Dallas Cowboys

Brandon Weeden named Cowboys' most improved player

Published Jun. 15, 2015 2:41 p.m. ET

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If Tony Romo were to fall to another unfortunate injury, Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson feels that the team will be in good hands. Wilson named backup quarterback Brandon Weeden as the offense's most improved player heading into 2015.

“I think he’s probably the most improved player,” Wilson said, via ESPN. “He just has a great understanding of the concepts, of the protections, calling the plays, all those things. He's made a big jump this year."

Wilson had the opportunity to call out Cole Beasley or Lance Dunbar, but he went to Weeden first. This is surprising, because both Beasley and Dunbar have made headlines this offseason after turning heads during OTA practices earlier this month.

Wilson was excited to hear about the positive reinforcement, and he attributes what the coaches are seeing to hard work in the offseason.

“That’s a good comment because I busted my ass,” Weeden said. “I’ve worked so hard this offseason, training wise, throwing wise to put myself in position.”

We often see coach-speak come out in full force during the summer months leading up to the season opener. I'm not trying to say that Weeden hasn't looked improved during the Cowboys' OTA practices, but keep in mind the players don't have the pads on. The pass rush, something Weeden has struggled with his entire career, is not coming in at full force. Weeden was a disaster in Romo's absence in 2014, and the Cowboys will need to hope not to turn to him again in 2015.

(h/t ESPN)

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