Happy-go-lucky - grinning from big ear to big ear - Tony Romo has been replaced by surly and serious Tony Romo. He sounds like he was plenty frustrated by that game on Sunday. First, DC.com reports:
Then Mosley reports on the same:
Romo said he would execute what ever game plan the coaches put in place for the Falcons.
"No one's going 16-0 this year," Romo said after repeatedly being asked about Sunday's 42-17 loss to the Saints.
Interesting change in public image for Romo. Does this mean anything in his bouncing back this week? On one hand, you could say he's determined, not at all happy about losing and will do something about it. On the other hand, you might ask if a little frustration is starting to show. But more likely, the media was just irritating him, they have that effect.
For all the bad that came out of the Saints game, there is some good news; we are actually getting much closer to clinching a playoff birth. The first step, as always, is to win this week.
A Cowboys win, coupled with a Minnesota loss or tie and a New Orleans win or tie will at least clinch a wild-card berth for the Cowboys.
A Cowboys win, coupled with a Minnesota loss or tie, or a Carolina loss or tie gets them into the playoffs.
Tony Parrish talks about picking up the defense.
Parrish was inactive for the New Orleans game since he arrived here at Valley Ranch in time for only Friday's practice, but watched his new unit from the sideline. He said there are similarities in the Cowboys' scheme to defenses he has played in before.
"I've played in five systems previously, so after a while there isn't too much defense you can just create," said Parrish, who has been playing strong safety for more of his career.
I'm interested to see how much playing time he gets this week. And will Pat Watkins go back to being inactive?
Oliver Hoyte didn't practice today.
4. Baltimore-Dallas -- We'd have a rematch of Super Bowl V, also played in Miami, 36 years ago. Sort of. The Colts, not the Ravens, beat the Cowboys in the "Blunder Bowl,'' a game remembered for its sloppy play and many turnovers.
5. Indianapolis-Dallas -- Or would this be the real Super Bowl V rematch, with the Colts-Cowboys squaring off again? Is it the city or the nickname that determines a team's true identity? Remind me to ask that noted pro football historian, Dr. Z.
9. San Diego-Dallas -- As good as this game might be, the real drama would be seeing which ancient head coach -- Marty Schottenheimer or Parcells -- got to announce his retirement and go out in a blaze of glory. My money would be on Schottenheimer, with a strong shove from Chargers GM A.J. Smith.