Brandon Weeden Should Start Week 9 To Preserve Dallas Cowboys’ Playoff Goals

By Kyle Nault @KyleOnTheDaily on October 30, 2014

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will be a game-time decision for Sunday’s clash with the Arizona Cardinals as a result of his balky back. However, for Jason Garrett and Jerry Jones, this shouldn’t be a decision at all. Brandon Weeden should be under center at AT&T Stadium in Dallas three days from now.

Yes, I know many people will point to Weeden’s awful career record and horrible statistics as a reason why he should ride the bench in favor of an injured Romo. But if the Cowboys need him Sunday, all chances of winning are not lost.

These Cowboys have the best offensive line in the league, the league’s leading rusher in DeMarco Murray and a receiving corps that also ranks among the league’s best. This means that Weeden can play the game without having any of the load on his own back to lead Dallas to victory. The Cowboys only throw the ball 50 percent of the time, which will benefit the maligned gunslinger who’s been known to be error-prone.

Also, it’s no secret to anyone that even Romo relies upon Murray and the offensive line to shoulder at least half the load week by week, and that wouldn’t change with Weeden. Murray has now ran for over 100 yards in eight consecutive weeks and will absolutely be the main ingredient for the Cowboys’ winning formula against Arizona.

All Weeden would be asked to do is make an occasional big play down the field for the offense off play-action fakes and protect the football. That’s it. I don’t feel that is asking a whole lot from a former first-round draft pick who was supposed to save the Cleveland Browns organization.

Additionally, Weeden receives more practice reps than any other backup quarterback in the NFL since Romo takes every Wednesday off. There’s no reason for Dallas fans to think that he wouldn’t be in sync with all the team’s weapons. In relief of an injured Romo Monday night, Weeden showed a prime-time audience just how much chemistry he has with Dez Bryant, his former Oklahoma State teammate, Jason Witten and Co. as he completed 4-of-6 passes for 69 yards and a TD.  Look for that continue on Sunday if called upon.

Weeden trusted the stars around him to make plays and not make the moment too big. If he has the chance, he’ll do so once again. Do the smart thing for once Jerry and let No. 3 help the Cowboys win as Romo sits and gets healthy for the NFC East stretch run.

Kyle Nault is a NFL Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Him on Twitter @KyleOnTheDaily.