After the Cowboys released top backup quarterback Kyle Orton, owner Jerry Jones reportedly said the club’s confidence in Brandon Weeden helped the team make the move.
Perhaps Jones was on to something.
Looking comfortable in Jason Garrett’s offense, Weeden connected on 13-of-17 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown in the first two quarters of the Cowboys’ exhibition opener at San Diego on Thursday night.
On his TD pass, Weeden rolled right and found tight end James Hanna in the back of the endzone for a four-yard score, taking a big hit from Chargers defensive end Lawrence Guy in the process.
It wasn’t all highlights for Weeden; an interception by Chargers cornerback Richard Marshall was nullified by a holding penalty on the veteran defensive back. And the tape will probably spotlight other areas in which Weeden can improve. But in his first game with Dallas, Weeden played like a capable replacement for Orton.
Now, it’s on Weeden to build on this foundation.