Will Matt Cassel make a difference for Cowboys?

We asked the Paste BN NFL staff the following question: "Is the change to Matt Cassel going to make any difference for the stagnant Cowboys offense?" Their responses:

LINDSAY H. JONES

The real change the Cowboys need at quarterback is the healthy return of Tony Romo, and until that happens, it’s hard to imagine much really changing for Dallas. Matt Cassel has been highly respected in every locker room he’s been in, from New England to Kansas City to Minnesota to Buffalo, but there is a reason he hasn’t stuck anywhere as a starter. He throws too many interceptions (13 in 14 games over two seasons with the Vikings) and hasn’t proven he’s a great downfield passer. Under Brandon Weeden, the Cowboys couldn’t not stretch the field at all – and that doesn’t mean just on deep routes, and for Cassel to be any sort of upgrade from Weeden, he’ll need to be able to connect with top outside receiver Terrance Williams, who has just five catches over the last three games.

MICHAEL MIDDLEHURST-SCHWARTZ

Cassel might fare better than Brandon Weeden did as the starter. But the difference is likely negligible. Remember that Cassel was a low-end starter when he last played with the Minnesota Vikings, and he couldn't beat out Tyrod Taylor in Buffalo. There's a reason he was available in September. A willingness to get the ball to Terrance Williams could boost the Cowboys offense. But Dallas won't experience a real change until Dez Bryant and Tony Romo are back.

TOM PELISSERO

You never know. Cassel brings some leadership to the position. Guys believe in him when he’s in the huddle. But he’s turnover-prone and will try to do too much at times. He’s not a starting-caliber QB at this stage. The Cowboys are just hoping there’s a spark there. Best-case scenario, they find a way to win a game or two with Cassel before Tony Romo returns – which figures to be enough to stay afloat in the NFC East.  Cassel has the same challenge Brandon Weeden did, at least for this week: trying to make things happen in the passing game with a depleted receiver group as Dez Bryant continues to work his way back from a foot injury.

NATE DAVIS

Doubtful. Brandon Weeden has a huge arm he seemed unwilling to use. Cassel doesn’t have quite the same gun but maybe a willingness to push the attack downfield will open up things for the Dallas running game and/or TE Jason Witten. But really, until this offensive line starts living up to its reputation and Dez Bryant returns to command double coverage, Tony Romo is probably the only guy able to quickly get this offense back into gear.

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