Tony Romo, Take Away My 2-2 Blues
by Dave Halprin on Oct 7, 2009 5:02 AM CDT
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Print2-2. Middle of the road.
Not really good, but not really bad. Enough promise in the on-the-field product to make you believe there could be more, but enough faults to think it might not be salvageable. You can make yourself feel better and say - we were just plays away from being 4-0. Or you can say good teams would've closed out those games and been 4-0.
You get the point; this team is not good enough to have total faith in, but not bad enough to write off. You just can't generate that kind of certainty around this group, but you can look at this team, and come away with some basic tenets.
If Felix Jones ever gets healthy and stays healthy, this team can run the ball on anybody. Marion Barber has looked every bit himself this year with fierce running and hyped emotions - outside of the injury, of course. Tashard Choice picked up where he left off last season, the super-sub who plays like a starter. Then there's Felix, who may be one of the keys to the season. We know what happens when he gets the ball in his hands, and opposing defenses don't like it one bit. He's a yardage machine, any moment is a TD in-waiting. If he could ever stay healthy, watch out.
The offensive line has been solid for the most part, but they are struggling with one of the same things they did last year - picking up blitzes, especially delayed or disguised blitzes. When they can just run block, or when they can diagnose the play before the snap, they're every bit as good as most NFL lines. If Hudson Houck could just figure out how to get the protections settled and the blitzes nullified, again, watch out. This offense could get back on track quickly.
Jason Garrett is either too tricky, or not tricky enough. Trying to fool the Panthers with two fades in a row from the goal line? Too tricky. Trying to run the exact same play twice at the end of the game in Denver at the goal line? Not tricky enough. It's a fine line between genius and fool. And just like the Cowboys, he hasn't clearly defined where he ranks yet.
The defense has made strides over the last few weeks. The secondary seems better with Mike Jenkins playing up to his ability, although Pat Watkins in for Gerald Sensabaugh, for any length of time, might be worrisome. Watkins just reminds of the past few years when our secondary was a sieve. They're still not water-tight yet, but it does appear to be improving.
Up front, the curious case of DeMarcus Ware rolls on. Against Denver he was getting pressure that helped create some of the sacks, but he just can't get there himself. The good news is that others are starting to pick up the slack. And the run defense is on the mend, too. As Keith Brooking settles in, things are starting to solidify in that area. After a shaky opening to the season, lately they've shown they have the capability to be an asset, instead of the problem. They're even starting to get turnovers.
All of that was a long of way of saying they have the pieces they need to make this work. If the coaching can get a little better, then it could really start to move forward. Seriously though, Wade. How dumb do you think we are to believe that a blitz meant Jason Witten couldn't get out in the pattern? I won't even say that there have been hundreds of blitzes before when Witten was in the pattern. There are plenty of different ways to scheme him into the pattern - like splitting him out wide maybe? If they want to blitz and leave him open, I'll take my chances. All I'm saying is - we know it's tough coaching in the NFL, but when you tell us stuff like that, it makes the confidence-meter in your abilities to run this team plummet. I'm just saying.
Notice anything missing in this incoherent babble? Yeah, that would be the name Tony Romo. Why is that? Because to me, we can blab and complain and analyze until we're blue in the face, but we really only need to know one thing to know if this team is succeeding - and that's how is Tony Romo playing. So far, he's been not great, but not awful. He's been average. Hence, 2-2. He looked great against Tampa, not so good against New York. A nice, efficient error-free game against the Panthers, an inaccurate mess in Denver.
This is different than saying he needs to win the game for us, or it's all on his shoulders. It's not. The other guys mentioned above, the other areas of the team all need to do their part for Romo to succeed. But, if they do their part, then it's really about Romo. In the New York game, if Romo had played an average game, we would have won. In Denver, if Romo could have managed to connect on a few of his second-half passes, and we put another seven on the board, I don't think Denver had the firepower to come back, not the way the defense was playing. The Cowboys defense, the offensive line, the running game, even the passing game, they've all been good enough to keep Dallas in all four games this year. Against good teams and bad.
It's up to Romo to finish the deal, consistently. He's the final nail in the other team's coffin. He's the barometer by which you can measure the Cowboys. We should all be rooting for him to succeed. Because if he doesn't, this team will find itself going from 2-2 to 8-8. And that just isn't going to get it done.
I'm still backing Romo all the way, but he's not the golden idol that can't be criticized. We know he can play better than he has been recently, we've seen it before. Watching the other areas of this team, I think they're good enough to do their part. Now, if Romo can just get his groove back, this team could shake the mediocre blues and become a force.
I can't be certain about anything with this team, but I'm betting it will happen.
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First!
And that’s a first for me. I feel like a man now…
I’m pretty sure Romo will figure it out. He seems too smart to fail. You can tell that even though he is a gunslinger, he really does work hard on the little things to improve. I think he might be playing in his head a bit too much.
Epic Fail since 1985
Romo can get it done
Everyone needs to stop tinkering with his game, and just live with it. If he doesn’t get it done in the next two years, we’ll all be bummed, and he’ll be gone. Another problem we still have is speed rushers agaisn’t Flo. They don’t even need to blitz when they have that type of rusher coming around. I don’t deny coaching issues here. We’ve been outcoached at least twice this year. And we still could have won those games with a couple of plays going the other way. That indicates we have the players. We DO need Felix. I was thinking the same thing watching Watkins out there. Deja vu. But Ken Hamlin is a frustration too. I’ve officially given up on Barbie. I don’t think you can leave Brooking in there on the nickel, because he’s making plays in the fourth quarter, and that may be because he gets breaks during the game, so he’s not as gassed as some others. Jason Williams needs to step up. Right now, our strength seems to be running the ball, but I miss those plays down field from Romo. And one last thing…where the hell is Bennett?
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
WOlfW I could have wrote this
I could not agree more with everything you wrote. Deja Vu
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Oct 7, 2009 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Either block for him or roll him out.
There is no defense for Tony out of the pocket. Get him out where he can see and throw. This offensive line is built to run the ball, not sit in pass protection all day.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Spot on analysis Dave
This team will drive you to drink if you let them. A roller coaster. Up one Sunday and down the next. Consistency is what it’s all about with this team. The Cowboys just can’t seem to play good, consistent ball. At Tampa, Romo was deadly with his passing, hitting Austin and Crayton with the long ball and yet in Denver, he either threw it too high or behind his rec’s.
The play calling seems schizophrenic. JG get’s it going with the strength of this offense, the running game and yet in the second half, completely abandons it. JG is a smart man but I simply don’t understand what he’s thinking lately. He seems hesitant to really open things up and let the offense get it going. Calling bizarre plays with the game on the line. It just leaves the rest of us shaking our collective heads.
I miss those days of Jimmy Johnson on the sidelines knowing he would be aggressive on both sides of the ball and making the smart plays on third down. The hallmark of Jimmy and Norv Turner’s offense was their phenomenal performance on third down. Of course when you have an Emmitt Smith in the backfield and a Michael Irvin as a wide out, and a very accurate Aikman throwing the ball, you tend to make those plays. This is a very different team than that. One I think still in search of it’s identity. If Romo can elevate his game to the next level along with FJ, MB and TC in the backfiield and with a developed receiver core, this team has a chance. It all depends on Romo, the decisions he makes with the ball and how he manages the game. The running game is the key. Get that three headed monster going and it takes a huge amount pressure off of him and allows him to relaxe and find his rhythm. Get the offense going and that will most certainly inspire the defense to step it up a notch and before you know it, we have a much better, more consistent team that is capable of winning ball games.
Tony Is Too Hard On Himself
Way too hard. It has shown the past two seasons and it’s really showing this year. It’s one thing to be accountable when he throws an interception, loses a fumble, whatever. In seasons past when that happened, on the next series you could see the look of determination that when he got the ball back, he was going to score. But this year is totally different. As I said on another thread, Tony isn’t having fun anymore. He is handcuffed by the accursed RFO and needs to be turned loose.
The older I get, the better I was.
RFO?
Ok, you got me there, I haven’t seen that acrynom, uh, red f’n offensive coordinator? I’m really struggling here Far Rider, help me out.
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Oct 7, 2009 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Run First Offense, methinks
but could also be
Roughly Flung Objects
Run-blitz Fearing O-line
Regrets For Owens
Republicans For Obama
by One.Cool.Customer on Oct 7, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions
You are so funny
Especially with the last one, ROFLMAOPIMP!
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Oct 7, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions
dcfan
I know what the ROFLMAO means but what do the last 4 letters stand for?
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
Peeing in my pants
Sublime check your britches :)
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Oct 7, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Romo Friendly Offense
To me, it’s a major contridiction in terms.
The older I get, the better I was.
run first offence?
I thought that was what most people were calling for when the season started…
"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson
Dave, I like your perspective
This team is frustrating. All off season and pre season, we looked forward to the regular season to see what this hot rod could do… we still don’t know. We come off the line strong, then blow a gasket and get edged at the finish line. Fix the gasket, pick up speed, then blow a tire and go off the track. AAAAAAAAAAAHHHH.
I’m an optimist. I keep watching….and hoping.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
Here's to hoping that
1) Tony Romo finds his happy medium and flourishes. Know when you can take your shots and know when it’s OK to throw it away or run.
2) Ogletree, this may be your chance. Here’s to hoping you take your spot on the field and never look back. We could use a receiver that gets regular separation. I believe you may be that guy.
3) Jason Williams, get healthy and push Barbie out of his job, permanently.
4) Sensi! Get healthy soon brother!
5) Barber, please sit this one out! We know how badly you want to play, but a 100% you the rest of the way is far more important than a 75% shadow of yourself. Just sit this one game and give that leg the rest it needs!
6) Coaches! Sack up Sally’s!
7) Fans, be supportive. If you love the Cowboys, act like it. Some things just aren’t going to change this season no matter how much you may dislike it. Embrace what we have for the moment and show your support going forward!
Good to see more of you on the blog lately Grizz!
Summarizing the Dallas Cowboys in two words; inconsistently amazing.
Preach it brother
All chicken littles please exit off the nearest cliff
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Oct 7, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
And jump quickly, I guess, so that us realists have something soft to land on!!
I don't consider you to be real fans
You’re satisfied with mediocrity. For real fans, watching BS every Sunday hurts. Real fans don’t enjoy that pain.
Jump off the cliff yourself. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the view and wind in your hair on the way down.
The difference between a real fan and a “fair-weather” fan isn’t that a loss hurts or not. The difference is that a real fan keeps coming back for more while the “fair-weather” fan only watches when they are winning (or can be reasonably expected to win).
And honestly, your condescending tone towards those that take a optimistic look at the Cowboys is pretty ridiculous. Simply being optimistic in no way means that those fans (including myself) are satisfied with how the Cowboys are playing. All it means is that we find the ability to hope and rationalize (they often intermingle) that the Cowboys will or can turn it around rather than thinking the season has already been decided. And for me personally, that sure as hell beats the idea that this season is toast and that the next twelve games I watch are going to mean nothing in the end.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
Yeah my hair looks pretty any which way - GERONIMOOOOOOO
Go drink a beer it’s Miller Time, lol
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Oct 7, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions
dude..
There’s a big difference between being a fan and being completely delusional. Yes, the Cowboys make us all emotional, that’s part of being a fan. But you can’t have the high if there is never a low. See if you can get yourself to a place where you can just enjoy the game for what it is, the best game on earth! You can express your opinions and ideas on things, but you’re not doing anyone here (especially yourself) any good by being rude.
Summarizing the Dallas Cowboys in two words; inconsistently amazing.
The sky fell 16 years ago.
Actually if fell crashed and burned the the day he hired Jimmy.
by Sharksbreath on Oct 7, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
THE REAL PROBLEM
It is interesting to read all of the analysis on where the problem rests, or if there really is a problem with the once proud franchise. Every year for the past 10, the cowboys organization, lead by JJ has built up expectations regarding a run to the super bowl. They got the missing piece by signing a free agent or hiring a new coach that would fix the problem.
The problem isn’t the coach or the players….it’s the owner!!!
As long as JJ is in charge, they will be average to above average at best. I laughed outloud at the post suggesting they get rid of the GM. Jerry IS the GM…..and his VP of Player Personnel is his son. The cowboys are privately the laughing stock of the league for deals like they made with Detroit last year for RW. He might have been worth a second round draft pick. Who was the architect? JJ
Why do you think Wade Phillips is the coach? Because JJ can control him. Why would you hire someone like that who has no track record of success. If you are JJ, it is because you can control him and blame him for the failures, but if the team has success, you can take credit.
Why do you think Parcells left? Because he resisted control, just as Jimmy Johnson did. The only great team that JJ has had during his 20 years is the one the Johnson put together. When JJ wanted more credit for what was happening, Jimmy bailed.
Do you really think that any of the quality coaches out there want a boss like that? Forget Cower, Gruden, Dungy or any of the capable others that are currently out or work. They won’t even interview for the job. It’s no secret among that close knit community that the Cowboys are bad news because of their medlesome owner.
You can bench Tony, fire Wade, trade for Crabtree. You are just re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Until JJ is gone, the Cowboys will be all hat and no cattle. My bet is, they are headed down the same path as the Raiders, who truly are the laughing stock of the NFL.
Stop buying their jerseys and quit going to their games. As long as JJ is cashing in, we will all be disappointed and he will have that fake SEG across his face.
by Cowboys Oldtimer on Oct 7, 2009 9:29 AM CDT reply actions
2nd that
I 2nd that opinion. How bad is our owner…so bad that he is compared to snyder and being called the next davis. What is his problem. Why would he rather have credit than a winning team. I give Robert Kraft the credit for keeping belichek and making the moves he needs to succeed. I tired of Romo, Wade, Crayton, Watkins, Newman, James, Flozell….all these guys and more. Every week we just bitch about a different two or 3 guys. They never put it together, never!
by Love Me Some Me 1 on Oct 7, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
as painful it may be, I love the comment about rearanging the deck chair of the Titanic
it is so fitting. It kind of bothered me a little when we hired our OC before the HC, but after the 07 season, nobody was complaining about it. Now that feeling of uneasiness and disfunctionality in the organization is starting to creep up again.
"...is starting to creep up again"???
IMO, disfunctionality has been comin’ like a freight train since the end of 2006!!!
by Starred4Life on Oct 8, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
hate JJ the GM but love JJ the owner...
Agree that JJ sucks as the GM; but he’s a great owner. Why? He will spend any amount of money to bring talent to this team.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
Romo is definitely not a golden idol that can't be criticized, but
the hate and bashing and nitpicking directed at him is so over-the-top that I can’t help but feel the need to defend him, even when I agree that he screwed up. It’s feels like taking up for the underdog after a while. He has never singlehandedly won a game, and he’s never singlehandedly lost one either, and it would be nice if some folks would at least try a little to put what’s going on into perspective and not disembowel him every time things go wrong. It is possible that sometimes an incomplete pass or an INT ISN’T his fault, and saying so doesn’t make me or anyone else who notes that a blind homer.
Stop trying son
They ain’t gonna step back off the ledge, we need to get them to jump and get it over with already.
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Oct 7, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
romo
No one is hating on Romo, except every cowboys fan who watches how Brady and Manning are leaders of men and their teams….What Romo is missing is that quality. Manning throws 4 picks but still has the balls to yell at a receiver or a blocker when they screw it up, because he knows how to lead and win. You ever see Brady head butting his linemen, thats cause he is a winner and a leader. Romo is the biggest sissy during interviews always saying the same crap…we have to play better, we have to make better decisions, we have to blah blah blah…Grab someone tony, grab a facemask, be a man…LEAD this team since Wade cannot!
by Love Me Some Me 1 on Oct 7, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions
romo
I know he is not at fault for losing or winning….but he is the reason we even have a chance, so if he never is the reason we win or lose, we will always be 8-8, so what is your point? he needs to be the reason we win!
by Love Me Some Me 1 on Oct 7, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Shut up and show me...
We have heard the talk, about how it is a process, about how the goal is improvement, growth if you will. My faith that it will happen is exhausted. I am not one of those jumping ship as a fan, but I do now believe that 2007 was the anomaly. We are what we are, an 8-8 or 9-7 team, and will continue to be until some players emerge as playmakers. I want to believe, but I don’t anymore. Not until I am shown it by somebody…. anybody. Shut up about the process …. and show me the growth.
by mleklund on Oct 7, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
2nd that
Like I said before, Wade cannot lead men into battle, so Tony has to pick up that slack, but I think it is too late for the Brady wannabe. While trying so hard to be like Tom Brady, he forgot his best quality, being a man that leads men!
by Love Me Some Me 1 on Oct 7, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
ooooo musta hit a sore spot
I watch the game gentleman, and come on here for moral support and get the opposite. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have my head under the blanket with my eyes shut tight asking mommy to make it go away. I realize that the Cowboys have some ithues wif der pwobwems bean wat dey is. Buttttttttt…………………….I like being optimistic and I think we do have the players that can make it happen. I choose to BELIEVE.
Do what ya want.
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Oct 7, 2009 9:49 AM CDT reply actions
believe
I have been believing, if I did not believe, why would I still be here. How much longer though can we watch the same thing play over and over. Can I believe that Garret will change his play calls, can I believe that Wade is in charge, can I believe that Romo will be a leader, can I believe that the D will not allow a big pass play…no, because year after year it happens, over and over…
by Love Me Some Me 1 on Oct 7, 2009 9:53 AM CDT reply actions
I really like you
It’s all between the ears. When all is said and done, that’s what it is. I’m gonna do my part and scream and holler and BELIEVE and cry and laugh and SUPPORT until they cut my heart right out becuz there is no mo season left. I’ll do that til they plant me, COUNT ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And my sis tells me I’m fickle. Some of you are “frenemies”, don’t think I’m in that category.
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Oct 7, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Stars
Like everyone here, I think we all agree that Jerry Jones is a problem. He fluffs up average players and pays them big money to make us think they are better than who they really are.
Bradie James
Terrance Newman
Roy Williams
ETC
Even Ware cant touch the qb this year….
by Love Me Some Me 1 on Oct 7, 2009 9:55 AM CDT reply actions
I know expectations are high
but seriously… you’ve only lost to undefeated teams! And both of those games, you were a hair away from winning. I agree that Jerry Jones is a detrimental POS to the organization, and obviously you guys know more than I do about the team’s various needs and/or weaknesses… but seriously some of these hysterical “I quit the Cowboys” posts have me scratching my head. There’s really nothing wrong with Dallas’ year at this point.
You play to win the game!
Where's Ware?
My “Where’s Ware?” t-shirt from last year has a whole new meaning so far this season. Last year it was O-coordinators asking that question, now it’s the fans.
Never fear, he’ll come around.
Summarizing the Dallas Cowboys in two words; inconsistently amazing.
Coach speak...
I believe anything can happen. I believe people can change. I believe processes can improve.
Having said that, I also agree with what some coaches have said in the last few years.
“It is what it is”- B Parcells
“We are what our record says we are”- B Parcells
“They are who we thought they were”- D Green
the 9-7 parcells 1st year team
was not what their record said they were.
10-6 is what they were
- D in the league, in yards, is how they got there
by AustonianAggie on Oct 7, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
That was a mirage.
Parcells ran the clock down on offense which limited the possessions in the game.
Classic Parcels.
well said Grizz, as usual
I obviously believe in Romo and all Cowboys fans should as well if they want to see the team win.
He’s in a funk right now which he will work out of and KC seems like the perfect opponent to work out of a funk. Then a much needed bye week to get ready for Atl, Seattle, Philly and GB.
I think those 4 games decide our season. We win 3 out of 4, we’re making the playoffs.
In Romo we Trust
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