Before Romo Reigned: The QB Dallas Tried to Forget

31 Jul 2024
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Murphy

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So, you think you know Dallas Cowboys history? You know all about Romo's dazzling plays and heartbreaking losses. But what about the guy who warmed the bench before Tony Romo took the field? Who was holding the pigskin, slinging (or maybe just lobbing) passes before Romo's era? Let’s just say it wasn’t always pretty.

Before Tony Romo became a household name, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback situation was… complicated. It wasn’t exactly a revolving door, but it wasn’t a picture of stability either. Fans were desperate for a consistent leader, a quarterback who could guide the team back to the glory days. The answer, it turned out, was sitting on the bench, waiting in the wings. But who occupied the starting role before Romo got his shot?

The answer, my friends, is Drew Bledsoe. Yes, *that* Drew Bledsoe. The former New England Patriots star, the guy replaced by a young Tom Brady. Bledsoe arrived in Dallas with a hefty contract and the weight of expectations. He was supposed to be the missing piece, the veteran presence to revitalize the Cowboys offense. It… didn’t quite work out that way.

Bledsoe's tenure in Dallas was marked by inconsistency. There were glimpses of the talent that had once made him a top draft pick, but they were fleeting. The offense sputtered, the wins were hard to come by, and the fans grew restless. Something had to change. Little did anyone know, the change was sitting right there on the sidelines, holding a clipboard and waiting for his chance.

The pre-Romo era in Dallas was a period of searching, a quest for the quarterback who could lead the team back to prominence. Bledsoe represented a big swing, a gamble that ultimately didn't pay off. His presence, however, was crucial in setting the stage for Romo's emergence. It was the instability, the unmet expectations, that created the opportunity for Romo to seize the starting role and rewrite Cowboys history. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Bledsoe’s time in Dallas was short-lived, lasting just one full season as the starter. He was acquired by the Cowboys in 2005 after being released by the Patriots. The move was seen as a potential game-changer, but Bledsoe struggled to recapture his former glory.

One of the primary benefits of having Bledsoe before Romo was that his struggles highlighted the team's need for a change at quarterback. It became clear that Bledsoe wasn’t the long-term answer, which paved the way for Romo to take over. This transition ultimately proved to be highly beneficial for the Cowboys.

Another benefit was that Bledsoe, a seasoned veteran, served as a mentor to the young Romo. Romo learned from Bledsoe’s experience, both on and off the field, which helped him prepare for the challenges of being an NFL starting quarterback.

Finally, Bledsoe’s presence allowed the Cowboys to evaluate their other options at quarterback. By observing both Bledsoe and Romo, the coaching staff could make an informed decision about who was best suited to lead the team moving forward. This evaluation process ultimately led to the selection of Romo, who went on to become the franchise's all-time leading passer.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Bledsoe Era

Advantages	Disadvantages
Veteran Presence	Inconsistent Play
Mentored Romo	Limited Mobility
Facilitated QB Evaluation	High Salary Cap Hit

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who started at QB for the Cowboys before Tony Romo? Drew Bledsoe.

2. How long did Bledsoe play for the Cowboys? He played two seasons, starting one.

3. Why did the Cowboys acquire Bledsoe? They hoped he would revitalize the offense.

4. Why didn't Bledsoe succeed in Dallas? He struggled with consistency and adapting to the Cowboys' system.

5. How did Bledsoe's presence benefit Romo? He mentored Romo and helped him prepare for the starting role.

6. When did Romo take over as the starting quarterback? Midway through the 2006 season.

7. Was Bledsoe traded or released by the Cowboys? He was released.

8. What other teams did Bledsoe play for? The New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills.

In conclusion, the period before Tony Romo’s reign as the Dallas Cowboys quarterback was a time of uncertainty and transition. Drew Bledsoe’s arrival offered a glimmer of hope, but ultimately paved the way for Romo’s emergence. While Bledsoe's time in Dallas was short-lived, his presence played a significant role in shaping the future of the Cowboys franchise. He provided valuable mentorship to Romo and allowed the team to identify their true franchise quarterback. The pre-Romo era, marked by Bledsoe’s struggles and eventual departure, serves as a reminder of the often-winding path to success in the NFL. It also highlights the importance of recognizing talent, even when it comes from unexpected places. Remembering the quarterbacks who came before Romo gives context to his remarkable rise and enduring legacy in Dallas. Understanding this period offers a crucial perspective on the evolution of the Cowboys and the often unpredictable nature of professional football.