Cowboys '09: It Starts and Ends With Romo
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on May 20, 2009 2:05 AM CDT
in General
154 comments
How many questions have we beaten to death pertaining to the Cowboys’ upcoming season? Can Roy Williams be a lead receiver? Will Gerald Sensabaugh’s presence be enough to get the defense over the hump? How much will the loss of Terrell Owens hurt the offense? Will Jason Garrett recover from his sophomore slump? Is Mike Jenkins ready for prime time? Does Flozell Adams have enough left in the tank? Will Miles Austin blossom? While all of these questions are valid and relevant, most of these points will be nullified, for better or worse by the play of one Antonio Ramiro Romo. Midway through Tony Romo’s first NFL start against Carolina in 2006, I remember saying to myself "this guy is going to win multiple Super Bowls." I still believe this to be true. I have always been a guy who was quick to defend Romo. I still think that he will eventually settle into the top tier of NFL quarterbacks, but given the way he played down the stretch, I am a little more receptive to the arguments of Romo’s doubters. Still, in a league where quarterback play is paramount, I am thankful that the Dallas Cowboys are not among those searching for answers at the position. I can’t imagine being the Minnesota Vikings, having all the makings of a championship team, yet still desperate enough to consider climbing into bed with Brett Favre. Perhaps even more frightening, put yourself in the shoes of the Detroit Lions, mortgaging the next half-decade on the hope that a rookie quarterback will become a star. There are not enough quality quarterbacks to go around, and the Dallas Cowboys most certainly have one of the keepers.
In roughly two and a half seasons as a starter, Tony Romo has to his discredit two playoff loses and total failure in a do-or-die regular season finale. Thank goodness the Indianapolis Colts didn’t declare Peyton Manning a failure after his first few late-season disappointments. Peyton Manning lost his first 4 playoff contests, turning in shameful performances in each game. In his first 4 playoff games, Peyton Manning completed just over 48 percent of his passes, connecting on just 2 touchdowns while throwing 6 interceptions. Romo on the other hand has been at least serviceable in his 2 career playoff starts, with his only interception coming on a last-second, desperation heave against the Giants in the 2007 divisional round. Anybody trying to kick-start the Stephen McGee hype machine may be jumping the gun a bit. Still, you can’t say that it is unfair to question Romo’s big-game mettle. The numbers don’t lie. December 2006, Romo threw 6 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. December 2007: 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. December 2008: 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The Dallas Cowboys are 5-10 in games played after December 1st with Tony Romo at the helm. Keep in mind that the Cowboys have been performing an annual December nosedive for about a decade running, with or without Romo. Still, the truly great quarterbacks find a way to lead their teammates out of the dark. The great ones defy curses, and trends. The great ones just find a way to win at all costs. I am holding out hope that Romo is one of the great ones. The common belief is that Terrell Owens was in part released to ease Tony Romo’s mind. Ironically, Romo faces more pressure than ever in Owens’ absence. Tony Romo apologists have long cited Owens’ overbearing, demanding personality as a hindrance to the quarterback's ability to relax and work through his progressions. With Owens’ neediness no longer an issue, it will be tougher to find legitimate excuses when Romo struggles. This season Romo will have at his disposal a solid offensive line, a good group of receivers, and possibly the league’s best collection of talent at both tight end and running back. Romo should also be supported by stronger defensive and special teams units. The table is set for Tony Romo to take the next step, now it is on him to put it all together. I still think that Tony Romo can and will become one of the league’s truly elite quarterbacks. With that said, we can no longer brush away the questions about Romo’s ability to get it done in a big spot. One thing is for sure, a playoff win would go along way towards killing this debate.
1 recs |
154 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Well done, sir
I’m liking what Romo’s saying this time around. Guy’s always giving the PC answers, but the last batch of quotes he’s churned out are awfully convincing. The idea that they’re no longer looking too far ahead, but living in the moment. That’s huge. I really hope he means it, and it’s not just another “tell them what they want to hear” response.
Count me amongst the optimistic, when it comes to Romo. There are times when he can be frustrating, but there are other times when he has flashes of brilliance. Guy is one of the primary reasons they can go into any game thinking they’ve got a good shot at winning.
Epic Fail since 1985
by the red scare on May 20, 2009 3:15 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Totally agree with the improved mindset of focusing on the moment
And contrasting last year’s “I can’t wait for the playoffs…” tells it better than anything else.
This team is LOADED with talent. Someone’s comparison to the ‘97 team (Barry’s last year) was ridiculous, this team is on the rise. It took Jordan’s Bulls several years of losing to Detroit before they broke through. Peyton’s Colts (New England) and Favre’s Packers (Cowboys / 49ers) are other good examples of the fact that it doesn’t happen overnight.
It looks like we have the ingredients – both in talent and leadership. I LOVED the TO trade, and can’t help thinking he began to be a distraction – not only for Romo. It’s easy to look at last year, especially the last 5 quarters of the season, and make pessimistic predictions. But I think the pessimists will finally be shut up this year.
Romo is due. Great article.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 20, 2009 6:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Per your analogy, which NFL team is the great team that the Cowboys need to get past?
Who are the Cowboys’ version of the Bulls?
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on May 20, 2009 6:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is rarely about the other team...
It is about getting the right mindset together on YOUR OWN TEAM …
While these examples each included a nemesis of epic proportions, we have the Giants and Iggles. They represent the NFC pretty well in recent years, don’t you agree?
But ultimately it comes down to finding a way to win – no matter the opponent. The Cowboys need to want it, then they need to take it, and then they need to take that experience and use it to get to the promised land.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 20, 2009 7:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't care what anyone says.
Teams that make it to the playoffs are still pretty good. They don’t pick teams out of a hat to go to the playoffs. This isn’t the NBA where every team goes to the playoffs. Losing playoff games is not shameful. Losing do or die games in the last you win your in game of the year is.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on May 20, 2009 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jay Cutler
has no playoff wins and the last game he played was a win and your in and they got killed. Yet everyone is crazy about him. Most of this is media hype and sensationalism. It’s just entertainment at the end of they day, and Romo will be fine. I’m surprised how spoiled Cowboys fans are that 2 years after we get a legitimate quarterback they want a new one. Teams would kill to have someone like Romo, and there are teams with far less adequate quarterbacking that do fine. We’ll be fine, if the coaching is good, and the team plays well, we’ll be fine in 09.
"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips
by MrMinority on May 20, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who?
Who, besides Tex, wants a new QB in Big D? Where have you heard that or read that?
I have faith in Romo, however, I’m clear-eyed about it. I see that he has consistently choked when the pressure was on. But, I also believe that he’s still learning and a short term trend is only that until short term becomes long term, and then it’s no longer a trend but a definition.
by Joey2zs on May 20, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not ALL big games...
People keep saying that Romo chokes ever time the pressure is on, and that is not true. What about against GB (against his idol), IND (who was undefeated at the time), etc. The list could go on. How many of those losses were ALL on Romo? The qb always gets the blame, but to say that HE was the only problem in all those games is ridiculous. This is a team sport, and there were alot of other problems in those “big games” that we lost over the last few years. Although I do agree that Romo does need to play better, but come on with the “he can’t win the big game” BS. The “Cowboys” can’t win the big game (Playoffs)! But it will come!
by Boyz4Life on May 20, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So ...
Romo wins some big games, but the rest of the team loses the rest of the big games.
Got it.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nobody is saying that
Boyz is saying Romo has played well under pressure in some big regular season games and that the team wins and loses, not individual players.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Terry
That was exactly my point…
by Boyz4Life on May 20, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great post
I am sure Romo will play great this year. The team seems more focused and more hungry than it has in a long time
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 20, 2009 3:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Still one of the best 25 game starts to a career ever.
As great as Fouts and Marino were, they never won the big one. Elway never won until he had a running game. The QB can’t do it alone. Teams win big games. That being said, the Cowboys are closer to being a team than they’ve been in a very long time.
Like you said, Glory. The TE’s and RB’s are money. Wade should really help the defense, let alone the players. Although Sensabaugh may be what we’re pointing to as the big difference on D this year, the whole DB crew should be greatly upgraded by the subtraction of dead weight.
It’s going to come down to O-line play. Romo can’t get killed out there like he did last year. Last December, while trying to get his throwing hand back, Romo was pancaked over and over and over. Not even Tom Brady can win games on his back.
Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.
Joe ThEEsman
by SB Six on May 20, 2009 5:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Grrrr
"Still, the truly great quarterbacks find a way to lead their teammates out of the dark. The great ones defy curses, and trends. The great ones just find a way to win at all costs. "
This is a bizarre statement. There’s a lot of great quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame who never won a Superbowl. Do we need a “Truely Great” Hall of Fame?
Is Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, etc “truely great”? All of these guys had more seasons where they didn’t “find a way to win at all costs” than they did. Can you claim they are great by your definition?
Your arguement reminds me of the zealots who claim Jeter is a greatest shortstop ever because he plays for the Yankees.
by northtexan95 on May 20, 2009 7:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The truly great ones don't win every game.
But all the guys you named have put the team on their back at times. I just want to see Romo take over a big game. and not one of those Week 11 big games. I mean a win or go home game.
Jerry Jones could go in his sock, slap you wit a stack of hundreds, then catch you again on the backswing wit 3 Super Bowl rings. So who the hell are you makin' fun of?
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on May 20, 2009 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo has done that, it just hasn't been playoff games
and in his defense he hasn’t really played in enough playoff games to make a judgment about his big game ability in that regard.
However, as far as regular season games are concerned, Romo has put the team on his back several times and came up with big wins.
As you pointed out, it took Manning several seasons to play well in the playoffs and lead his team to victory. Romo will definitely get the job done in the playoffs in the future, no question about it.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 7:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what people forget
all the time is that at least he is putting his team in position to play big games. How many of these big games that we have lost would we even have been playing in without Romo? I would venture to say very few or none.
First to six!!!
by sduncan24 on May 20, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
excellent point
Without Romo, we wouldn’t have a chance to make the playoffs, end of story.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your right
Lining up with ten guys on offense would be a definite disadvantage.
WELCOME HOME SEVEN!!
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on May 21, 2009 7:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Suffering by comparison...
I think the perception of Romo’s late season performance the last two years is unfortunately tied to this vague and romanticized idea that a QB is either a born winner — or not.
Take a guy like Tom Brady. We all know his story. Sixth round pick, came from nowhere… winner. Admit it. When the Patriots are down 6 points with a minute and a half to go and Brady has the ball, you intuitively know they’re going to score. Conversely, when a QB like McNabb has to lead his team to a game winning drive in the playoffs, the belief is that it’s just not going to happen. QB’s are our modern day gladiators, and people want theirs to be winners through and through. So where is Romo? He’ll likely never reach the bar set by guys like Brady or Montana, but how many QB’s can? He’s still one of the best QB’s in the league, and I’ll take him over all but a select few. One or two playoff wins will go along way to erasing this ridiculous belief that his DNA is not wired to win when it matters.
by Boundforbeach on May 20, 2009 7:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
There is no reason Romo can’t achieve the status of Brady and Manning, he’s only 29 years old, young for a QB…he has plenty of time to make his mark in the league as one of the best of all time.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you are really Romo or Jessica.
;)
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on May 20, 2009 7:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha.......
So true GunsUp. You can’t compare Romo to Brady yet or even put him in the same sentence because by the age of 29 Brady had won 2 or 3 Super Bowls. What has Romo done yet? I’m not saying he can’t but you can’t even put him in the same league until he at least wins when it counts-like the playoffs. Potential does not count here. Only results.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
qbs don't win SBs, teams do
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why is it when someone says something.......
you always go back to the old “qbs don’t wind SB’s, teams do” stuff but when Romo does something good you say he is the leader he took the team on his back and singlehandedly won the game blah blah blah. You even go on to say that Witten is just a “good receiver” and Romo makes him great. Come on, Terry get off this stuff.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't get ahead of yourself...
Leave his mark as one of the best of all time? Whew. Please, one step at a time. Let’s start with making the playoffs and perhaps winning a game or two.
by Boundforbeach on May 20, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't getting ahead of myself
I was just stating he has the potential to be HOF great, time will tell if he can get there, I believe he can.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo has
this year to show he has what it takes to be a Dallas Cowboys QB. Tick … tick … tick …
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's already shown that he has what it takes to be really good qb
He, along with the rest of the team, needs to take the next step, it’s done as a team, not as an individual player.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In reality the tick, tick, tick, you refer to is not his career but how realistic
the expectations should be for the team in coming years. If Romo turns in a bad year and the team goes 8-8 or worse because the offense struggles and he has a terrible year. That result will start the potential for a change at QB in the near future not a one year prove it or you are out deal with the team. You could openly campaign for said change but let’s all be realistic he is more than likely hear as the team’s qb for the next 3 years unless his performance falls off a cliff.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on May 20, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Expectations
for the Dallas Cowboys are the same every year. Super Bowl. We want to see if Romo can measure up.
As I said before, if Romo ever gets to be half as good as Terry thinks he is, I’ll be satisfied.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
correction
thinks he will be, I realize he’s not a finished product yet.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll be happy
if he ever becomes half as good as you think he is now. If he were to become half as good as you think he is going to be, I would be ecstatic.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no you wouldn't
because right now I think he’s a really good qb, top 5 in the league. If he were half that good, he’d only be average or mediocre which is something no Cowboys fan wants.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo has this year? ... tickticktick?????
This is such a typical Romo-Hater comment, it barely deserves reply …
except that Romo has ALREADY put up amazing numbers… Romo has ALREADY put himself in the top-tier of current NFL QBs … and yet fans of his own team are ready to throw him out, tick tick …
Is there a pessimists anonymous meeting somewhere in Texas? Because I’d like to nominate a few die-hard candidates.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 20, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!!
Very well said, I find it amazing how the face of the Cowboys franchise is so harshly criticized and doubted…truly amazing.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 21, 2009 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rewind the clock a decade or so.
People said the same thing about Aikman. My brother told me that Aikman was the worst qb ever and would never amount to anything. I calmly pointed out that Troy was talented and that it is damn difficult to throw the ball with a 300 pound defensive end sitting in your lap. We got Larry Allen and Eric Williams, and all the sudden Troy is all pro. Don’t let your fascination with the qb position blind you to the fact that even great qb’s suck when they have no help. Now all you “warriors” out there that say Romo should be able to put the team on his back and win no matter what, ask Aikman how he felt when no one was helping him.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on May 21, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
great point
I’ve been trying to say that but nobody seems to believe it.
QB is really only as good as the teammates that surround him, that has been proven for many, many years.
You show me a great QB and I’ll show you a good OL that protects him and receivers who get open and catch the ball consistently.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 21, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aikman
proved his doubters wrong. Romo needs to do the same.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 21, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and he will
the dude has only played 2 and half seasons, have some patience for crying out loud.
It took Manning, whom many consider the best qb of all time, 6 seasons to prove his doubters wrong.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 21, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope he does exactly that.
But, some people would have you believe that it is totally in his hands. Like was posted in a previous blog. Who is going to make that big catch for Romo. Sometimes just the regular catches are the ones that turn big. What if Alvin Harper dropped the slant in San Fran? What if Crayton catches the slant against NY? Troy threw a great ball that hit Harper in the hands, Tony threw a great ball that hit Crayton in the hands. Enough of the bashing of the players. No one wins the game by themselves. Troy or Tony can make all of the perfect throws, but if the reciever doesn’t catch them then you can’t say it was Tony’s fault.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on May 21, 2009 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
GunsUp.....
I don’t think anyone is blaming Romo for the dropped catches etc. or at least I’m not. What people do hold Romo responsible for : fumbles, ill advised throws that kill a drive etc. You’re right it takes more than the QB to win games but as the leader of your team, you have to earn the respect of your receivers that when you don’t make that critical catch you will be held accountable. I bet if Irvin or Harper dropped a pass from Aikman, they wouldn’t want to go back in the huddle or get close to him on the sidelines because they let him down. He commanded respect.
by texstar on May 21, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I believe that's precisely why T.O. was let go.
T.O’ s very strong personality/ego and ability to get along with many in the locker room didn’t lend itself to allow Romo to be the leader of our team when T.O. dropped passes or ran poor routes or demanded the ball be thrown his way. Had Romo gotten in T.O.‘s grill about that stuff, T.O. would’ve been defensive, thinking that Romo was trying to put him down. T.O’.s ego wouldn’t have allowed that without causing division in the locker room. Hence, Romo friendly.
I’m sure Romo commands respect also, but guys have to be willing to put their ego’s aside and give respect back when called upon even if it makes them appear to be submissive for the betterment of the team. Irvin had a big ego, but would bite the bullet to win at all costs, even if that made him appear to be submissive. He would let his ego down for Aikman and give him respect.
Jimmy brought Aikman into the organization and made it known that he was the leader. It made Aikman’s job easier to command respect. It was reinforced from the top down.
I give JJ his due by releasing T.O. because he just reinforced that Romo is the leader and it will make it easier for Romo to command respect.
Texstar, I know you and Terry go round and round on many occasions, and I know you want Romo to be more of a leader, but be patient and I think you will see him make great strides this year in doing so. I don’t know about you, but I already kind of sense that that’s what’s happening even right now.
by T Zig on May 21, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
T Zig......
hey I agree with you for the most part and I’m not anti/Romo by any means. In fact, I’m tired of arguing with him believe it or not. What bugs me and I’ll venture to say I’m not alone, is the constant overly dramatic idolation that is said. I shouldn’t let it get under my skin but I’m sorry I just find it a little over the top and when someone is saying that they could sue me for libel for having a difference in opinion, it pushes me. I will not say anymore about Romo because I’m tired of the subject. But for the record, I’m not against Romo. He does need to step up and be a real leader. I’m done discussing Romo.
by texstar on May 21, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Texstar
I know your not anti-Romo. Everyone wants more out of the QB position as well as other areas of the team. Most of us support Romo as the QB of our team, but that doesn’t mean we cannot critique his game at the same time.
Sorry, but I laughed when I read Terry’s libel comment. I thought that was over the top. If I were Terry, I would appologize for making that comment. This is a blog based everyone’s opinions and some related facts. Terry’s mention of sueing for libel was like Romo’s interception against Pittsburg…… a mistake.
by T Zig on May 21, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am with you, texstar
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 21, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Oskie and TZig......
I hope I didn’t come on too strong with you because I didn’t mean it towards you. It’s just some of these comments are a little too over the top for me. Thanks for your understanding.
by texstar on May 21, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Darn, I missed the Libel comment.
Either way, I believe every Cowboy fan in every way wants Tony to succeed. I don’t care if Texstar or Terry is the qb of the Dallas Cowboys. If they are a player for the Cowboys I want them to succeed no matter my personal feelings towards them.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on May 22, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who knows, if I'm the QB of the Boys......
maybe we go to the Super Bowl….Hahahaha…..just joking but it would be a funny sight to see me out there.
by texstar on May 22, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
O-LIne play and LB play
Still have to block and tackle to win. Don’t care how good your QB is if you don’t do those 2 things you will not win the big game. I guess I’m still seeing the end of the Ravens game in my head over and over. Then the eagles game well…. enough said. Don’t get me wrong were close but I’m not sold on the O-line play or LB play because Ware and James can’t do it by themselves. I think Ellis is getting too old to play the position full time and Spencer has yet to take the next step. Plus, the guy we signed is getting up there in years as well so you have to wonder if he has anything left. Is Flo going to play like the Flo of 5 years ago or is he done as well? Can Kosier return from injury and play like he did prior to the injury? The point is even if you got Brady or Peyton if you don’t bock for him he can’t throw TD’s on his back.
by ptp39 on May 20, 2009 8:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+100
OLine play.
Even the best QB needs an OLine in front of him or he spends his day running for cover.
Romo has had good protection most of his career, but not always.
In my memory there is a direct connection between how well he’s played in certain games and the protection he was given.
Give him that extra second good protection and play-action provides and he’s very good.
by Realist Larry on May 20, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Got news for you Larry
There is a direct correlation between how well any qb plays and the protection he is given.
If Brady and Manning aren’t given protection, they’re going to look like crap too.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 21, 2009 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, GD
Still, you can’t say that it is unfair to question Romo’s big-game mettle.
You are correct, sir. Numbers don’t lie, and the gut feelings of grizzled old fans are pretty reliable too. Romo, for all his fancy stats, seems to wobble when the pressure cranks up. I don’t indulge in fantasy football, so the stats aren’t that important to me. I want to see this kid cinch it up and deliver when the heat is turned to max.
All the excuses of Romo’s apologists (you know who you are) have gotten really tiresome. Romo needs to prove he can go the distance. He needs to show it on the field late in the season and into the playoffs. Fancy rationalizations for falling short just won’t cut it this year.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 8:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The entire team needs to deliver, not just the qb
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeez Terry. Relax. The post was a supportive one of Romo. His record is what it is— very good, but with room for further achievement. He’ll get a chance to make it to the playoffs again when the season starts.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on May 20, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nowhere did he say that the entire team doesn't need to deliver.
It is fair comment to to say Romo needs to play better in the homestretch and hopefully playoffs. Not every single comment about every single player needs to reference the team. If someone says that Newman has to stop dropping picks, do you chime in and say something about the rest of the team, or let that comment stand in isolation?
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and sometimes a comment about Romo is just a comment about Romo.
by I_miss_Switzer on May 20, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats the problem
nobody ever talks about other players faults at nausium, it’s always Romo who needs to play better.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That does not reduce the validity of some of the posts
they should be viewed in isolation, not considered as part of some metric that compares the amount of posts criticizing each individual player.
Romo gets more positive posts than Flozell, Hamlin, the late RW, Ellis and some others. Nobody defends them at every turn and complains that other players merit criticism.
by I_miss_Switzer on May 20, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
really??
Besides me and few others who defend Romo, where is he getting positive comments on this blog?
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot
of what you are considering negative comments about Romo are actually doses of reality aimed at your school girl crush on him.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you still didn't answer my question
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every
comment that says Romo does great through most of the season but needs to get to the point where he can close the season strong is a positive comment. We have a good quarterback, and we want a better quarterback.
Only in the eyes of a starstruck school girl is that a negative comment.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hear, hear
right on
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on May 20, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oskie, with all the Romo BASHING you LUV to throw out, you hardly qualify to define what is negative or not.
Your whole “he better step up this year” mentality ignores the REAL facts – Romo has already been a top-level QB. It ignores the fact he was running for his life in the Giants playoff game, yet still almost got the job done. It ignores the fact the Defense has fallen apart at the SAME critical junctures … yet you never ever say “it’s a team effort, I hope Romo does his part” … it’s purely “Romo … tick, tick, tick…”
Honestly, your negative version of realism is getting old.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 20, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Find a way
to deal with reality, Luke. My comments are only “bashing” when juxtaposed with the hyperbole of the Romo worshipers.
Of course Romo is going to have to step up and prove us doubters wrong, and I am looking forward to his doing just that. I hope to be happily on here eating crow in January.
Make me do it, Tony.
tick … tick … tick … tick …
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just to be clear.
The ticking thing… is silly.
If he has a good but not great year and loses in the first round of the playoffs, which I hope he doesn’t, who are you going to replace him with?
You think that he’s going to be released? Traded? Replaced?
Doubtful.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He won't be traded, released or replaced but if the Cowboys and Romo crap the bed at the end of the season again, I'd think the Cowboys' braintrust would start thinking about a replacement
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on May 21, 2009 4:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and not just ROmo but some other players as well
It would be clear that this team is not as talented as it is made out to be
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on May 21, 2009 4:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree on that.
Don’t get me wrong, I think he should feel heat, IF it’s warranted.
If his play is aweful, like the Pittsburg game, parts of the Baltimore game, or the Philly game(although that could be said about 99% of the team.).
But if he had a game like… say the 2007 Giants and he played pretty good and had some dropped passes and saw his defense and special teams just do some really boneheaded plays along with some silly offensive line penalties… I don’t start pushing the QB panic button.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 21, 2009 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo shouldn't
feel comfortable or complacent with putting up fancy fantasy stats, then going limp at the end of the season, and neither should the fans.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 21, 2009 7:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well who you gonna replace him with?
That’s my biggest question.
You have Bill Parcells dial a QB number?
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 21, 2009 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't say
I want to replace him. I don’t. I want him to improve.
I want the Cowboys to have a better QB named Tony Romo. I reject this idea that he is playing just fine and that the only improvement needed is everyone else. Romo needs to pick up his game to get us to the championship.
Yes, folks, the rest of the team has to improve as well, but the QB should lead the way.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 21, 2009 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have that idea.
He DOES need to improve. We agree 100 % on that. COMpletely!
But it sure as hell would help if the offensive line stepped up and didn’t wear down in those last months, or the defense didn’t give up 70 yard TD runs.
And for some reason, it happens every year and this was before Romo.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 21, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No argument
from me on the OL. Likewise, the receiving corps needs to step up. We need to get better on Defense as well.
Special teams have to get better, and the off-season moves indicate they will.
There are lots of areas where the team must improve, and I wouldn’t argue otherwise.
Tony Romo is not exempt from the “needs to improve” category.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 21, 2009 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nobody is saying that
I’ve always maintained Romo is a work in progress which is why fans should be patient with his play.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 21, 2009 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oskie, I agree there's room for improvement...
No rose-colored glasses here … but TICK TICK TICK???
That’s a FAR CRY from “improve” …
And Romo happens to be one of the STRENGTHS of this team, yet reading your comments you’d think he’s the weak link.
THAT is why we take issue with the Romo bashing.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 21, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are lots of measured positive comments
by lots of posters, but they may not be sufficiently strident for you.
I notice that when the O line gets criticized you don’t pipe in with “the entire team needs to play better”, you let those remarks stand on their own merit.
by I_miss_Switzer on May 20, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats because the criticism of the OL is warranted
other than football protection issues, Romo is unfairly criticized.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You defend the turnovers
last season you told me that the quarterback should never be hit – that seems like unfair critiicism and expectation of the o-line. You said that if the quarterback is so much as touched or rushed, they bear no responsibility for the turnover.
by I_miss_Switzer on May 20, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never said that
what I said is if a qb is completely blindsided by a hit, I’m not going to fault him for fumbling, thats only on the qb if he either sees or feels the hit coming.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 21, 2009 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The "gut feelings of grizzled old fans".
Just out of curiousty, what was your gut feeling after the first year that Jimmy Johnson was a coach?
I’m not a Romo “apologist”, I know that there is PLENTY of room for improvement.
HOWever, I think you’re being naive if you think that the recent failures in the playoffs or the end of the season have been all on him. In the 2007 Giants game, Tony Romo evades pressure and hits a wide open Patrick Crayton in stride with a good possibility of that going the distance and putting Dallas up by 10 points.
Instead the receiver drops it and the rest is history.
If Alvin Harper drops the big pass against the niners and they come back and score a TD, does that tarnish Troy Aikmans legacy? Possibly.
The only problem I’ve had with Romo is his resistance to sometimes just take a free field goal now and then, but the december/big game problems are much deeper than Romo. Big players make big plays, but they need their teammates to step up and help them.
Big Ben looked beautiful in the Super Bowl, but Santonio Holmes had to catch the ball. If he drops that second and long at the end of the game, there is a good chance Arizona wins the Super Bowl.
If David Tyree drops the Eli Manning pass… just another ring to go on Tom Brady’s finger.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
very well said
Football is a team game, individual players can’t win or lose games all by themselves.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't get me wrong.
I believe that Romo needs to step up and become more of vocal leader. I also think that he does need to be more careful in the endzone and sometimes take more calculated risks.
I however think when Romo does step up and make a senational play, that the receiver has to catch the ball.
I’m not comparing Romo to Brady as far as a talent standpoint, but if you look at the 2006 AFC Championship, Tom Brady made some plays down the stretch that could have won them the game.
Unfortunatly a pass hit Reche Caldwell right in the hands of the endzone and he proceeded to drop it.
I don’t think that Romo has had a dependable receiving option besides Witten. TO was a playmaker, but I wouldn’t call him dependable same with Crayton.
The 2005 Seattle Seahawks to me is a good comparison. Matt Hasselback was a top 5 QB back then and he actually played a great Super Bowl, but his wideouts didn’t step up and help their QB. I remember three drives that on third down the receiver or tightend would just have a lapse of concentration and straight up drop it.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats probably
the closest comparison I have read. Romo does need to improve. The receivers must catch the ball. It would be nice if the line could block as well.
by oldboysfan on May 21, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not saying
I have been happy with all the other players besides Romo. This is a thread about Tony Romo, and I along with many longtime Cowboys fans that I talk with have concerns about the current QB being able to close a season strong. Sure, the whole team has to step up, but the QB is traditionally the leader of a team. When it is crunch time, I want to see fire — not fear — in the QB’s eyes.
As for the 1-15 season, I was embedded (unfortunately) in a hotbed of Skins fans and was offered ample opportunity daily to give up on my team; I declined. I was happy that Jones had rescued the franchise from the ravages of Bum Bright and I was hopeful we would return to our glory days. The bright spot that year was the game at RFK — the lone win came at the perfect place for me.
The Romo apologists can play the what-if game till the world looks level, but it is Romo who has to erase the doubts about his ability to get it done in the post season. It is what it is.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and you never saw fear in his eyes..and you never will
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See and that type of comment right there...
Is why no one takes you serious.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly Airforce.......
I’ll even go further and say that most people actually like Romo but get tired of the constant defending of him. Hey, all the team is responsible for the losses but this man-crush is way over the top as I see it.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
and alot of the times I agree with Terry.
But I don’t like to talk like a schoolgirl with a crush.
I never really saw this “fear” thing. I remember him getting up and yelling at one of his offensive lineman. That’s something that does kind of irritate me. Questioning the dudes decision making. Cool. Definitly needs to make better decisions.
Hell I even don’t care as much about the dedication to the game with all the Mexico/golf stuff. I don’t agree, but I can see a point.
But I watched that dude make plays down the stretch of this years Giants game when he was getting hit on EVERY play. Maybe it wasn’t a “big” game, but people who get hit that much, don’t make plays down the stretch. And I remember him getting up and shouting at his offensive lineman in the 2008 playoff game. I don’t know what else you want as far as “fire” standpoint.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know this is probably going to sound weird......
but I actually liked it when Romo got into the face of his linemen in that playoff game because it showed that he was the leader of the team at that moment. He had every reason to to be mad and he showed some urgency because they were so laid back and sluggish at that point. Other people saw when he lost his cool as losing his composure. I can see that point of view as well. IMO, when the truly great leaders speak up, the linemen etc. listen because he has control of the huddle. They see him as the leader and they will go into battle with him. I remember Staubach yelling at his players to step it up and they did. They respected and had faith in him to deliver-much like the military-every guy does his job and is held accountable to each other.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The recent youtube clips posted on BTB of Aikman & Staubach had a clip of Aikman yelling at his line
The point is that this whole “fear in his eyes” theory is just as ridiculous and extreme as Terry’s cheerleading reply…
You can’t have it both ways… if you want to criticize Terry for defending Romo, why do you accept the equally biased perspective of the pessimists?
The truth – the real hard bottom line facts are BOTH – Romo has proven himself a top-tier QB… and Romo has been at the helm when the Cowboys have lost some critical games.
The question is this – which is the REAL Romo? In my opinion, the losses had less to do with Romo than with the entire team… blaming him borders on myopic… so this leaves me agreeing with Terry – Romo is a quality QB that needs some help around him to get it done.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 20, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You guys
working in shifts now, or what?
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree completely....
I thought that everyone is entitled to an opinion in this country right? Why is it only okay to state your opinion if it agrees with certain other people’s opinion. Just because I have a different opinion than some others doesn’t make me/them wrong. What does Dalai mean by “I accept the equally biased perspective of the pessimists”. That’s actually a pretty funny comment if you know me. By no means am I a pessimist but I don’t go around with my head in the clouds either.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So do you consider what I said...
me being an apologist?
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't call you an apologist.....
I think you are trying to be objective and realistic. If we wanted to focus on individual play of each position, we could do that and find plenty of fault to go around including Romo. What some guys (I’m not talking about you) don’t realize is that when you play QB you will be held to a higher standard than say the right quard etc. especially when you are the highest paid guy on the team. Fair or not, it is what it is. To be a successful leader, you have to step up to the plate and take on that leadership role, taking unfair criticism along the way. Some guys have it-Brady, Manning,Aikman etc. Others don’t and they fizzle out. One great quality that Aikman,Brady and company have is the deep burning will in their stomachs to win it all. Aikman was a perfectionist and he couldn’t accept medicrity. That’s what sets the great ones apart from the “good” one who never win it all. It’s all about desire and will to win.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
QB’s (especially for the Cowboys) are held to a higher standard. And they should be.
But I also know(like Carl said) be careful what you wish for Cowboy fans. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True.....
I remember the last season that Aikman played and he literally got booed off the field. It was very sad to watch but that is the reality of football. I never could understand that one.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
as most Cowboy fans know......
Favre wouldn’t have ever lasted as long in Dallas as he did in Green Bay because of the fans backlash. Why do I bring up Favre? That’s who Romo has constantly been compared to. To be QB of the Cowboys, you have to have ice in your veins and unusually thick skin to be successful not a laid back carefree personna.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Favre
couldn’t have lasted as a Cowboys QB because he could not win at Texas Stadium. That would have been quite an impediment to his success.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dandy Don Meredith is a good example of a very good QB.....
that couldn’t take the pressure of being the Cowboys leader. He retired way too soon because of the fans. Some people have said that he never got over it.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meredith
was a terrific team leader. Maybe the pressure of being the Cowboys celebrity is what he couldn’t deal with.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very true........
he was an excellent QB but the booing got to him and so he couldn’t take it anymore and quit. Why am I bringing this up? The simple reason, is that to be QB of the Cowboys you have to possess the ultimate leadership skills or you will fail. Unfortunately, many good QB’s couldn’t handle the scrutiny that goes along with being the QB of the Cowboys. Only two QB’s have ever had that quality-Aikman and Staubach. Like I said earlier, there’s no way that Favre would have lasted in Dallas for so long. You see how it ended in NY? To be an elite QB, especially the Cowboys, you have to have ice in your veins, which at this point, I don’t know if Romo possesses. Time will tell this year because whether some want to admit it or not, there will be more pressure on him to perform exceptionally well without T.O. being the scapegoat .
by texstar on May 20, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get
what you are saying, but I don’t consider tolerance (or lack thereof) of public scrutiny to be the same as team leadership. I think Meredith was an outstanding team leader who got sick of the abuse from the fans.
But I agree that being QB of the Dallas Cowboys requires an ironclad skin when it comes to the intense scrutiny from the media and public. The weight of celebrity is part of the job.
Terrell Owens took celebrity to extreme, putting himself in the vortex of a roaring storm of controversy and tried to drown out anything and anyone that wasn’t TEE OHH!
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
let's take it a step further........
recently whenever Romo was criticized for his Philly debacle he made some goofy comments as you know. He then went on and said that being a team leader is over-rated. M. Irvin came out and said that whenever Aikman was criticized you never heard one excuse out of his mouth. He just worked harder and tried to be a leader for his team. This got the whole team behind him. Therefore, he earned their respect on the field because he was their leader.
by texstar on May 20, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
a Dallas QB has to earn the respect of his teammates by his actions on and off the field. Meredith was a strong leader on the field, but couldn’t stomach the outside hoopla. Staubach and Aikman were strong field generals, like Meredith, but also knew how to wear the heavy mantle of celebrity that comes with the job.
Romo is a work in progress.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
here here...
thank you for finally saying! Everyone that hates the Romo looks for any stat that casts him in as bad a light as possible. Same is true in a sense for those that love Romo, they find a stat that supports him.
Personally, I think Tony is coming to grips with the level of play. He’s gone from nobody to somebody in very short time. The level of competition at Eastern Illinois, and Pointe Place High School(joke people) is not something that adequately prepares a human for the role of Dallas Cowboys QB. Some men are born to greatness (Roger Staubach), and other have it thrust upon them(Tony Romo). I think Tony is finally piecing it together, and is understanding the magnitude of it all.
Deo Vindice Veritas,
by SmittyCityMo on May 20, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Roger S.
When we had number 12 under center – I never thought a game was lost until the final gun went off. I sort of get this feeling with T.R (no counting the last game of last season).
I think this team will score and if the O. Coordinator learns to use the powerful running game the team has we will win the battle of the “clock” and that will keep our D fresh and we will have an 11+ win season – and be the Beast in the East.
No team really wants to play all four of the teams of the NFC East – Sorry AFC West.
I live and die with the Dallas Cowboys
by stxshooter on May 20, 2009 8:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Romo has mounted so many late game comebacks that I share that feeling that we are never truly out of a game. Even in last season’s horrific Eagles loss, I thought we could/would come back up until MB3’s fumble which was returned for a TD.
At the same time, I also always have a worry in the back of my head whenever Romo drops back— “will this one be a pick? Will this one be the DeShea Townsend INT in the Steelers game?”
You take the good with the bad, I guess.
For the record, he’d be my pick over any QB in the league not named Brady or Rivers. Part of that is confidence in his ability, and part of that is because he’s homegrown, and we have so much emotionally invested in him that when he succeeds, it will be all the more satisfying.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on May 20, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Generally.
The biggest time I wonder about the Romo turnover, is in the endzone.
I think that he trys to force passes WAY too much down there.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to know if Miles Austin is getting in on this
Roy Williams – Tony Romo off-season work? We’ve heard a lot about Romo to Williams, but where are the other WRs? Doing the same I’d imagine…
by AustonianAggie on May 20, 2009 10:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They were there as well, it was RW, MA, and SH who were there with Romo
it just was not as publizied as RW and Romo working together.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on May 20, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My problem is thinking of Romo as the be-all end-all for the team to be successful
The Cowboys have made a huge mistake of trying to put the team on Tony Romo’s back down the stretch and into the playoffs the last few years. Trust me, the guy will look a lot better, and the team will be better, if he throws fewer passes this season.
I think the key to the season is whether Wade can get his defense to turn it up a couple more notches and start looking like the defense that outplayed Pittsburgh’s D late last season until Romo tossed an INT that lost the game. Big Ben won his first Super Bowl on a team that ran the ball and played great defense, throwing just enough to keep the chains moving. If the Cowboys can look more like that, they will be better.
My second key would be to see if Jason Garrett and Hudson Houck can mold a top-3 running attack out of the 3-headed backfield we have. If our offense can run the ball anything like the Giants did last year, we’ll be a LOT better than putting the pressure on Tony Romo’s shoulders.
My third key would be turnovers. This stems from more running and thus fewer INTs and Romo fumbles. But it also stems from more defensive pressure. The quickest way for the Cowboys to improve their fortunes is to win the turnover battle each and every game. If we’re plus 1 or better, we can beat any team in the NFL. But at even or minus one or more, we can and will continue to lose games.
My fourth key would be special teams. This, plus turnovers, is an area where we could make the greatest strides. Forcing teams to start drives on the 20, and keeping punts unreturned will pay huge dividends. It would also be nice to get some better returns.
Only fifth in my book would be the play of Tony Romo.
So — Top 3 defense, Top 3 running game, positive turnover ratio, great special teams = division and playoff success. Romo and the passing game is just not as important.
by VAfan on May 20, 2009 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Romo is a factor in 3 of the 4 you mentioned.
You point out that the D was playing great until a Romo INT doomed them. You address that the running game needs to improve to take the ball out of Romo’s hands. You say that Romo needs to have less INTs and fumbles. And then you say Romo again.
Improved QB play is going to be a huge factor in whether this team goes further this year than last year. Unlike every other area where we needed improvement, we are relying on someone to simply get better than any other actual steps to improve the position. That’s why there is so much riding on Romo.
OL – regain Kosier as the starter and Holland as a backup, and a draft pick
DL – added Olshansky as a starter, still major concerns about backups on this blog and other media
LB – added Brookings as a starter and a ton of draft picks
CB – new starter at one spot plus added draft picks
S – Sensabaugh as a new starter, plus added draft picks
WR – replaced TO – major question marks at this position on this blog and other media
TE – position of strength
RB – position of strength, but likely a reshuffling of duties with backups getting increased play
K/ST – regain McBriar as a starter, added Buehler for kickoffs, tons of draft picks for coverage
QB – replaced both backups
So, every single unit will have at least one new starter or a player returning from injury, except QB, TE, and RB. That’s why there is so much discussion about Romo, that’s one of 2 areas on this team where basically no changes have been made to the starting unit or situational subs.
by Baked Potato Soup on May 20, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo is NOT a factor in the running game, the defense, or special teams
Not sure how you arrive at your conclusion. The only place Romo is a factor is in turnovers. But my point is that by NOT making Romo the be-all end-all of the team, and relying instead on a stronger running game that reduces the times Romo drops back to pass, the team will reduce its turnovers. Romo doesn’t have to improve at all for that to take place, Fewer chances will inevitably lead to fewer mistakes by him.
I’ll repeat my point again. Don’t make the team about Romo. We will lose if he’s the focus again.
Let me give a concrete example. Was Troy Aikman ever the be-all end-all for the Dallas Cowboys? No. He wasn’t even our best player. Emmitt Smith was. Emmitt, the offensive line, and Moose, were always the key to the last Dallas team that was dominant. Aikman was important, but if you watched the NFL Replay the other night between the Cowboys and Giants, with the winner getting a bye (and eventually going on to win its 5th SB), you would see just how critical Emmitt was.
I’m not suggesting this team can duplicate that team. But it needs to find a top-3 or top-5 running attack and a dominant defense if we want to go anywhere in December, January, and February. The sooner the team is more about the team than Tony Romo, the sooner we’ll become a winner again.
by VAfan on May 21, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Emmitt doesn't play for the Cowboys anymore
and I strongly disagree with you, the offense must run through Romo. MB3, JOnes and Choice are all very good, but they’re not Emmitt Smith.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 21, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Troy was the end all be all for Dallas one year.
We went 1-15 to show for it.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on May 21, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't imagine being a fan of the Vikings either.
Except with all of there terrible QB’s they have been to the playoffs more than the cowboys in the last 10 years.
by Sharksbreath on May 20, 2009 12:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
because Culpepper sucked so bad in his prime.
Are you serious?
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 21, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't actually watch the football, now do we?
When Culpepper had his career year in ’04, Moss was gimpy for much of the season even when he was on the field. In addition to Moss being shipped off to the Raiders, Culpepper having to learn under a new offensive coordinator contributed to him becoming a jabronie. But before that, Culpepper was a top 5 QB. Who knows what the hell happened since then?
I do so look forward to your future expert QB analyses, though. Keep ’em coming.
by MadMick on May 21, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Crayton a roster lock? If he gets surpassed by Hurd it's up in the air
by AustonianAggie on May 20, 2009 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He could get traded
but Austin has health issues. Crayton is reasonably dependable, but a little overpaid. I expect he is on the team, but wouldn’t be shocked if he gets dealt.
by I_miss_Switzer on May 20, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crayton's at least reliable.
I loathe the lout but let’s hold off shipping him out until we’re sure one of these young buckaroos can be as reliable as he’s been.
by MadMick on May 21, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo is the biggest choke in sports
A simple hold, and the Cowboys win a playoff game in Seattle, snapping a decade-long drought. Instead, the ball goes right between Bill Buckner’s legs and defeat is snatched from the jaws of victory. The Seattle Slip was a foreshadowing to this most disappointing career. Romo is 29, an age where Aikman had already won three Super Bowls.
The beleaguered signal caller is as dumb as a rock… as evidenced in his choice of divorced songstresses. Now, Bradshaw was dumb, but he was cold-weather tough… Romo, not so much. If its not golf weather, he doesn’t show up. As soon as it gets cold, see record after Thanksgiving, the pear-shaped quarterback is off to chase Tila Tequilla and a cocktail with a small umbrella in it.
Romo isn’t a leader of men… he’s Jean Van de Velde with a 3 stroke lead on the 18th hole at Carnoustie. He’s this generations’ Scott Norwood. The Slippery-fingered signal caller has already been responsible for three of the worst moments in franchise history, and he’d rather Brody Jenner than Troy Aikman. He is what he is… the best quarterback never to win a playoff game.
by Montecito Tex on May 20, 2009 2:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Tex is kind of crazy
but he can turn a phrase, even if it is just a variation on the same phrase each time. Is this the first Brody Jenner reference?
by I_miss_Switzer on May 20, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wrong on all counts...as usual
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 20, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I don't agree...
At least this has to do with Tony Romo.
Generally they could be talking about Nick Folk and he would bring it up.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where ya been Tex?
You have the most entertaining posts on this blog!
by Cowboy Louie on May 20, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sort of OT:
Was actually watching the Romo press conference yesterday. Three mins into it, Romo was asked his thoughts on TO getting cut by the Cowboys. I’ll give your only ONE guess on who asked that question….
Yup, Ed Werder, trying to stir up drama again.
I am sooooo tired of his schtick. I was hoping it would go away once TO left but hey, this is the Cowboys.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on May 20, 2009 3:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I noticed several questions about Owens — actually the same question asked several times — and Romo did OK with it. On the latter variations of the same question, I wish he would just say, “look, I already answered that, so let’s move on.”
Less said about what’s-his-name the better.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
seems to me
It seems to me the question posed by Werder is a pretty good one. I for one would like to hear Romo give his honest opinion on the subject. I’m sure political correctness won’t allow Romo to give his hinest opinion but I don’t blame Werder for asking.
Having said that, I too am sick of Werder and his gossip nonsense.
by Cowboy Louie on May 20, 2009 3:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
There is nothing
and I mean nothing more that I want to hear about Terrell Owens.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 20, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dec swoon
this is just thinking out loud but i wonder how much of this dec swoon may be attributed to strength and conditioning. it seems like the players lose their intensity or pop. either that or maybe they are worn down by all the big games they play before that and can’t get their intensity up in dec?
by maxdout on May 20, 2009 4:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
That’s been pointed out before.
It was thought at one point that the late season wear down could be attributed to Bill Parcells pushing so hard at the beginning but apparently that wasn’t the case.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont know about big games, every team in our division play the same number of big games and yet the Giants and the Eagles dont have
Dec Swoons. The whole thing might have something to do with coaching. Moreover, in 07 there was not much to motivate them in december, the team already won the division.
by dcfanz on May 20, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two completely different coaching staffs and approaches contradict the "Coaching" argument though.
I think the onus has to be on the players. Period.
by Realist Larry on May 20, 2009 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the giants are full of december swoons
4 of their last 5 years. don’t let the media fool you.
by foyesboys on May 20, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Back in Montecito
Tex travels every year in May… Romo goes south every year in December.
by Montecito Tex on May 20, 2009 5:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Instead of griping.
Tell us a solution. 2010, who does Montecito Tex draft ro replace the beleagured Tony Romo?
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on May 20, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tex, truth is ....
If (allegedly) having a pear-shaped physique holding onto a cocktail with an umbrella in it, enhances a man’s ability to rein in hot women and play QB for the Dallas Cowboys….. I’m in!
dumb as a rock… as evidenced in his choice of divorced songstresses.
Not so fast there Tex! Don’t get confused with two leggers and four leggers. We should all be so lucky to be “dumb as a rock” to get those results.
Your vacilating desire to commend this man for being the best QB to never win a playoff game is long overdue. Give him some more time and you will see the Henson in him.
by T Zig on May 20, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats easy...Drew Henson, LOL!
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 21, 2009 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pattern
from what i’ve read on here, this swoon has been going on for ten years now. there must be something to it.
by maxdout on May 20, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
henson
i bet if we had a qb like drew henson none of this would be happening. :)
by maxdout on May 20, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
who does Montecito Tex draft or replace the beleagured Tony Romo?
In his mind, it is anybody other than Romo. He will never forgive JJ and Parcells for letting go of Henson. Tex would argue that Drew was undefeated as a starting qb. Of course, the plain truth is that Henson is winningest qb (percentagewise) never to lead his team to the playoffs.
by troysboys on May 20, 2009 9:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
weren't we losing at halftime that game?
despite a great effort from julius?
by foyesboys on May 20, 2009 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In his previous comments he has stated to keep drafting qb's every year in the 2-4 rounds until they
find a replacement
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on May 21, 2009 7:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Tex is really Drew Henson, that would make sesne
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 21, 2009 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL ... genius!
wow, why didn’t i think of that?
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 21, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone els notice that ESPN is linking to this story?
by aussie_cowboy on May 21, 2009 1:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
KUDOS TO CARL!!!!
Truth is that BTB is cranking out QUALITY stuff across the board. KUDOS to Carl here, Raf on the article about NFL commentators, and everyone else on the staff …
Question: Does this mean the name changes to BTBSPN?
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 21, 2009 7:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Blogging The Boys
Related FanShots on Blogging The Boys
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
