Many Cowboys fans are holding onto the idea that Tony Romo is the real backup quarterback in 2017, ready to put the pads back on if something bad happens to Dak Prescott. That plan may have just been cancelled, though, according to recent comments from Romo himself.
Yesterday, while talking to NFL Network during a celebrity golf event, Tony Romo said the following when asked about a possible NFL comeback.
“Like I said before, I’m done.”
To paraphrase a buddy of mine, it’s no surprise that an offseason with his kids, golf, and overall freedom would make Tony happy to stay retired. If Romo really needs a football fix, it will probably come from the CBS announce booth in just a few months.
Still, this isn’t welcome news if you’re not thrilled with the Cowboys’ QB depth chart. The idea of having Romo in an emergency glass case has helped some to cope with having Kellen Moore, and not much else, as the only reserves behind Prescott. If Tony is truly off the table, another layer of security for the 2017 season has just been removed.
Remember, it was just a year ago that the Cowboys’ season was saved by their number-three quarterback. Moore was the primary backup before getting hurt in training camp. Had he stayed healthy, Kellen may have held that post right into the regular season. Dak may not have had the same opportunity to shine in the preseason that he got from Moore’s absence.
As of now, the other quarterbacks on the roster are journeyman Zac Dysert and undrafted rookie Cooper Rush. While Dak Prescott was himself a major surprise, nobody expects either of these two players to have a similar story. In truth, neither is likely to make the 53-man roster.
So, if the unthinkable happens, Kellen Moore is looking like your only hope. His groupies aren’t worried; some Moore zealots think he could win the job from Prescott right now if given the opportunity. Even if you’re not in the fan club, you at least hope that Kellen’s system familiarity will pay off if called upon.
But as for that storybook chapter where Tony Romo returns from Valhalla, wielding the football and saving Cowboys Nation from doom, it’s looking more and more like a fantasy.
Jess Haynie:
We will get a good indicator for what Kellen Moore can do during the preseason. Kellen should play extensively against 1st and 2nd team defenses for five games. This should be a good test. If he plays well overall everyone should feel more comfortable with him at 2nd team going into the season. If he plays bad, then Dallas will probably be looking for a veteran QB to bring in. I expect K Moore to do well. He should be very ready at this point. If he can’t do it now, he never will be able to. I think a lot of fans and sports writers are going to be surprised and I will be surprised if he doesn’t play well overall. He almost always plays way better than anyone thinks he can play.
Kellen definitely needs those preseason reps after missing all of last year. I hope he looks good. If not, I wonder if something might happen with a veteran free agent or the waiver wire around final cuts.
Great read Jess.
The valhalla reference is spectacular.
I’m thankful he’s put this idea to rest. I’m sure several major media outlets will try to carry this narrative into the season and “ask the question”, but there is no need for it. It’s unrealistic for a guy to miss an entire offseason and then be expected to come in and contribute without much notice.
Thanks man. I’d have gone with Sto’Vo’Kor but way fewer people would’ve gotten that reference.