May, 7, 2013
By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com
Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager/dickhead Jerry Jones said he wants to utilize how quarterback Tony Romo is able to make plays, especially under duress. Romo's ability to move away from trouble makes him one of the best players at his position.
Or does it?
According to ESPN's Stats and Information, Romo was fourth in the NFL with 505 yards outside the pocket and was tied for the lead with seven touchdown passes. Romo, who completed 56.7 percent of his passes outside the pocket last season, had a 116.3 quarterback rating. He also threw just one interception.
However, when Romo is rushed by five or more defenders he's tied with the New York Jets Mark Sanchez for the league lead with eight interceptions. Romo made 206 pass attempts against five or more defenders last season and finished third in the NFL with 1,443 yards.
The Cowboys' offense line gets criticized for its struggles in pass protection. Romo was sacked 13 times when faced with five or more defenders, 12th most in the NFL. That's not bad.
How a quarterback performs under pressure can make or break games or seasons. While Romo can make plays on the run, sometimes he holds the ball too long, which leads to problems. According to Pro Football Focus, Romo threw the ball away 13 times in 2012.
I would think that number would be higher, given how Romo was rushed at least 200 times last season. I understand where Jones says he wants the Cowboys to use Romo's ability to dodge defenders more, but when he does that, it's only because there was a breakdown somewhere once the play started.
One Romo's biggest strengths is alluding pressure and making throws all over the field. The Cowboys believe Romo is an elite quarterback and his numbers when under duress gives them the confidence in believing that.
Can he keep that up in 2013?
By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com
Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager/dickhead Jerry Jones said he wants to utilize how quarterback Tony Romo is able to make plays, especially under duress. Romo's ability to move away from trouble makes him one of the best players at his position.
Or does it?
According to ESPN's Stats and Information, Romo was fourth in the NFL with 505 yards outside the pocket and was tied for the lead with seven touchdown passes. Romo, who completed 56.7 percent of his passes outside the pocket last season, had a 116.3 quarterback rating. He also threw just one interception.
However, when Romo is rushed by five or more defenders he's tied with the New York Jets Mark Sanchez for the league lead with eight interceptions. Romo made 206 pass attempts against five or more defenders last season and finished third in the NFL with 1,443 yards.
The Cowboys' offense line gets criticized for its struggles in pass protection. Romo was sacked 13 times when faced with five or more defenders, 12th most in the NFL. That's not bad.
How a quarterback performs under pressure can make or break games or seasons. While Romo can make plays on the run, sometimes he holds the ball too long, which leads to problems. According to Pro Football Focus, Romo threw the ball away 13 times in 2012.
I would think that number would be higher, given how Romo was rushed at least 200 times last season. I understand where Jones says he wants the Cowboys to use Romo's ability to dodge defenders more, but when he does that, it's only because there was a breakdown somewhere once the play started.
One Romo's biggest strengths is alluding pressure and making throws all over the field. The Cowboys believe Romo is an elite quarterback and his numbers when under duress gives them the confidence in believing that.
Can he keep that up in 2013?
