Rosenfels pens letter of advice to Cowboys' breakout star Prescott
Sage Rosenfels is a former 12-year NFL quarterback who now writes, does radio, and podcasts about the NFL and college football.
Dak Prescott
Dear Dak,
I thought I'd be the first person to tell you what everyone else already knows. You are the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. I know you've been the starter for the first five games this year, but I'm here to tell you that you're the starter for the rest of the season, and if things go right, for the next decade.
Most NFL "experts" such as myself like Tony Romo. He's been a heck of a player for the Cowboys for over a decade now. He's a playmaker, he's won a lot of games, and he handles himself like a true pro on and off the field. Romo takes the blame in press conferences after tough losses, and he dishes out compliments to his teammates after hard-fought wins. You'd have to be a fairly cynical person to not like Tony Romo. Sure, he hasn't been to an NFC Championship game or won any Super Bowls, but he has done a fantastic job representing America's Team.
This is why so few have had the guts to say it. His days are over as the starter in Dallas. This is partially due to his inability to stay healthy but it more has to do with your ability, Dak. What you've done in these first five games is nothing short of remarkable. All of those above comments I stated about Romo, are things you are already doing as a rookie. That's incredible. Your play on the field has been almost perfect, but the way you've handled yourself off should not be overlooked. Congrats on representing yourself and your team in a positive way.
Since you are the long-term starter, let me enlighten you on a few things you may already know. Being the quarterback of the Cowboys comes with a huge responsibility. The spotlight will be on you 24/7, and won't be able to go to too many public places in this country without being recognized. You can look at that as a burden or as a positive. It's both. You aren't going to be treated like a normal athlete so you can't act like a normal athlete. You must, 100 percent of the time, do things right. There is plenty of legal and responsible ways to have fun in the United States. Go do them. All of the other "stuff" which can come with NFL stardom is short lived and a waste of time.
Dish out compliments ... to everyone. Your offensive line should be complimented at every turn. By the way, you've got the best one in the league so appreciate them. You've got one of the most likable head coaches in sports. Don't screw up that relationship. Jason Garret is a smart, steady, realistic, caring, fair, and a good man. There are only a few NFL head coaches I'd describe like that. Be thankful you have him as your leader.
Lastly, when you hang up the cleats in 15 years, you will look back and analyze every season and game. Your view of your career will be much different than what you see in front of you now. Your journey is just beginning. Never get too high when life is good and don't think the world is ending when you find yourself having some struggles. Every NFL season is like a marathon. Change is the only thing you can count on in the NFL. Be prepared for it.
Good luck. Stay humble. There have been many great quarterbacks for the Cowboys before you and there will be many after you. Do your thing and stay away from the nonsense.
Sincerely,
A jealous retired journeyman quarterback
Tyrod Taylor
After an 0-2 start, the Buffalo Bills have reeled off three straight wins to get back into AFC East race. Much of that success has to do with the arm and legs of quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Drafted in the sixth round, Taylor had a chance to sit and watch Joe Flacco run the show in Baltimore. Flacco has one of the best arms in the NFL but rarely uses his legs to make plays. He's the definition of a true pocket passer.
Taylor has a very different skill set than Flacco so it must have been challenging for the offensive coaches in Baltimore to design an offense which suited the backup quarterback. This has changed in Buffalo and Rex Ryan's team is reaping the results.
I've always said that to make it in the NFL as a quarterback, you have to be able to throw the ball. This is a passing league first and foremost. The rules are set up that way. So when a player has an ability to run or make something happen when the pocket breaks down, that is just icing on the cake.
Taylor can most definitely throw. In his 14 starts for the Bills in 2015, Taylor threw for 20 touchdowns with just six interceptions and completed balls at a 64 percent rate. His 99 quarterback rating put him at seventh in the league, ahead of Cam Newton, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rodgers.
In Sunday's game, Taylor used his legs on all three of Buffalo's offensive touchdowns. The first showed his ability to create when the play called in the huddle didn't go as planned. Buffalo called a play action from the 5-yard line and were hoping for the Rams to suck up on the fake. The Rams weren't buying and Taylor extended the play to find his receiver in the back of the end zone. On the second touchdown the Bills called an option play, something rarely seen in the NFL, and Taylor executed it perfectly by pitching off the end to LeSean McCoy. The final Bills score occurred when the Rams brought an all out blitz. The Bills quarterback was smart enough to know he had to buy time by fading deep in the pocket to allow his receiver to get open in the flat. If he stands in the pocket, he can't make that throw.
Taylor had one of his best games as a Bill on Sunday. He is good enough to win games with his arm. His legs are making him even more dangerous.
Derek Carr
Coming out of Fresno State, draft experts labeled David Carr as smart, athletic, strong armed, and a playmaker. Twelve years later, David's younger brother was called all of those same things but had to wait until the second round of the 2014 draft. In only his third season, big brother David will have no trouble admitting that his younger brother is better than he ever was. But I believe plenty of this has to do with Derek watching older brother David during his career.
Though David didn't have the career most expected back in 2002, he unknowingly taught his younger brother that being a successful NFL quarterback isn't just about those draft expert labels. Sure, Derek has a stronger arm than his older brother, the Raiders quarterback is playing like a crafty NFL veteran in only his third season.
Derek understands how to rely on his defense. He has learned that even though he has a rocket for an arm, checking the ball down to a running back or tight end can lead to big plays. He's one of the best at getting rid of the football, as the Raiders are No. 1 in the NFL with only five sacks allowed. If you recall, older brother David's most well-known NFL stat is his 76 sacks in 2002.
Derek also has two "No. 1" receivers with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. The two wideouts have quickly developed a rapport with their quarterback, making them one of the best one-two punches in the NFL. Derek has a great feel for Cooper's route-running ability and Crabtree's talent to make plays even when covered.
Becoming a top-tier NFLer usually takes years to master. Most young players make more mistakes to lose games than positive plays to win them. Derek has a shorter learning curve as he had a chance to watch the struggles of his older brother throughout his career. Most young quarterbacks are lucky to have an old veteran in the locker room to teach them what it takes to excel. Derek had one sitting across from him at breakfast for the majority of his youth. This was a big advantage for Derek's development and the Raiders are reaping the rewards.