Brandon Weeden is going to be the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons and there are quite a few question marks about what the team should expect from him.
After seeing Tony Romo go down with a broken collarbone, many Cowboys fans immediately gave up on the season. He will miss at least the next eight weeks as he recovers from the injury, but what fans failed to see was the impressive game that Weeden played after Romo’s injury. Weeden completed all seven of his pass attempts for 73 yards and a touchdown the rest of the game.
So with that being said, what should the Cowboys and their fans expect from Weeden this week against Atlanta?
First of all, the fact that Dallas has one of the best offensive lines in the league is going to be huge for Weeden. He will have plenty of time in the pocket, which is key for a quarterback that doesn’t play too terribly often. Dallas will also have to keep the pass rush away from Weeden to keep him from having to make quick decisions that could turn into turnovers.
Dallas is going to do everything they can to get a big game out of Joseph Randle, as RantSports.com discussed him needing to break out with a big game to help take pressure off of the passing game.
It will be interesting to see what ends up happening throughout the game with the receivers that Weeden will be working with. Dez Bryant is out for at least the next three or four weeks due to a broken foot, which leaves Weeden with Jason Witten, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley and a few other players that will be thrown into the action. The receivers have to step up and make plays for Weeden if the Cowboys want any chance of moving to 3-0.
Weeden’s arm has made a significant leap forward from the last time he was asked to fill a big role. Back during his tenure with the Cleveland Browns, Weeden struggled with the lack of protection, receivers and his game from the shoulders up simply wasn’t that good. Both of those areas are much better this year with the Cowboys and he is ready to begin turning his reputation around.
There are no excuses for Weeden with the talented roster that the Cowboys have around him. He has every piece that he needs to win a few games without Romo on the field and it all starts against Atlanta.
Dan Quinn has done a great job of improving the Falcons on both sides of the football, but the Cowboys should be able to stick with them and compete for a big win. Weeden may not be as good as Romo, but he is going to have a very solid week as the starting quarterback and will help give the Cowboys a chance to stay perfect.
Brandon Weeden Week 3 Prediction: 275 Yards, 2 TD’s, 0 INT
