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Bad Brad paved the way for Orton
MATT MOSLEY |
Published: Thursday, December 26, 2013, 3:42pm
At some point between practices and film sessions this week, Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Kyle Orton should give a shout out to Brad Johnson. The fact Johnson did such a miserable job in place of Tony Romo when he broke his pinkie finger in 2008 is a big reason why Orton ranks among the highest paid backups in the league.
I recall hearing at the time that Jerry Jones was furious that someone had convinced him that Johnson could still be a serviceable backup in the league. And that's why he didn't mind being criticized for paying Orton a $5 million signing bonus as part of a three-year, $10.5 million free-agent contract before the 2012 season. Orton probably could've become a starter for another team based on his decent track record (35-34), but he chose the security that Jones was offering.
But it's looking more and more likely he'll actually have to start a meaningful game for the Cowboys. He started 69 games for the Bears, Broncos and Chiefs before willingly signing up to be Romo's backup. Dallas head coach Jason Garrett should remind his offense how well the Bears and Packers functioned with backup quarterbacks…when playing the Cowboys, of course. He may not want to do this in front of his defense, though.
But really, he simply needs to point to the second half of 2010, when a backup quarterback helped Garrett become the Cowboys' permanent head coach. After a 1-7 start to that season, Jerry Jones fired Wade Phillips and appointed Garrett as the team's interim head coach. Romo was already out for the season with a broken collarbone he suffered against the New York Giants.
None other than Jon Kitna took over the offense. And after a rough start, Kitna helped ignite the offense under Garrett. He was a fiery leader who young players such as Dez Bryant and Doug Free responded to in a big way. That's why Garrett didn't even need to see Kitna work out when the 41-year-old quarterback called earlier this week to offer his services. For at least one week, Kitna is once again the backup for the Cowboys.
After Romo's broken finger in '08, he begged doctors to allow him to play. In fact, the Cowboys medical staff basically tried to design a special splint on the fly. The Cowboys were 4-2 at the time and the season seemed to be hanging in the balance. While Romo recovered, Johnson threw five interceptions and was sacked eight times in three starts. He was so bad against the Giants that Brooks Bollinger looked somewhat competent in relief against the New York Giants.
Orton at least gives the Cowboys offense a chance. He is a smart quarterback who will play within himself. And if a running play is called, there's a decent chance he won't change it at the line of scrimmage.
"He played the quarterback position the way it's supposed to be played," Garrett said of Orton. "He's very prepared. He's an experienced guy. He throws the football very well. He's smart, he's tough, he's accurate. He understands what you're trying to do on offense. He understands defenses. He knows where the ball needs to go. He has a poise and a calmness and a composure about him of a veteran player."
And if you're looking for one more positive heading into this win-or-else game Sunday night against the Eagles, remember that Garrett has excelled during times of great adversity. In addition to what he did in 2010, it was impressive how he kept the team together in the aftermath of Jerry Brown's death last season. Obviously, losing Romo doesn't in any way compare to that tragedy, but I do think Garrett will be able to utilize his talent for keeping players focused on the task at hand.
The Cowboys have a chance to finish the regular-season undefeated against their NFC East foes. Doing it without Romo in the starting lineup seems like a long shot, but perhaps this somehow plays to Garrett's strength.
And the one other huge positive: Brad Johnson's not walking through that door.
MATT MOSLEY |
Published: Thursday, December 26, 2013, 3:42pm
At some point between practices and film sessions this week, Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Kyle Orton should give a shout out to Brad Johnson. The fact Johnson did such a miserable job in place of Tony Romo when he broke his pinkie finger in 2008 is a big reason why Orton ranks among the highest paid backups in the league.
I recall hearing at the time that Jerry Jones was furious that someone had convinced him that Johnson could still be a serviceable backup in the league. And that's why he didn't mind being criticized for paying Orton a $5 million signing bonus as part of a three-year, $10.5 million free-agent contract before the 2012 season. Orton probably could've become a starter for another team based on his decent track record (35-34), but he chose the security that Jones was offering.
But it's looking more and more likely he'll actually have to start a meaningful game for the Cowboys. He started 69 games for the Bears, Broncos and Chiefs before willingly signing up to be Romo's backup. Dallas head coach Jason Garrett should remind his offense how well the Bears and Packers functioned with backup quarterbacks…when playing the Cowboys, of course. He may not want to do this in front of his defense, though.
But really, he simply needs to point to the second half of 2010, when a backup quarterback helped Garrett become the Cowboys' permanent head coach. After a 1-7 start to that season, Jerry Jones fired Wade Phillips and appointed Garrett as the team's interim head coach. Romo was already out for the season with a broken collarbone he suffered against the New York Giants.
None other than Jon Kitna took over the offense. And after a rough start, Kitna helped ignite the offense under Garrett. He was a fiery leader who young players such as Dez Bryant and Doug Free responded to in a big way. That's why Garrett didn't even need to see Kitna work out when the 41-year-old quarterback called earlier this week to offer his services. For at least one week, Kitna is once again the backup for the Cowboys.
After Romo's broken finger in '08, he begged doctors to allow him to play. In fact, the Cowboys medical staff basically tried to design a special splint on the fly. The Cowboys were 4-2 at the time and the season seemed to be hanging in the balance. While Romo recovered, Johnson threw five interceptions and was sacked eight times in three starts. He was so bad against the Giants that Brooks Bollinger looked somewhat competent in relief against the New York Giants.
Orton at least gives the Cowboys offense a chance. He is a smart quarterback who will play within himself. And if a running play is called, there's a decent chance he won't change it at the line of scrimmage.
"He played the quarterback position the way it's supposed to be played," Garrett said of Orton. "He's very prepared. He's an experienced guy. He throws the football very well. He's smart, he's tough, he's accurate. He understands what you're trying to do on offense. He understands defenses. He knows where the ball needs to go. He has a poise and a calmness and a composure about him of a veteran player."
And if you're looking for one more positive heading into this win-or-else game Sunday night against the Eagles, remember that Garrett has excelled during times of great adversity. In addition to what he did in 2010, it was impressive how he kept the team together in the aftermath of Jerry Brown's death last season. Obviously, losing Romo doesn't in any way compare to that tragedy, but I do think Garrett will be able to utilize his talent for keeping players focused on the task at hand.
The Cowboys have a chance to finish the regular-season undefeated against their NFC East foes. Doing it without Romo in the starting lineup seems like a long shot, but perhaps this somehow plays to Garrett's strength.
And the one other huge positive: Brad Johnson's not walking through that door.
