If the 2015 season taught us anything, it was about the importance of quarterback Tony Romo. Regardless of who the backup quarterback is, when this offense is missing Romo, it doesn’t seem to stand a chance.
Knowing and understanding the importance of his quarterback’s health, head coach Jason Garrett has already given Romo his first scheduled rest day. After participating in both the Saturday morning walk-through and evening practice, Romo was given all of Sunday off to get some more rest and recuperation.
Garrett said that Romo is not having any trouble with his back or collarbone, and that these scheduled rest days will pop up throughout the entire season. He will reportedly follow a two days on, one day off model during training camp, and he is expected to be full-go for Monday’s practice.
The Cowboys have monitored Romo’s workload closely ever since his season ending back surgery in 2013, including implementing the famed “Romo Wednesday’s” during the 2014 season.
While Romo was taking his first scheduled off day, the Cowboys were able to evaluate the remaining quarterbacks on the roster as they prepare for the possibility of enduring a life without Romo.
Kellen Moore worked with the first team, and received mixed reviews. Blogging The Boys’ Landon McCool noted Moore’s lack of arm strength, stating that he was clearly behind Dak Prescott and Jameill Showers in that category.
It's very clear that Moore is noticeably behind these other QBs in terms arm strength
— ₗₐₙᴰₒₙ (@McCoolBCB) July 31, 2016
Moore seemingly does have the backing of the coaches, and has the NFL game experience which neither of the other two competing quarterbacks have. He will need to utilize those instincts if called upon to lead the offense.
Kellen Moore pass to Dez Bryant coming your way: pic.twitter.com/Wx9TneEs1w
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) July 31, 2016
Dak Prescott got reps with the second team offense, meaning that at this point, Showers is clearly the fourth quarterback on the roster. Reports out of camp have said that Prescott had a good day, but has shown the tendency to check the ball down quickly, something that is not uncommon among rookie quarterbacks.
Walkthrough. Hey, it's Dak Prescott! Throwing a crossing route to Geoff Swaim. pic.twitter.com/2LIgOuqCq1
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) July 31, 2016
Keeping Tony Romo healthy and fresh is clearly this team’s number one priority. We have learned that as Romo goes, so do the Cowboys. These scheduled off days will also be important for Moore, Prescott, and Showers as they will get a chance to take more reps and showcase what they can do for the Cowboys if needed.
One thing is for certain, the Cowboys clearly want to evaluate their quarterback’s not-named Romo closely, as they may have to play in some big moments in 2016.
Kevin Brady: K Moore does not have the strongest arm in the world. That is a fact and why he was not drafted along with his small size and lack of athleticism. However, please write something about what his strengths are. He has to have some tremendous strengths or he would not be the designated 2nd team backup for Dallas with the serious physical limitations he has. Since S Linehan said he could play in the NFL and would make a good backup for T Romo, he is evidently a quarterback phenomenon. How else can you explain his ability to play in the NFL, with his serious physical limitations? Here are some questions for you to address: How did he get to be a quarterback phenomenon? How can he see over the linemen when he is just short of 6 ft. Does he need to be athletic to be a pocket passer? Without a strong arm, how can he play? What skills/abilities allow him to play when he does not have a strong arm? What has S Linehan said about his skills/abilities? The coaches have said he can do things that can't be coached. What are examples? S Linehan also thinks he can play in his vertical offense so how is that possible with his weak arm? I would just like you to write something positive about K Moore and stay off the unrealistic statements about Showers or Prescott being ready to play in 2016.