Cowboys' Backup QB Strategy: Veterans vs. Rookies

0:00On March 25th, a Cowboys fan is wondering why the team used to rely on better and back-up quarterbacks like Brad Johnson, John Kitna, and Andy Dalton, and what changed in their approach. Over the past 17 years, Dallas has not stuck to one philosophy on backups. Sometimes, they pick players very different from the starter, which can surprise opponents since there's no recent gain-take to study. That variety means adjusting your own game plan if the backup steps in. But it all comes down to the best fit for the team. Veterans often have more experience than the starter, yet they cost a lot. Think paying the main guy $60 million a season already. Since Brian Schadenheimer became head coach, the Cowboys have gone younger at quarterback, giving promising players reps to develop in a good spot. In the end, whether you want a steady distributor or a high upside kid, backups rarely save the day anyway, so it boils down to what the staff values. Most.