It was painfully obvious — and obviously painful — every time the Cowboys reached the red zone or came up to a third down-and-1 with Mason Rudolph at the helm a few years ago. The young franchise QB that shouldered the hopes of Oklahoma State’s return to relevance wasn’t trusted to throw a back shoulder fade or to dip his own shoulder over the line of scrimmage.
It was probably the right call, but that didn’t make it hurt any less each time Rudolph trotted toward the sideline, somewhat dejected. But he always high-fived his relief, J.W. Walsh, along the way.