Dallas Cowboys news: Tony Romo set to start
by Brandon Worley on Nov 6, 2008 7:50 AM CST
56 comments
The big story from yesterday was Tony Romo returning to practice with a new splint and a positive outlook:
"This is a football team, and no one player wins or loses football games," Romo said. "I think this football team’s best football is ahead of it, and we’ll be able to show that."
The best part of this is that Romo's new splint and healing finger will allow him to grip the ball much better than he was when trying to play against the Rams. The players also realize that just because Romo is returning doesn't mean that all of a sudden everything is fixed.
"I don't think it's a matter of him coming in and trying to be Superman and really saving this team," Owens said. "Tony's job is obviously very important at the quarterback position. I think he's had time to kind of assess games he hasn't played in. For him, it's just to come out and put the ball in playmakers' hands and let those guys make the plays."
There is no doubt that Romo coming back to the team will instantly infuse them with some much needed energy. We should realize though, that things weren't great before Romo went down and those issues are still there, especially when it comes to the offensive line. However, there is certainly an excitement about the team again and you would hope that would spill over to the players because it's obvious there was something missing. We all agree that Romo looked a bit skittish and not himself (although a skittish Romo is 100 times more effective than BJ or Bollinger) and hopefully the time off has allowed him to find that spark that made him enjoy the game when he first took over.
Brooks Bollinger is the official number two quarterback. Either Patrick Crayton or Sam Paulescu will become the holder for field goals.
Greg Ellis is disappointed in being benched on first and second downs in favor of Anthony Spencer.
"[I'm] disappointed as a competitor. Yeah, I want to be out there playing and doing what I do," Ellis said regarding a reduced role. "As far as this football team, that's what they feel [is] the direction they need to go in. That's the decision they made. That's it."
Nick Eatman says the players need to get away for awhile and the long weekend will be good for them.
According to Brad Sham, its all on the players to turn this thing around. That's my feeling exactly because its reached a point where this team will have to win almost in spite of the coaching.
And here is yet another case of the media taking advantage of the T.O. effect. I log onto to SI.com, and the first news story listed says this: T.O. rips Cowboys backup QBs
Now, T.O. did have some stuff to say about the play of the backups but none of it was out of line. Everything he said was right on, and I would be frustrated as hell if I was in him. He's getting open, he's starting to beat the press and the quarterback can't even throw an accurate slant. On Sirius radio yesterday, he also acknowledged that he is no longer the number one weapon on this team, but at the same time none of them are being utilized properly. So, he's just speaking the truth.
The negativity of the title of the article and how it's been done over and over again is just getting old.
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Sham's article is dead on
Winning and losing in the NFL comes down to the team that wants it more, simple as that. The difference in talent and ability among players on each team isn’t as great as most fans seem to think.
What separates the good teams from the bad teams is the desire to want to play well and win because all these pros have the ability to do it or they wouldn’t be there. Right now Tennessee and GMen have a tremendous burning desire to win each week, and teams like the Lions simply show up to collect a paycheck.
The players have to take it upon themselves to motivate themselves each game to play their very best and thats something that hasn’t been happening with this team for a while. Half of the time, the other team wants it more and that can’t happen anymore if the Cowboys are going to make a run at the playoffs and championship.
You could see it with the Giants last season and into this season, as a team, they simply want it more and that was evident last Sunday.
The Cowboys simply have to want it more than the Skins, 49ers, Seahawks, Steelers, Giants, Ravens and Eagles. If they start playing with that fortitude and desire, they’ll not only make the playoffs, but make some noise when they’re there.
In Romo we Trust
The problem is
teams like the Giants and Texans feel like they get no respect in spite of everything they’ve done. So they come out every game with intensity, bound to prove people wrong. The Cowboys, on the other hand, had everyone calling them the champs from the get go and have played this season in cruise control because of it. They need to go back to wanting it again. Last year, no one expected anything from us, and we came out and blew everyone out of the water. I wish we still had that same wreckless abandon, that same fire.
by Mandmeisterx on Nov 6, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions
The Texans
at least use their rookie RB.
George Teague did it all.
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 6, 2008 4:49 PM CST up reply actions
+2
He should be happy about the move. It will allow him to be a valuable pass rusher when he gets in. The old dude needs to be fresh, so he has the same hussle we see in Spencer.
I can’t wait to see Spencer’s face when the announcers show the starting lineup in Washington!
George Teague did it all.
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 6, 2008 11:31 AM CST up reply actions
One Thing Regarding Romo
Phillips, Garrett, and Houck better shore up the O-line problems during these two weeks, because I guarantee you that Washington and every remaining opponent will be gunning for #9 with mega pass-pressure… especially the Skins beginning in Week 11.
Tony Romo returning to the field healthier is step #1. Better pass protection — and overall blocking — is step #2.
"I got a fever. And the only prescription is more cowbell." -- Bruce Dickinson
www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]
Grizz you are speaking to the choir
in regards to the SI column. When you cannot find controversy just pull something out of context, since its TO logic does not matter. I have made a vow to follow my signature’s motto for the rest of the season even if dallas starts playing better and starts winning games. The msm is all-in for a dallas collapse and they want TO to be the cherry on top so they can all have one big “I told you so” party. I really credit this to just lazy journalism that is more prevalent now due to the 24/7 nfl coverage that the msm needs to provide to the fans. Does that excuse the articles that come out but it does give some perspective as to their MO. They will never leave the TO issue alone and will always hound him when he is available to the media (league mandated rule) because of his past he will always lose the benefit of the doubt and due to that will always be an easy target.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Did you guys see the things Brandon Marshall said after last week?
TO would have been crucified if those words came out of his mouth.
by Mandmeisterx on Nov 6, 2008 11:00 AM CST up reply actions
Marshall was dead on though.
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Nov 6, 2008 6:51 PM CST up reply actions
I don't deny that.
But TO gets turned into a spectacle for yelling at team mates on the sideline and things like that, trying to be the vocal leader we don’t have. That guy can do no right in the eyes of the media.
Greg Ellis Needs To Shut Up
I’m sick of this guy, and that Spencer looked so good last week makes Ellis need to shut up even more. He tore his Achilles and then cried when they told him they were moving him to SOLB. He cried when they drafted Spencer even though Ellis was obviously near the end of his career. He cried for more money even though he signed a good contract years before and Jerry gave it to him.
Now he’s a complete non factor in the Cowboys defense and he’s crying that he’s being phased out. I was a huge Ellis fan for many years, but I’m done with him.
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Nov 6, 2008 10:08 AM CST reply actions
only if the Cowboys draft or sign
at least 2 OLBs that can rush the passer. If not, Ellis is guaranteed to make the team because of the severe lack of depth at the position.
In Romo we Trust
Oh they will sign or draft a OLB in the offseason that's a given
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
No they don't
If they did than why don’t they have more on the roster now.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
the point is they should
because if they had another quality OLB, they wouldn’t have the problem of Ellis wearing down, they could have used another OLB getting after the passer in Spencer’s absence, thereby allowing Ellis to be more fresh and therefore more effective.
In a 3-4 defense, having only 3 quality OLBs is just asking for trouble, as you need at least 4 at minimum.
In Romo we Trust
Ellis is slowing down
Now in his 10th year it’s becoming clear he is not a 3 down rusher anymore. Either he agrees to the limited role or they will give him walking papers in the off season. It seems we are always drafting defense, but we need a OLB, ILB and a NT.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
he has no choice, he's still under contract
thats why keeping him and adding another OLB in the off season makes the most sense as we’d have much better depth.
The only reason Ellis is slowing down is we’re playing him too much, you limit his plays, he’ll produce.
In Romo we Trust
I wouldn't be against keeping him as our 2nd or 3rd OLB
but he has to agree to it without being a distraction. If all he is going to do is whine and complain then I would cut him in the offseason. He will be in the last year of his contract next year (I think) so cutting him would not be a problem. If anything it might save up some money on the cap. At this point in his career he may not be worth what he is getting paid
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
he won't be a distraction
everyone on the team knows he’s just a whiner and thinks nothing of it.
I think we need him for leadership and experience purposes, having him around to teach the young OLBs will be very helpful.
In Romo we Trust
Dallas must get this guy. He's always in the offensive backfield.
Not many highlights on him, but I watch every Oregon game and this guy is a force. Hopefully, he will slip into the 2nd or bottom of the 1st. Get him in the weight room with Jurazek and he’ll be even more awesome!
George Teague did it all.
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 6, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
I was afraid somebody would counter with that footage.
Still, that play is more the exception to the rule of his raw talent.
George Teague did it all.
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 6, 2008 4:52 PM CST up reply actions
One question regarding the O-line. .
Did the line start struggling when Kosier went out? When did he get injured. Sorry, but I tend to give the o-line the benefit of the doubt when they are playing with backups and injured starters for the majority of our first 9 games. O-lines have to work as a unit, and its hard to do that when guys are injured or you are playing with guys who were not in the starting unit in training camp.
There is some correlation
But you have to remember that only Kosier went down, and losing one lineman should not be entirely unexpected in the NFL. Also, Kosier was the least regarded of our linemen last year. That alone does not account for the simply horrendous play we have seen so far. However, I suspect that Flo is injured, which is also a big deal, yet I have seen no official confirmation of his injury.
That said, Gurode and Davis have also been subpar. So has Columbo, but less so. At some point, you run out of excuses.
Kosier’s return will help a lot, and I believe that will also make Romo look better, but it hasn’t been the same line it was last year.
by accidental innuendo on Nov 6, 2008 10:25 AM CST up reply actions
Kosier went down after the GB game
at which time we were 3-0 and looking good. In his absence, the team went 2-4, so there is a direct correlation using the disrupted chemistry argument.
Also, I believe Flozell playing hurt has contributed to their inconsistency as well.
In Romo we Trust
We were also 2-0 before he played in the GB game.
That’s the only game he has played this year, if I’m not mistaken.
by Mandmeisterx on Nov 6, 2008 11:02 AM CST up reply actions
thats interesting
I can’t recall Proctor starting the first 2 games, but obviously he did.
Well, it looks more and more like the falings of the OL can be attributed to the injuries to Flozell, that dude has to get better and fast.
In Romo we Trust
I definitely remember Proctor starting,
because it was him that Rogers bulled through in the Cleveland game whenever Romo got bloodied up.
Where Did Owens Rip Johnson???
The only thing the media loves more than hyperbolizing (is that a word) an athlete is tearing him down. TO is obviously a marked man because he tore two teams apart, but his attitude is the least of the Cowboys’ worries. Then again, with Ed Werder on the scene, I’m not surprised an assault rifle was allegedly found in TO’s locker along with a murder/suicide note. Or at least it would be what Werder heard the assistant janitor saying.
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Nov 6, 2008 10:12 AM CST reply actions
Its a shame because
T.O. could be the vocal leader everyone wants on this team, but he can’t do it because the media will label him as a cancer again.
In Romo we Trust
Rumor has it...
…that Dead Terder and the Valley Ranch Janitor have “a thing going on” (to quote Billy Paul from the old school 70s single “Me and Mrs Jones”)
That explains the pressure the assistant janitor is under to fabricate BSPN crap like that. :~)
"I got a fever. And the only prescription is more cowbell." -- Bruce Dickinson
www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]
“[I’m] disappointed as a competitor. Yeah, I want to be out there playing and doing what I do,” Ellis said regarding a reduced role
Get over it Ellis..The fact of the matter is your not getting the job done. In this defense a OLB needs to be playmakers and only one is doing it. This move was long overdue IMO….
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
you'll see his play pick up
if Spencer stays healthy because he won’t have to play as much, making him more effective when he does.
In Romo we Trust
Yeah, never underestimate depth and rotation
when there’s more players at certain positions on D to rotate, it keeps everyone fresher… increasing the chances for playmaking production.
"I got a fever. And the only prescription is more cowbell." -- Bruce Dickinson
www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]
Flozell, Tony, etc.
1) The line started sucking when Flozell started sucking, and it’s mostly related to injury. He was fine before the Cards game, where he suffered a stinger and a partially broken hand. He has less strength in his left shoulder, and he can’t get the “punch” with his right hand. He’s always been more a mauler than a ballerina, and he’s fighting right now with diminished weapons.
2) The Felix Jones injury hurts us a lot more than people think. He was giving us explosive plays with low risk (a handoff, a KO return). Getting him back will be huge as well.
3) Romo’s trying to find the right balance between standing tall and quiet in the pocket and leaving the pocket. Last year, the book on Tony was to keep him in the pocket, drop 6-7, and he would get ansty and make a mistake or miss his target. Tony adjusts in the offseason. Our offense dominates for 3 games, with Tony standing back there for 6-7 seconds and hitting multiple secondary receivers. One problem with this is it negates big plays to Owens, many of which are playground scramble plays where Owens breaks off his route as Romo scrambles, and just “out athletes” the DBs.
After 3 games, teams readjusted by bringing more pressure, but Tony was still in Pocket Tony mode. His offseason adjustments have made him better against one kind of scheme, but he needs to find the balance between standing tall and leaving the pocket. I think he’s figure that out.
Completely agree with Pocket Tony vs Scrambling Tony
If he can find that balance between pocket and scramble, and get the alarm clock in his head to go off just a second sooner, he could really make other teams pay for committing that much pressure to him.
How many times last year did T.O. see Romo scramble, break off his route and head deep?
Now add RW2 on the other side, Witten across the middle and Crayton and Barber underneath, and you have the fixings for something fun right there…
that which doesn't kill you, probably hurts like hell.
I really don't have a problem with what Ellis said...
You think he’s unaware that his performance this season has been subpar? Doubt it. He knows that the coaches will (they’re supposed to, anyways) put the players on the field that give their team the best chance to win. He said As a competitor, I’m upset. Hell yes he is, and he should be. Do you want anyone on your team that wants to come out? I’m sure as a teammate, he understands. But nobody is ever going to like being pulled from a starting role.
As for T.O., more of the same. The headline should’ve read ALL OF JERRYWORLD FURIOUS WITH BACKUP QB’S. Instead, they pick out T.O saying I can’t do anything about it except play hard and turn that into him being frustrated. I’m sure he is but that is no overblown it’s not even funny.
On another note, I’m just as excited to get Felix back as I am Romo. OK maybe that’s a little overblown, but everytime he touched the ball I got giddy. I wanna see him f-ing TORCH the skins.
All we gotta do is focus on THIS WEEK, well I guess next week, but ya’ll know what I mean. To beat the Skins, you stop Portis. Pittsburgh did it and they embarrassed them at home on national TV. First and foremost, we must stop the run!!!
by AikmanNailedMySis on Nov 6, 2008 11:23 AM CST reply actions
Little Ball of Hate- JFE
I usually don’t agree with her, but I do in her lastest article.
What this past three weeks has shown us is Romo is the team. He is the one guy capable of keeping T.O. happy, making the trade for the good Roy Williams worthwhile and saving the offensive line from its inadequacies. He also keeps that underachieving defense off the field, which is a definite plus.
Obviously, this Cowboys’ D cannot function with a lead. And, no, benching Greg Ellis in favor of Anthony Spencer does not change this ugly little fact.
Romo is seen as The Only Hope because he is.
http://www.star-telegram.com/332/story/1021255.html
Our savior cometh, our savior cometh.
In Romo we Trust
Looks like Ellis is still starting
Phillips said Anthony Spencer will not replace Greg Ellis in the starting lineup, but the team is committed to getting more reps for last year’s first-round pick.
-Rob Phillips
http://www.truebluefanclub.com/blogs/writers_block.cfm?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog3a6f720d98-095f-4c2b-9bbb-88639ea813cbPost3a5667f94d-76b5-41ea-afaf-e99f49e95e69&sid=sitelife.truebluefanclub.com
In Romo we Trust
Because this team of coaches is always hesitant to make personnel switches.
Reminds me of the college coach who continues to play the horrible Sr. QB just because he’s a Sr., even though there’s an awesome sophomore on the bench.
George Teague did it all.
by Aaron Novinger on Nov 6, 2008 5:00 PM CST up reply actions
Well something isn't right because Spencer told the media yesterday
he was told by Wade he would be starting on first and second downs. They they said the same thing on DC.com today.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
Newman
Newman’s return’s will be huge too, I am so exicted..
Getting a shutdown corner back is $$$$.
"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"
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