Steppin' Up

Last year, before the season began, we heard Tony Romo talk about his studying of Tom Brady and how he handles the pocket.  Brady always appeared relaxed in the pocket and at times seemed to stand upright before finding his receiver and delivering the ball.  Romo seemed to mimic Brady's stance and when he had time in the pocket, everything was great.  He delivered the ball on time and appeared more comfortable in the pocket.  This had the result of keeping Romo in the pocket, but prevented him from taking off and running so much.  However, when things broke down and he did not have as much time, Romo still stayed in the pocket and that is when he seemed to get careless with only one hand on the ball and turnovers would occur.

This year, he seems to have gotten rid of that philosophy which worked for Brady, but not so much Romo.  I have noticed Romo stepping up more in the pocket which prevents the outside defensive ends from slapping at the ball and creating turnovers.  This has the result of moving the pocket forward and allowing more time to find a receiver.  It also allows Romo to take off and run for some yards.  Romo has taken off and run straight up the field more in this short season than all of last year.  Folks, this is a great thing.  I think this is a very important change in Romo's philosophy of pocket presence.  Has anyone else noticed this?