivers will (smartly imo) try a tough catch without breaking stride to preserve the big play potential rather than break stride, catch a six yard pass and get tackled immediately. That always depends on the situation.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 26, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

Pro receivers should catch anything they get their hands on, that’s why they’re pros.

I’m not saying Romo doesn’t throw poor passes occasionally, but if he throws it where a receiver gets his hands on it, it’s just as much as the receiver’s fault if he doesn’t catch it as the qb’s.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't know if it was TO's inability to run a proper route

but I remember Romo consistently throwing an inaccurate slant.

He is pretty sweet with his throws. But the slant is his worst throw, IMO

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.
-Winston Churchill

by HudBaby on Jun 24, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I don’t know either. He seemed to have no trouble finding Crayton on slants, but he and TO could never quite hook up. It could be Romo or it could be TO’s routes. That’s the problem with fans… we don’t know what route was called and what sight adjustments were or should have been made, so it’s very tough to judge.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 25, 2009 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't Romo once say that

he learned a lot from Vinny Testaverde, especially in terms of lower body strength and conditioning and such?

by DavidH22 on Jun 24, 2009 9:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

which obviously explains the bottom heavy comment

players that do a lot of squats and lower body weight training have pretty big asses.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought that comment was complete crap

You said it wasn’t a quote and had no merit

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 24, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's correct

it has no merit regarding him being fat and out of shape. Whoever said it, if it was said, probably meant that he has a big ass, and my point was of course he does as most football players do from doing extensive lower body weight training.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you said

“that is not a quote” and now you are using it to support your argument. More reverse engineering.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 24, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's not true, I said it wasn't a quote by Garrett, big difference

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh goody

I wonder how long the fat thread will stretch this time! Mention golf, Terry!

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol!

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bogey for you

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 24, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha!

Nice

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you for diffusing that

If I have to read another GD golf thread, I’m going to just start listening to Free Reign while I bang my head into a wall.

Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.

by APerfectStar on Jun 25, 2009 5:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

by aussie_cowboy on Jun 25, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just

hope Romo’s willing to listen.

Booyah!

by what_the_crap on Jun 24, 2009 10:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Palmer was a 2nd year player when Kitna was his backup

Romo is more like a 7th year player; the teaching aspect of this is ephemeral.

by AustonianAggie on Jun 24, 2009 10:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

it’s not like Romo is a seasoned veteran yet, there is still a lot for him to learn playing qb, he’s far from a finished product.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am confused now, which is par for the course.

Do you think Kitna can help Romo develop or not?

Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey

by Seanrude on Jun 24, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

absolutely, I said as much from my original comment

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how many years of starting experience does Kitna have?

a couple in detroit, one with the browns, and a half/half year in Bufallo? He’s not Joe Montana. Romo is getting close to having the same number of games under his belt

And Romo isn’t some boy either, he’s nearly 30. At best, Kitna can teach Romo how Roy Williams can snatch a ball.

by AustonianAggie on Jun 24, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have always liked Kitna.

I read stories about him when he first came into the league and you couldnt help but like him. He always seemss to be the guy in front of the young phenom. He has always handle it well and has always been an asset to the phenom. I agree with Carl that his numbers never really show the whole picture. He hasnt played for any really good teams. He does get careless with the ball but playing from behind alot will fluff those numbers. He is a good back up who will be an asset to Romo. He is also a good teammate.

I gotta get something off of my chest. Last year when Kitna predicted 10 wins he caught 100 kinds of hell from many right here on this blog. Isnt that the attitude you want from a player. You bitch because Romo doesnt say the right thing then turn around and bitch when someone does. You cant have it both ways.

It just goes to show, you see what you want to see. If you like its all good and if you dont its never good enough.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

by squidlo97 on Jun 24, 2009 11:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL..

If the playbook is so similar..why did it take Roy Williams so long to learn it?

by bevomav on Jun 24, 2009 11:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ummm

Because Roy is a U of Texas grad? ba dum bump!

jk all you UT alums

"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams

by Jim Vance on Jun 24, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good thing he was not

a A&M Grad he would still be trying to get the book open!

bags030404
www.dallascowboysnation.com

by Phillip Baggett on Jun 24, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bennet as a rookie had more catches and TDs and yards with the Boys

ba dump ching!

by AustonianAggie on Jun 24, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kitna is solid move.

I think Kitna really knows the game and can step and keep it rolling if something were to happen to Romo. The guy threw for 4000+ yards not to long ago.

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z

by Wmillion on Jun 24, 2009 12:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1, he's definitely an upgrade over BJ

although that’s not really saying much.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Three years on the bench, about three as a starter

and the player still needs a mentor.

by ym on Jun 24, 2009 12:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nobody said he needs one, only that having one wouldn't hurt, only help

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

there are only two Qb's i would take over Romo right now

Manning(payton, not his scrawny lil bro) and Brady. That is it. All the others are on an equal or lower plane. That says alot.

by mutombo4life on Jun 24, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

uh - Brees???

i take me some of that….might even take me some Rivers if i didnt think he was a punk…

by McLovin9 on Jun 24, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how is Brees better than Romo?

Romo’s numbers are just as good and Brees doesn’t own any SB rings either.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm not willing to argue that the world is round Terry - dont have the time - sorry

its kinda like ‘if you have to ask – you wouldn’t understand’ kinda thing

by McLovin9 on Jun 24, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats lame

you’re not willing to argue because Romo is just as good if not better and you know it

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i promised myself that i am not going to respond to you on any Romo-related topic

i think that is reasonable

by McLovin9 on Jun 24, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

then you shouldn't have repsonded in the first place

just a cop out because you can’t make any kind of argument that Brees is better. Numbers don’t lie.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW, here they are

Let’s take a look at their stats over the last two seasons, Romo’s only two full campaigns as a starter:

ROMO

Record: 21-8 (0-1 playoffs)

Completions/Attempts: 611-of-970 (63.0 percent)

Yards: 7,659 (7.9 per attempt)

Touchdowns: 62 (6.4 %)

Interceptions: 33 (3.4 %)

QB rating: 94.6

BREES

Record: 16-16 (0-0 playoffs)

Completions/Attempts: 853-of-1,287 (66.3 percent)

Yards: 9,492 (7.4 per attempt)

Touchdowns: 62 (4.8 %)

Interceptions: 35 (2.7 %)

QB rating: 92.8

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/06/drew-brees-vs-tony-romo-isnt-a-no-braine.html

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why do you put won loss records on

You are the proponent of “Teams win games, not QBs.”

Fumbles and fumbles lost might also be worth including.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 24, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't, the win/loss records mean nothing to me

I posted Timmy Macs post because it showed both qbs numbers

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those numbers look pretty similar, except Brees has way more yards

Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey

by Seanrude on Jun 24, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lets throw stats out for a second.....

if you had to put your life in one of these QBs hands….which one would it be???

by McLovin9 on Jun 24, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

WTF?

Like, what is the situation? If it were say a game of one on one basketball or golfing, I would pick Romo. If it were say, Brees family history, I would go with Brees. I’m not familiar enough with their areas of expertise or all of their skills, to accurately assess this question.

by Baked Potato Soup on Jun 24, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i meant football-wise

let me put it this way brah…..say you polled the other 31 GMs in the league and gave them the choice between Romo and Brees…..do you think you would get 15/16+ to say Romo??….absolutely no way…they would say something along the lines of similar physical ability – but mentally why would you want to deal with a Romo when you could just have a pros-pro like Brees and save yourself the headache?

by McLovin9 on Jun 24, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and with headache you know exactly what i mean...

by McLovin9 on Jun 24, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no I don't

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it would be pretty much split.

Romo has less tread on his tires and I think has shown a higher ceiling, while Brees has basically played to his max potential for a few years. You have to weigh the potential headache with the potential to be even better than he has been thus far.

And ask Terry, I am no Romo apologist, but I just don’t see guys like Brees, Palmer, Cutler, etc. as clearly better than Romo. I think arguments could be made either way.

by Baked Potato Soup on Jun 24, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Concur completely

More than anything I would (as a real GM and not pretending I’m a GM so I can bash people) evaluate his strengths and weaknesses against my current offensive style and the players on the roster.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You have evidence of mental issues?

Please share.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

absolutely yes way

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ehy dont you go back 3 years and you will see Brees went to the NFC championship game.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

by squidlo97 on Jun 24, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brees and Romo are pretty much the same thing.

Their number are similar and Brees has 1 career playoff win.

by Baked Potato Soup on Jun 24, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I take back all my circuitous comments

and just co-sign this one…

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They did a nice comparison at the DMN blog

Brees has eerily similar numbers, but Romo’s are better across the board. It’s a dicussion worth having, but Brees is not hands-down a better QB.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

That Terry pasted in above.

Brees is excellent and I like his game a lot. But he benefits by being just slightly out of the sightline of the national media. In other words, people see his numbers and the offensive production and not much more is said. Romo is both lionized and demonized because it’s Dallas. Fans come away with very divided opinions when in reality they are two very similar QBs.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think of it as a mentor

More as a caddy. Give him a pointer or two, always good to get outside perspective. Sometimes it is tough to see what you are doing wrong or not seeing when you are in the situation.

It maybe as simple as watch the safety, he is cheating to the line.

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z

by Wmillion on Jun 24, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well said

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everyone at anything can use a mentor/coach

Even Tiger has a swing coach and his caddy is definitely a mentor.

It's not personal, it's just business

by Fighter15 on Jun 24, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Joanne Krupa might be a good choice as a mentor.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Joanna-Krupa-gives-Terrell-Owens-the-Terrell-Owe?urn=nfl,172404

by DannyG on Jun 24, 2009 1:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

T.O. humiliated on national T.V.

I love it!

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

T.O. humiliated pt. 2

Last night, a supermodel did what quarterbacks Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo never did – at least publicly: Repeatedly swear at Terrell Owens and call him a prima donna. “You’re the one that . . . up! We could have won! So shut up!” carped Joanna Krupa after T.O. blew a lead in their first heat through the obstacle course on the debut of ABC’s The Superstars.

From the Philadelpia Enquirer no less.

Then again, if T.O. couldn’t beat press coverage last year, what made him think he’d do any better on an obstacle course?

by One.Cool.Customer on Jun 24, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This mentor thing has grown legs. Its another set of eyes watching the QB play and D.

Their are coaches/teachers and their are colleagues. Romo just has another guy who might see something the others miss. Kitna also seems to have the right personallity.
EX. Kitna doesnt need to teach him footwork but can point it out if it gets faulty. He might see or hear something from the sideline that Garret doesnt see from the box. Wade Wilson fro what I heard in his playing days is a tool. Not the fix it kind.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

by squidlo97 on Jun 24, 2009 2:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you squid...regarding Wade Wilson.

Watching him during his ‘playing days’, he looked like a deer in the headlights praying that Troy would not be injured. Hopefully he’s a better QB-coach.

by DannyG on Jun 24, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I see a lot of older, back-up QBs doing

Talking to the starter after plays, looking over the shots coming from the booth.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Romo is going to do what Romo is going to do

Thats the good and bad of it.

However, if what he does is not good,at least Kitna appears to be a viable option.

by bad knees on Jun 24, 2009 2:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kitna will never play a meaningful down

unless Romo is hurt, count on it.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 24, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not quite

I think if Romo had another full shocker like in Buffalo, they would put Kitna in. It’s a longshot, but could happen.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 24, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That probably wouldn't happen

unless it were a blow out and they didn’t want him hurt. It back-fired and blew crap all over Reid’s face when he did that to McNabb and the Eagles are fortunate that he didn’t pull a Cutler on them.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am assuming

Romo wouldn’t pout.

It used to not be a big deal to yank your starter if he was having an off day.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 24, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well it's not about pouting

For me it’s sort of a double standard. You can’t in fairness demand a guy be a leader and then undercut him for a bad day at the office. You won’t see them yanking Ware or WItten on a bad day either.

This is the problem I had with what the Skins did to Campbell – tell him he’s the man and expect him to grow as a leader and then demonstrate to the shole team that they seriously want him the f*** out of Dodge. It was a mistake with McNabb and it would probably be a mistake with Romo.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coaches are reluctant to pull the trigger too quick. It would take a seris of games before they would pull him.

Romo wont have that many off games. He bounces back quick. Usually in the last 5 minutes of a game.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

by squidlo97 on Jun 24, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean just for a game

You don’t have your best stuff, sit this one out. Not much different than yanking a pitcher or a goalie. I think that used to be done more.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 24, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's a big deal today

Just think about McNabb’s benching. Got more coverage than Katrina. That’s probably a function of the hyper-analysis everyone does now, but it’s nearly a death-blow to a guy’s confidence because of the furor and speculation.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 24, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It definitely could happen but to me it seems that the current mind set of coaches is dont

jack with your QBs pysche unless the season is going down the drain.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

by squidlo97 on Jun 24, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it is different

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no it won't happen

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay

Since you are using your omniscient voice today, I will accept that as absolute, even though it deals with a contingency.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 25, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wade will never bench Romo

I don’t think it takes being a rocket scientist to figure that out

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With a decent backup

I could see him yanking him if he repeats his Buffalo or Baltimore performances, especially in a must win game. I hope we don’t find out, but I hope he wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger just for the sake of image and ego.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 25, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't, Wade would never do it IMO

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hope not Terry

Don’t be too hard on Terry, He has a serious man crush on the boy. LOL, It’s all good.

by bad knees on Jun 24, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too emotional, Terry

I have been reading your responses Terry; wow, take it easy man. You have to put the emotions aside re: Romo and have an open mind. Romo is talented, but he has serious issues that need to be corrected – any objective fan can see this. When you lose your objectivity you get in trouble…just like in real life, man. Keep up the faith and be glad we have Kitna…we can use all the help we can get this year to take it across the finish line – go cowboys!

"The Most Dangerous Man in the world is the one with nothing to lose"

by SaratogaRacing on Jun 24, 2009 3:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What has Palmer really done in the league?

Romo isn’t perfect, but as far as I know there aren’t any of those around. Romo consistently works hard, prepares diligently, not afraid to play hurt, and gives his all on Sunday. Statistically, he’s top 5 in the league these past 2 1/2 years. He’s made more spectacular (highlight reel) plays than any other active QB in the NFL during that time. He’s still got plenty of upside. You have to scratch your head at the amount of criticism he gets from the press and from Cowboy “fans”.

The key thing Romo has said this season that, strangely enough, has not received much debate or airplay is that he said…“when someone else makes a mistake you don’t compound it with a mistake of your own…” This speaks to the heart of any problem that Romo has…if he does this, we see an even “better” Romo.

by CaliFanInTx on Jun 24, 2009 9:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Palmer...

hasn’t really been the same after that injury either.

by AirforceBat on Jun 25, 2009 8:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a great point

He didn’t elaborate, but I took that to mean when guys blew blocking assignments or WRs ran the wrong route, he went “school yard” instaed of erring on the side of caution and check doewn to the back or tuck it and run. What I hope he does (and I think this is what he was saying) is save those improvisational plays for times the team is in more dire straits and the risks are worth taking – down late in the game, for example.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 25, 2009 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or at least be more calculated with his risks.

I don’t mind him going school yard, but he still needs to hold on to the ball and not throw into double coverage. Oh, and make sure you can throw a strong pass and not a floater. If you’re not sure, don’t do it.

by Baked Potato Soup on Jun 25, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs