Rich Gannon
CBS analyst Rich Gannon breaks down some of the NFL’s most interesting quarterback situations with The Post’s Justin Terranova as the season kicks off Thursday.
Q: Are you a Dak Prescott believer?
A: I am always amazed people say “he’s looked so good” this preseason, but that’s against two fronts and two zones, very vanilla. Wait until this thing gets rolling and he’s seeing different coverages and overloads and exotics. I am curious to see how he’ll handle himself.
Q: Is Tony Romo too much of a health risk for the Cowboys to count on a rookie as his backup?
A: You cannot take those unnecessary hits. He’s reckless and careless at times and that has to change. The hit against Seattle, he’s just not understanding what’s going on around him. The difference between [Aaron] Rodgers, [Tom] Brady and him is that he gets surprised too often. That tells you something.
Q: Are you surprised the Broncos went with Trevor Siemian?
A: He’s a smart kid and was in the system and watched and learned behind the master [Peyton Manning]. Whether he can hold off the other guys [Paxton Lynch, Mark Sanchez] and hold down this job, that should be his goal to simply play 16 games. It’s a great situation. If he just goes out, takes care of the football, makes good decisions, he’s got a chance to be OK.
Q: Was this Mark Sanchez’s last chance?
A: Probably as a starter, unless he gets an opportunity. There’s no question the guy can play physically, he’s got plenty of arm talent, good athleticism, tough, durable. The question is his decision-making in critical situations. That’s the thing that’s really held him back. If you are a play-caller or a head coach and you don’t trust that guy to make the right decision then you are not going to play him. It’s unfortunate because he is a talented kid.
Q: Will the Patriots survive without Tom Brady?
A: I think they’ll win. They understand the concept of team football and Jimmy [Garoppolo] is a talented kid and understands he doesn’t have to go out and be Brady. He just has to be smart and take care of things and make good decisions. He’s not a rookie. He’s been around a couple of years and has seen what it takes. I wouldn’t be surprised if they went 3-1. It would surprise me if they were 1-3.