The Dallas Cowboys gave backup Kellen Moore some first-team snaps this week leading up to Saturday night’s battle against the New York Jets, and starter Matt Cassel could find himself getting yanked early if he fails to perform.
ESPN’s Ed Werder reported, per a source, that Cassel will be “on a short leash” in Week 15, which means Moore could see action on national television Saturday night.
Anyone who read about Moore getting reps with the first team knew this had to be on the agenda.
NFL teams don’t give backups practice time with the first-team offense unless there is a real chance the starter isn’t going to play at some point. Usually this is a precautionary move in the case of an injured starter. However, as it pertains to Cassel this is a move to prepare for his inability to move the offense and score points.
In six starts this year, Cassel has only thrown five touchdown passes and six interceptions. Worse still, Dallas is 1-5 in those starts.
Moore has never appeared in any NFL game in his four years in the league. He was a superstar at Boise State but never transitioned into the NFL because of his lack of size and arm strength. If he’s called into action Saturday night, then Dallas has already waived the white flag.