Comparing the Roger Staubach and Tony Romo Situations: A Look Back at the Cowboys' QB Dilemma

Roger Staubach's experience as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the early 1970s is eerily similar to the current situation surrounding Tony Romo. In both cases, the team has found success with a young, talented quarterback, which has raised questions about whether the veteran signal-caller should continue to start games.

Staubach, who was a Super Bowl-winning quarterback in his own right, faced a similar dilemma in 1972 when he suffered a separated right shoulder in the third preseason game. Craig Morton, the team's other quarterback at the time, had been playing well and was given the job as starter while Staubach recovered.

Today, Tony Romo is dealing with a compression fracture in his back that has kept him sidelined for several weeks. In his place, Dak Prescott, a rookie quarterback from Mississippi State, has led the Cowboys to an 8-1 record, which is the best in the NFL. With Romo getting closer to full health and ready to return to action, the question remains whether he should continue to start games or step aside for Prescott.

Staubach believes that Dak deserves to keep playing with the way he has been performing. 'I think Dak deserves to keep playing with the way he's played,' Staubach said in a recent interview. 'He's getting back healthy, but Dak has got the team on a roll and with the atmosphere in the locker room.'

Staubach also acknowledges that the situation is different from when he faced it in 1972. In his time, there was more controversy surrounding the quarterback decision, as some players favored Morton while others preferred him. 'You know, coach Landry, who was the very best, a great coach, he didn't quite understand the quarterback still is the position that the players respected and looked up to,' Staubach recalled.

In contrast, Prescott and Romo have developed a strong rapport with their teammates, which has contributed to the team's success. 'Today, I think everybody respects the heck out of Tony,' Staubach said.

Ultimately, the decision about who will start games for the Cowboys is up to head coach Jason Garrett. However, based on his comments, it appears that Romo may not be ready to give up his starting job just yet. 'I didn't jump back in and get my job because Craig was really doing well in that '72 season,' Staubach said. 'When I got hurt and was healthy, it was a no-brainer as far as coach Landry was concerned.'

Staubach's experience serves as a reminder that even the most talented quarterbacks can face setbacks and injuries. In his case, he was able to recover from his injury and lead the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl VI.

As the situation with Romo and Prescott continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the Cowboys decide to handle their quarterback situation. Will they continue to ride the hot hand of Dak Prescott or bring back Tony Romo once he is fully healthy? Only time will tell.

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