Roger Staubach/Craig Morton

Dallas Cowboys

 

 

The pro scouts' appraisal of the NFL's quarterbacks was made at mid-season, just at the point when Dallas Coach Tom Landry decided to alternate his two quarterbacks, Craig Morton and Roger Staubach, every other play.
That had to completely surprise the scouts, who clearly rated Staubach superior to Morton. As a matter of fact, Staubach was rated superior in four of the five rating departments, the two getting the same 3 rating in throwing ability.

It was obvious that the scouts felt that Staubach, a 6-foot-3, 197-pounder three years removed from Navy duty, was progressing while Morton, a 6-foot-4, 214-pound product of California who came to the Cowboys with a potential super-star label, had started to regress after seven years.

Morton's arm problems seem to have shaken his confidence when the scouts' ratings are assessed, for he gets a woeful 2 in leadership and reaction under pressure.

Staubach, on the other hand, received his highest grades in those categories, 4.5 and 4. The 4 in reaction under pressure also takes in Staubach's value as a quarterback able to get himself out of trouble with his ability to run with the football. It all adds up to an over-all rating of 18- leaving Staubach just outside the outstanding category.

The added experience that would enable Staubach to handle rival defenses better undoubtedly gives him the potential to climb into that exclusive circle.
 

Roger Staubach  
Leadership 4.5
Reaction under pressure 4
Set-up speed 3.5
Throwing ability 3
Reading defenses 3
Total 18

 
Craig Morton  
Leadership 2
Reaction under pressure 2
Set-up speed 2.5
Throwing ability 3
Reading defenses 2.5
Total 12

 

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