Denver Broncos: Time to Go After Tony Romo?

Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) in game action against the Miami Dolphins at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The Denver Broncos remain in the thick of the AFC playoff picture, but their grip on the title of Super Bowl champions is clearly beginning to slip away.

Much of the reason for that is centered around their sputtering offense. Over the past two weeks the team has failed to score more than 16 points in a game. Their young quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch are at the heart of the problem. They have managed to post over 220 yards passing in a game just twice this year. Such a lacking threat has allowed defenses to concentrate on stopping the Broncos ground attack. Denver hasn’t posted 100 yards rushing in a game since September 18th.

After back-to-back losses the team is faced with a real crisis. They don’t look like the dominant team that won a championship back in February. The defense is getting worn down. Unless the offense finds a way to start pulling their weight, it’s hard to see them repeating. Especially with the AFC West becoming such a ferocious division to battle through. Keep in mind the Chiefs and Raiders also have winning records and the Chargers are 3-4 (and beat Denver last week).

John Gruden, analyst for Monday Night Football, wrote in a recent column for ESPN Insider he believes the Broncos should at least consider dealing for a veteran QB. Yes, their two youngsters are the future but it appears neither is ready to compete for a championship.

"“The Broncos get another shot to evaluate their 2016 prospects when Trevor Siemian starts against the Texans. Siemian and Paxton Lynch have long-term promise. They are the future. But the championship window for this defense will not stay this wide open forever, and if the Broncos’ offense continues to sputter, a short-term move for Tony Romo…before the Nov. 1 trading deadline should be a consideration, at least.”"

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It’s a fascinating idea that isn’t entirely without merit. Romo is 36-years old and coming off back surgery. There is no way the Dallas Cowboys could justify charging a high price for him. Besides it’s obvious to everybody that many in the organization want to stick with Dak Prescott at quarterback. He’s playing excellent football and they’re winning. Jerry Jones may have a long-standing love affair with Romo, but there are time to move on.

This could be it.

If Romo is close to 100% recovered, he might be the answer the Broncos need. When healthy he can be as effective as any quarterback in the game. He’ll have Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders for his targets. It’s not a hard sell on paper. Of course their are financial hurdles to get over and whether the two teams would even entertain the idea.

Still with the trade deadline just a week away, John Elway is left with a decision. Does he trust Siemian or Lynch to get this Denver Broncos team back to the Super Bowl? If there is even a shred of doubt, then this is a phone call he must consider.

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