Finally rooted, Cowboys quarterback Weeden showing growth

Brandon Weeden has gone through numerous ups and downs in his football career.

But entering his fourth NFL season, the 31-year-old quarterback has improved his game and his knowledge within the Dallas Cowboys’ system.

“It starts with my comfort level,” Weeden said. “I’ve been in the same system for the first time in my career in back-to-back years. This game is hard, especially this position, but I’m studying my tail off and it’s starting to pay off.”

Weeden, a first-round pick of the Browns in 2012, has played in three systems with three offensive coordinators and three head coaches in his first three seasons.

Cowboys starting quarterback Tony Romo says familiarity has played a key role in Weeden’s growth this off-season.

“Brandon knows the offense better this year,” Romo said. “He’s doing good things. His progressions are a little bit faster, and he’s always throwing the ball really well. I’m really excited about his development.”

Development is vital for Weeden. Being a backup isn’t just about waiting, it’s about continuing to learn the game.

“Anytime you’re a backup quarterback, you get to watch and grow,” tight end Jason Witten said. “Brandon is taking full advantage. He’s just not sitting back and waiting. He wants to get better and he has.”

The Cowboys have added a new virtual reality system. It’s been helpful to the quarterbacks, particularly Weeden, who needs all the reps he can get.

“You can always improve,” Weeden said. “Obviously, everyone wants to be an accurate thrower. You want to make sure you have the pocket presence, and all of that comes with reps. Where I am now, I’m not going to change much, not my throwing motion. I just want to keep learning the offensive ins and outs, but it takes time.”

Weeden played in five games last season, including one start in place of an injured Romo. On the season, he completed 24 of 41 passes for 303 yards, three touchdowns with two interceptions.

For his NFL career, Weeden has completed 462 of 825 passes for 5,419 yards, 26 touchdowns and 28 interceptions.

During the Cowboys’ 20-17 overtime loss to the Washington Redskins on Oct. 27, Weeden came in for an injured Romo in the third quarter and led Dallas to scores on both of his drives before Romo returned.

Weeden completed 4 of 6passes for 69 yards with a 25-yard, game-tying touchdown to Witten in the fourth quarter. His passer rating was 145.1.

The following week, Weeden started against the Arizona Cardinals and finished 18 of 33 with one touchdown and two interceptions in a 28-17 loss. The touchdown came on a 3-yard pass to Dez Bryant. Weeden became the 37th player in team history to start at quarterback.

The Cowboys looked at other backup options in the off-season but ultimately stuck with Weeden.

“I think he’s a confident player,” Garrett said. “He demonstrated that when he went into games last year and played well for us. But the more you’re in a system, the more it becomes second nature — the calls, identifications, your reactions and reading the defense.

“He has a long way to go like everybody does, but he’s certainly made strides.”

This story was originally published July 20, 2015 at 6:41 PM with the headline "Finally rooted, Cowboys quarterback Weeden showing growth."