Before the season started I wrote an article about what games the Dallas Cowboys can win with Dak Prescott at quarterback? I broke down the first six games of the season before their bye week and had them finishing with a 3-3 record.
You have to remember Prescott was still an unknown commodity, but I think we can all agree that that is no longer the case since he has the Dallas Cowboys sitting atop the NFC East division with a 5-1 winning record.
I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that the Cowboys might have a quarterback controversy on their hands. So, I decided to do a follow-up post and break down the remaining opponents on the Cowboys 2016 schedule to see who gives the team the best chance to win between Dak Prescott and Tony Romo?
Here’s a quick look at the remaining opponents on the Cowboys schedule and the games I believe Tony Romo and Dak Prescott can win.
| Opponent | Can Prescott Win? | Can Romo Win? |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Yes | No |
| @Cleveland Browns | Yes | Yes |
| @Pittsburgh Steelers | No | Yes |
| Baltimore Ravens | Yes | Yes |
| Washington Redskins | Yes | Yes |
| @Minnesota Vikings | No | Yes |
| @New York Giants | Yes | Yes |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Yes | Yes |
| Detroit Lions | Yes | Yes |
| @Philadelphia Eagles | Yes | Yes |
Do you Agree or Disagree with my assessment of these two QB’s?
As you can see, whichever quarterback the Dallas Cowboys decide to go with shouldn’t really matter. They should be able to make a strong push for the playoffs with either QB.
It may simply come down to who they believe gives the team the best chance to win or Tony Romo’s health.
Having said all that, let me try to break it down further for you and explain my reasoning a little bit better.
Philadelphia Eagles – Week 8
[get_helmet team=”phi” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
It doesn’t sound as if Tony Romo is healthy enough to take the field yet, so that means Dak Prescott has two weeks to prepare for the Philadelphia Eagles. If Romo was healthy however, I think he is more than capable of winning this game.
The Eagles started off hot, but in recent weeks they have struggled to maintain their intensity, especially on offense. The running game is pretty much nonexistent and they don’t really have that go to wide receiver in the passing game. That puts a lot of pressure on rookie QB Carson Wentz.
Division games are always hard to to predict, but I think Prescott can do enough against the Eagles to come away with a victory.
@Cleveland Browns – Week 9
[get_helmet team=”cle” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
This could possibly be the first week we see Tony Romo healthy enough to be back on the field, but with the way Prescott is playing, it would be hard to justify making the change at QB given the momentum and winning streak the Cowboys are on.
This could be the most winnable game on the schedule for the Dallas Cowboys in 2016, especially considering the injuries the Browns have suffered at the QB position.
There is nothing about the Cleveland Browns that scares me and I think the Dallas Cowboys should completely dominate this game in all three phases.
@Pittsburgh Steelers – Week 10
[get_helmet team=”pit” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
I think Tony Romo gives the Cowboys the best chance to win this game if he is healthy, especially if Ben Roethlisberger is back playing QB for the Steelers.
Don’t get me wrong, Dak Prescott has been playing outstanding, but if Roethlisberger is playing this game, it will probably come down to whose offense can score more points. Prescott has been more of a game manager so far, but Romo has the experience to play in these types of games and has done so with success in the past.
If Ben Roethlisberger isn’t playing though, I think Prescott is capable of winning this game, even in the hostile environment. But, given the choice I would feel much better with Tony Romo under center.
Baltimore Ravens – Week 11
[get_helmet team=”bal” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
The Baltimore Ravens seem like a middle-of-the-road team, but one that is capable of being sneaky enough to come away with a victory.
The Ravens don’t seem to have a lot a star power on offense or defense, but have still managed to play in some really close games this season. They nearly beat both the Washington Redskins and New York Giants the last two weeks, and only lost by less than a touchdown.
I think Dak Prescott and Tony Romo are both capable of beating the Ravens, but I think this is the definition of possibly being a trap game. Luckily, the Cowboys will have the home-field advantage and that could be the difference maker.
Washington Redskins – Week 12
[get_helmet team=”was” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
The Dallas Cowboys have already defeated the Redskins once this season on their home turf, and I don’t see why they shouldn’t be able to do so once again with the home field advantage.
The Redskins are on a four-game winning streak since losing to the Cowboys, but I don’t think they are good enough to sneak a win away from Dallas.
I do think that this is a must win game for the Cowboys and could have huge implications as to who wins the NFC division. I expect a close scoring game, but in the end I have the Cowboys coming out on top with either Tony Romo or Dak Prescott leading the charge.
@Minnesota Vikings – Week 13
[get_helmet team=”min” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
The Minnesota Vikings have absolutely had the best defense so far in 2016, and I don’t really think there is a team close to challenging for that title. The surprising thing about the Vikings though is how well Sam Bradford has been operating the offense.
This is a game that I think Tony Romo’s experience makes him the best man for the job in order for the Cowboys to come away with another victory.
The Vikings do a lot of things on defense to put added pressure on opposing QB’s with not only their pass rush, but with their defensive coverages as well. It’s one of the reasons why they have been so good this season.
Romo is outstanding at reading defenses pre-snap, and that is the reason I think he gives the Dallas Cowboys the best chance of winning on the road against the Minnesota Vikings.
@New York Giants – Week 14
[get_helmet team=”nyg” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
Dak Prescott nearly did just enough in his first game in the NFL to beat the New York Giants earlier this season, but when time expired was on the losing end of the stick.
Although Prescott is more than capable of beating the Giants on their home turf, I think Tony Romo increases the odds of the Cowboys coming away with a victory on the road.
At this point of the year I think Romo’s experience is an invaluable and he knows how to put his team in the best position to win these division rival games that seem to always come down to the last few plays.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Week 15
[get_helmet team=”tb” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
I know I said that the Cleveland Browns might just be the easiest team for the Cowboys to beat on their schedule in 2016, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are definitely a close second.
There is nothing on the offensive or defensive side of the ball for the Buccaneers that should scare the Cowboys, and this is another game they should completely dominate in all three phases.
I don’t really think it matters if Romo or Prescott is in the lineup. This should be a cakewalk.
Detroit Lions – Week 16
[get_helmet team=”det” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
The only thing really going well for the Detroit Lions seems to be their passing attack. This is somewhat surprising considering the fact Calvin Johnson retired and Matthew Stafford is operating the offense at a high level without Megatron for the first time in his career.
Dak Prescott is certainly capable of winning this game, but at this point in the season he would be playing the most football he has consecutively played in his entire career. College and high school seasons aren’t as long as the NFL season, so you have to wonder if Prescott will hit a rookie wall.
Tony Romo is used to the long NFL season and I personally think he gives the Cowboys the best chance to win.
@Philadelphia Eagles – Week 17
[get_helmet team=”phi” face=”r” align=”left” size=”md”]
The last game of the regular season is on the road against a division rival and this game could have major implications as to whether or not the Dallas Cowboys make the playoffs. But, if Dallas continues to play the way they have, this game could also mean absolutely nothing.
Regardless, I stand firm in the belief that Tony Romo gives the team the best chance to win this late in the season. He has the experience and knowledge of how to handle these late-season games. That simply can’t be discounted.
Are you Team Romo or Team Prescott?
Please feel free to use the comment section below to share your thoughts and opinions about which quarterback gives the Dallas Cowboys the best chance to win the remaining games in 2016.
Emphatic Romo supporter
Michael, I support Tony Romo 100% and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Team Prescott
– Team Romo as a back up QB
Maverick, there are a lot of people that would certainly agree with you. I still think Tony Romo gives this team the best chance to win. I think we will see him starting at QB once again when he is healthy.
Decent analysis Brian. One thing that needs to be talked about more is the utilization of Dez. One of Tony’s strengths is his ability to put the ball in the perfect spot for Dez to go get it. I have not seen from Dak yet so I really believe that, especially with Dez playing, a healthy Tony Romo is the better option for Dallas.
Ralph, I completely agree. I think we would also seem more deep passes to Brice Butler and Terrance Williams as well. Prescott just hasn’t shown the willingness to throw the ball down the field yet.
At this point Dak is far more mobile in the pocket than Tony , read option, play action , running the ball and in the red zone offence . Also he is showing impressive poise in the pocket , remind me of Russell Wilson .So , yes, in Dak we trust there is no question here . Too many injuries for Tony as slow him down with all my respect. GO COWBOYS !!!
John, I don’t disagree with what you said. But, I also think Tony Romo’s experience later in the season will be beneficial. Prescott simply hasn’t played this many consecutive games in his career. And no disrespect to Prescott, but Romo is the better quarterback of the two. He is more willing to take shots down the field and that will open up the running game for Ezekiel Elliott even more. Having said that though, I’m willing to wait until Prescott starts to struggle before reinserting Romo.
I’ve heard both sides of this debate and at this point I have more confidence in Prescott than Romo. It would be reassuring to have Tony backing up Dak though. Romo was playing well in 2014 and 2015 but his last three games he has suffered game and season altering serious injuries. These injuries will affect his play. The games are long and defenses will key on pressuring Romo and as someone on this post has already said he has limited mobility and Romo is mistake prone. Yes, we watch the games too. And you don’t have to fret while watching if and when something bad is going to happen.
“The energy they have, they’re young guys who love to play football, who love to work hard, who fit into our culture but are guys who have that energy,” Lee says, “and even as young guys, we feed off them.”
I don’t think we have to worry about who’s better until, or if we struggle on offense. If we ride the hot hand until obstacles or injury it doesn’t matter. Dak seems to make great decisions and he keeps drives going. Tony is the superior passer but may at times take chances that kill drives. Romo is probably better if we need a comeback and Dak preserves the lead best.
Darryl, that’s kind of the point I was trying to make in the article. Both QB’s are capable of leading the Dallas Cowboys to the playoffs.
Tony is one good hit away from being hurt again. That must be factored in. But a Tony Romo must be played, maybe the last 3-4 games and go healthy into the playoffs.
John, I completely agree with you. We don’t know if the next hit will be the one that ends Romo’s career or not. He could go on and be completely healthy the rest of his career. I absolutely believe that he gives this team the best chance to win, especially the further we get into the season.
I personally have to agree with a few points here. Let me start off with saying this though, I have been a HUGE Tony Romo fan for many years now. I grew up a Dallas Cowboy fan. Stuck with them through all the good and the bad. Held my head high and proud to be a Dallas Cowboy fan. When it comes to what we are looking at as far as what QB should we move forward with this year, I have to look at what we KNOW vs what may be. Dak Prescott right now (for a 4th round Rookie) is playing his ass off and has shown himself to be a true TEAM Leader. Standing up, speaking for, and taking over this Dallas team. This team has rallied around him and played for him. On the other page you have Tony Romo. He has been an amazing QB as well. Records upon Records, Big wins, Big Losses, and finally Big Injuries. The latter is where my concern creeps in about Tony Romo these days. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Tony Romo. Explosive, HUGE arm, able to extend plays, ability to make plays most people dream of, among many other ways to describe him. His Career stats are pretty damn good to, 65.3% Completion Rate, 34,000 yards, 247 TD’s, you can not argue with those stats. But, we KNOW he has been injury prone the last few years, and out of every game played he has been sacked more times than he has thrown TD’s by 1 (248 Sacks taken). Each hit may be the last. Romo’s Health has become a big concern for me. In my heart of hearts, Romo is still the man. But, in reality, Dak Prescott has taken over this team. What better situation can the Dallas Cowboys be in than to have a young QB ballin’ like he is and a true hero Veteran sitting there ready to step in when he is needed. Romo for backup is where I am going with this. Also, if he is a True team player, restructure his deal at the end of the year for less money so Dallas can improve even more at Defense. Dallas could be in for many years of good things (FINALLY) Just my thoughts. Sorry this was so long.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Dave. I agree with a lot of what you said, but I don’t see Romo restructuring his contract. The Cowboys are already going to have to eat a lot of “dead money” from restructuring his contract in the past. Romo could take a pay cut, but I think that’s unlikely as well. And, in regards to the whole Romo and Prescott debate, I think #9 still gives us team the better chance to win once he’s healthy, especially later in the season.
I’m team Prescott I think he can win all them we should be at 6-0 right now I think romo should become a qb couch cuz he get hurt every year
Roy, I don’t disagree at all. I think Prescott has far exceeded anything anyone could have possibly predicted. I do however think Romo is still the better QB right now when healthy, but I don’t know if we will see a QB change anytime soon.