Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott must falter before Tony Romo can return

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Dallas Cowboys must allow rookie quarterback Dak Prescott to continue to start under center until he fails before they bring back Tony Romo from injury.

Before Dallas Cowboys fourth round rookie quarterback Dak Prescott played a single snap under center for America’s Team in the regular season, I broached the idea that if the former Mississippi State Bulldog played well, the Cowboys could have a genuine quarterback controversy on their hands. At the time, that remark was not well received. Especially among Tony Romo supporters.

Six weeks later, and the entire world seems to have changed their tune. Following a five-game winning streak, some are now calling for Prescott to finish out the season. And some are for allowing their former savior, Romo, to spend the rest of the year on the bench as the highest paid back-up quarterback in the NFL. Finally, there are some who are claiming the Cowboys should trade the veteran at the end of the season. All of which seems very rash in my opinion.

For one, Prescott is a rookie who has played all of six games in the NFL. If Dak has a weakness, be assured defensive coordinators around the league will find it and try to exploit it. Two, six outings is hardly enough games to judge whether a player has what it takes to be the Cowboys franchise quarterback for the next ten years. We all know what Romo brings to the table. Prescott’s resume is still being written.

Although the rookie quarterback has set the NFL world ablaze, he’s done so with a ton of help. Let’s not forget Dak has the league’s leading rusher in fellow rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott slicing and dicing opposing defenses. Prescott also has the pass protection of the best offensive line in football. Many have argued Romo would have similar or even more success in the same circumstances.

So, should Romo automatically be given the starting role once he is “fully” healthy? After the Cowboys surprising victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, I think the answer is no. Even though Romo is considered a better quarterback than Prescott at this point, bringing back the veteran now puts both players and the team as a whole in a very bad position.

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If Romo returns under center after the bye week to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week Eight and fails to win that game, the roar from both media and fans for Prescott’s return will be overwhelming. If Tony struggles in anyway, the rumblings for his exodus out of Dallas will grow louder and louder each week. Because of the winning streak Prescott has been at the forefront of, anything other than near perfection from Romo from here on out will spark instant controversy…and possibly locker room turmoil.

Even if Romo leads the Cowboys to the Super Bowl and losses that game, some will wonder what Prescott might have done under center instead.

So what is the solution? I believe the Cowboys must stick with Prescott until he falters. And chances are he will at some point in the coming weeks. Once the rookie plays like a rookie, Dallas’ front office and coaching staff will have a metaphorical red carpet to bring Romo back on a white horse in order to save their season.

Tony Romo must return as a hero, not a villain. Perception matters. If the Cowboys start losing games under Prescott, Romo comes in as the hero in waiting. But if Dallas forces Dak to the bench while he and the team are still playing well, they only set up Tony for failure. If Prescott never really falters, the Cowboys will be forced to stay with the hot hand. If Dak begins to show signs of weakness, Romo returns to save the day in Big D.

Regardless of the Cowboys ultimate decision, the two players that must be open and honest with each other about the situation are Romo and Prescott. As the veteran, Tony must understand the importance of momentum and team chemistry. Dak must understand his predecessor’s legacy, his limited window and that he has likely already secured his place in this franchise’s future.

Most importantly, both Tony Romo and Dak Prescott must put winning football games above ego and personal gratification…whatever the cost.

But that’s just my opinion. What’s yours? Leave your comments below about the brewing quarterback controversy in Dallas and how you would handle the situation and why.

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