In times like these, Dallas Cowboys fans should be thankful for Dak Prescott.
The Los Angeles Rams have their sights set on a return to the Super Bowl this season, but one major issue seems to be standing in their way. 37-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a back injury that could derail the team's season.
The Cowboys know the struggle of quarterback back issues all too well.
Cowboys have already lived Rams' Matthew Stafford nightmare
There seems to be an alarming level of secrecy around Stafford's injury. The Rams haven't publicly stated any diagnosis, and they're keeping his treatment regimen well under wraps. They're optimistic that he can take the field at the start of the regular season, but back issues tend to linger, especially in older players.
Dallas went through nearly the same situation about a decade ago. Tony Romo had been the team's consistent starter for years, albeit with mixed results. Heading into his 11th season at the helm, Romo suffered a compression fracture in his back during a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. It wasn't Romo's first back injury in the NFL, but it would be his last. The injury would effectively end his career.
The difference? The Rams don't have Dak Prescott waiting in the wings.
Of course, Prescott took over for the injured Romo and never looked back. Nine years later, he's still the Cowboys' starter and has become the highest-paid player in the NFL. It's a great story, but it could have gone much worse if Dallas hadn't already had a backup plan.
Los Angeles may be getting ready to experience the downfall of their veteran quarterback without a safety net. If Stafford misses significant time, the Rams will be trusting Jimmy Garoppolo to lead them to the playoffs. Garoppolo has proven himself to be a capable backup, but his ceiling is limited at this point in his career. You're getting below-average QB play from him at best.
Maybe that can work in Sean McVay's offense, but without Stafford, this team drops from Super Bowl contender status to being a fringe Wild Card team. The Rams bet on aging veterans all over their offense coming into this season, and they're living the consequences.
You never root for injuries in the NFL, even to conference opponents, but a sidelined Stafford makes the Cowboys' road back into the playoffs just a bit easier.