The Dallas Cowboys have an impending quarterback controversy on their hands, and the 2001 New England Patriots might be able to relate.
Tony Romo is expected to return soon from a back injury that’s kept him out the entire season to date. The Cowboys haven’t exactly missed him, though, as rookie backup Dak Prescott has led Dallas to a 5-1 start.
Jerry Jones initially insisted Romo would get his job back when healthy, but the Cowboys owner has backed off that stance in recent weeks. During a radio appearance Tuesday, Jones was asked if Romo deserves his job back based on his reputation alone and gave an interesting answer.
“I think we all recognize that there comes a time,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, via the Dallas Morning News. “On the other hand, I would say, would there be any doubt if this were New England and Tom Brady was ready to play? I don’t know that anybody brought Brady back because he deserved it. I think they brought him back because they wanted to do the best thing to win the football games.”
Brady, of course, took over for the injured Drew Bledsoe in 2001 and never looked back, keeping his job to lead New England to a Super Bowl title.
But Jones’ comments could bode well for either Prescott or Romo.
On the one hand, Prescott could be Brady in this analogy: The youngster beats out the proven veteran because he gives the Cowboys the best chance to win. Yet Jones’ comments could be read another way: Romo still is the best quarterback in Dallas, and the Cowboys owner won’t give his job to Prescott just because he’s played a handful of good games.
In summary: It’s still anyone’s guess who Dallas’ starting QB will be when Romo and Prescott both suit up.
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