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2016 NFL Week Two Hot Takes: End of the Tony Romo Era?

By Erik Lambert

Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scores a touchdown as Washington Redskins linebacker Mason Foster (54) defends in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scores a touchdown as Washington Redskins linebacker Mason Foster (54) defends in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. reacts against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. reacts against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Becoming clear Ken Norton was a bad hire for defensive coordinator

One of the more puzzling hires a year ago among coaching staffs was when the Oakland Raiders decided to make Ken Norton their new defensive coordinator. This despite misgivings from sources close to the situation and that he’d never held the position before even at the college level. Nobody was denying his legacy as an outstanding linebacker and leader of men, but play calling in the NFL is a tricky business for creative men.

Time has proven Norton is not one of them. After being dissected in the opener by New Orleans, a game saved by the heroics of Derek Carr, the Raiders were once again picked apart in week two by Atlanta. Despite all the money and high draft choices spent to upgrade the roster, it somehow looked worse than ever. Word is Jack Del Rio didn’t need too long before he assumed play calling duties, confirming the fact that Norton was given the job based on coming from a successful system and not actually having the chops.

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