Everyone in the Cowboys needs to play with more urgency, not just Weeden (Photo : Reuters/Tim Heitman/USA Today Sports)
How times have changed. Jerry Jones, who was originally unfazed by the Cowboys' recent injury bug because he thought backup Weeden was a 'gifted passer' now thinks Weeden is 'limited'.
Originally Jones, who owns the Cowboys, was extremely giddy about Brandon Weeden, who had to replace star quarterback Tony Romo due to Romo's broken collarbone. Right after Weeden succesfully completed 7 passes in a win over division rival Philadelphia Eagles, Jones had this to say about Weeden:
"This quarterback Weeden can drive the ball down field, he is a thing of beauty on throwing a football. His passing motion and his arm, frankly, you won't see a more gifted passer, power, accuracy, the entire aspect of it. If he can basically prepare, be the starting quarterback, come in and execute and keep his head right, then I feel good about Weeden."
However, after Weeden and the Cowboys lost 26-20 in overtime against the New Orleans Saints, Jones changed his tune, stating:
"I thought he did real good, he did good all night long. He took his initial look and threw it. He does some real good things, though it's not quite apples and oranges when the guy on the other side of the deal is Brees and you're dealing with a guy who is as limited as Weeden. We got in it even running out of time, or short-handed, in 2-minute or what have you, then these quarterbacks like Brees make a difference."
To be frank, Weeden is not the most exceptional of quarterbacks. He is in no way going to be able to replace Tony Romo's prodcution, especially considering the fact that many other Cowboys players are suffering from injury. That doesn't necessarily mean, however, that Weeden is not an adequate quarterback.
The Cowboys recent woes is not a Weeden problem, it is a team wide problem. The Cowboys, without their star receiver Bryant and quarterback Romo, this team is no longer playing to win. The Cowboys have been playing not to lose. This is something that needs to change if the Cowboys ever hope to make the playoffs.
Luckily, the Cowboys plays in an incredibly weak NFC east, and with the proper motivation can remain competitive until Romo, Bryant, and other key players return.
