One thing is abundantly clear as the Dallas Cowboys methodically build their roster heading into 2017’s training camp – the team is not content with simply handing Kellen Moore the backup QB position behind Dak Prescott. Under Head Coach Jason Garrett, the Cowboys have been built on competition, and Moore has seen Dallas sign journeyman Zac Dysert, retain UDFA QB Cooper Rush, and now schedule a workout with former Baylor starter Seth Russell all this offseason.
Former #Baylor QB Seth Russell telling me via text he has a workout with the @dallascowboys on Monday. #NFL @S_Russell17
— David Smoak (@DavidSmoak) June 23, 2017
The lack of a solid backup quarterback was something that obviously plagued the Cowboys over Tony Romo’s career, a spot they tried to ideally fix by drafting Prescott. With the Cowboys heading full speed into the future with Dak as the starter now – a young, healthy, and mobile QB – the time is now to consider all long-term options behind him.
Russell sat behind New York Jets QB Bryce Petty in 2013 and 2014, finally getting his shot in the Bears’ pass-happy attack in 2015.
Baylor’s system has not produced many NFL-ready passers (Petty has yet to get his shot with the Jets), and Russell was only able to start 17 games in his career there due to injuries. In just seven starts in 2015, Seth threw for 29 touchdowns to six interceptions.
A second straight season ending injury deflated Russell’s draft stock in 2016, as he left many more questions than answers on the field and ultimately went undrafted. Now, the Garland, Texas native has earned a shot with the Cowboys.
Russell’s fit with the Cowboys as a developmental backup makes sense, as a mobile quarterback that could come in and run some of the same offense Scott Linehan has designed for Dak Prescott. Russell may struggle with his overall accuracy, but shows off some nice touch and velocity from the pocket to allow his receivers to make plays.
In the traditional sense of the term, there will be no “quarterback competition” in Oxnard at the Cowboys’ training camp. The future has never been brighter in Dallas with Dak Prescott as the starter, but the QB2 spot has still left a lot to be desired. Should Russell impress at his Monday workout and sign, plenty of intriguing arms will now be fighting for this position.
Sean Martin: There is NO competition for the 2nd team QB position. Unless Kellen Moore gets hurt or really starts screwing up, K Moore is the 2nd team QB. K Moore is very unlikely to start screwing up. The Coaches are very aware that K Moore cannot make a throw that requires a cannon arm like Mathew Stafford has and don’t expect him to make these kind of throws. Not having competition at 2nd team is important to get K Moore ready to play via maximum reps and preseason playing time. One quick injury to D Prescott and the season and coaches jobs could be in K Moore’s hands. The competition for QB will be at 3rd and 4th team positions. K Moore will be the incumbent 2nd team QB because 1) he knows intimately the Dallas offense/playbook/games plans, 2) has S Linehan’s complete confidence, 3) has worked with S Linehan for long enough that he knows how S Linehan thinks and exactly what he wants, 4) K Moore makes the team better with his knowledge and mentoring of D Prescott and any other QBs, 5) S Linehan has said even though K Moore doesn’t have much experience he is like having a veteran QB because of his knowledge and maturity of play. S Linehan has recently said K Moore doesn’t need a lot of reps and is a great practice QB because he knows exactly what to do and how to do it and how to get the most out of the practice for everyone, 6) K Moore is a student of the game and he probably keeps improving. He already is an outstanding pocket passer and he will probably keep improving the finer details and nuances of being a pocket passer.
K Moore knows his physical limitations and does not try to make throws that his limitations will not allow him to. He would just look to another receiver or throw the ball away. His physical limitations per S Linehan will not stop him from being able to play in the NFL. S Linehan has said his arm is strong enough and that he compensates for his physical limitations with his outstanding pocket passing skills/abilities. In my opinion he may be one of the best ever if not THE best at a combination of accuracy, uncanny anticipation, poise and QB smarts/instincts. His decision making, accuracy and anticipation will overcome a lot of weaknesses because of his physical limitations. A few receivers have said he almost has a sixth sense in knowing where the receiver will be. Receivers love to play with him because he spreads the ball around and if you can get open he can get you the ball right where you can catch it.
One more thing, it wouldn’t surprise me if K Moore outplayed D Prescott in preseason play. This is because not only is K Moore good but this is his time to shine and maybe only time to play and D Prescott and the coaches are looking for Dak to work on some things, only try to get ready for the season games, not take a lot of risks of getting injured, etc.