Cowboys' New Quarterback Adjusting to New Role

After eight years since his last season as a full-time starter, Brandon Weeden is adjusting to the new role and a new system.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:55 am

By: News On 6

Cowboys' New Quarterback Adjusting to New Role

Originally Published: Sep 2, 2010 9:19 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Throughout the offseason, when the topic of conversation turned to Oklahoma State, the subject inevitably turned to experience, or the lack thereof for the Cowboys.

After backing up players that are no longer with the team, the new faces in the lineup have earned their moment to shine.

“We’ve had a number of players for the past two or three years that carry this football team. But these guys have paid a price. They’ve earned the right to win,” said head coach Mike Gundy. “Athletically they’re going to be fine, they need to learn to play together and compete.”

The player facing the biggest uphill battle may be new quarterback Brandon Weeden, who is back in the spotlight after taking a five-year hiatus from football to play baseball. The New York Yankees selected him in the second round of the 2002 MLB Draft. The coaches believe that not only does his level of physical fitness lend itself to success, but the 26-year-old quarterback is just hitting his prime.

“Brandon’s in good shape. He works hard in the weight room. So physically I think he’s going to be better off than a younger player would be,” Gundy said. “I think it’s 26, 27, 28 years old when they really mature. If that’s true, then he should be in really good shape and be as strong as anybody that’s out there on the field.”

Despite his physical prowess, the coaches know the transition back into full-time starting duties will be a process for the junior quarterback.

“I’ve said this since day one, Brandon hasn’t started since 1980,” said offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, laughing. “It’s all going to be about him being able to go through the whole routine of game day and not getting too worked up through pregame. He’s got an even keel attitude and that’s got to remain the same throughout the course of the game.”

Weeden appeared in three games a season ago, including a start against Colorado for an injured Zac Robinson, but that was in the old offensive system. With a full offseason, summer and preseason under his belt, Weeden’s adjustment to the new wide-open offense has been swift, but he’s finding his comfort zone early in the season.

“I feel really good [in the offense]. I’m starting to get a feel for what Coach Holgorsen wants. I’m starting to get there,” Weeden said. “It will take a while to get to 100 percent, but I feel like I’ve come a long way during camp.”

Leading up to the game, he seemed calm, cool and collected, but when he’s standing in the tunnel before the game, he’s expecting some nervous energy.

“I’m sure I’ll get a little more nervous toward Saturday, but I’m just enjoying it and having fun,” Weeden said. “If I don’t have butterflies on Saturday I’ll get real nervous.”