When you think of Tony Romo, the first thing that comes to mind is that he chokes. He makes bone-headed plays at the wrong time. It drives Dallas fans crazy because he is the most talented quarterback that the team has had since Troy Aikman. Is it really his fault that the Cowboys have been 8-8 for the last three seasons?
There have been times such as the game with the Green Bay Packers last season where he threw two interceptions near the end of the game. Bad timing, but it wasn’t the main reason for the loss in my opinion. The real culprit for the Cowboys’ ills are the decisions of Jerry Jones and what it has done to the defense.
It is no secret that the Dallas defense last season was hideous. By far, it was the worst in football. There were too many times that Romo had to bail this circus out. Jones’ penchant for mediocre drafting and generous contract extensions have the team going through the junkyard to find parts to plug-in because of salary cap issues. The former defensive coordinator was an utter flop last year.
Monte Kiffin was in over his head. He has no clue was to do and was demoted. Rod Marinelli has taken over as the new defensive boss for Dallas.
He is a very good coach and was excellent with the Chicago Bears in the same role. It is an upgrade over Kiffin. The defense should be better this season and it will ease some of the pressure from Romo. The main reason that this could be Romo’s best season is that Scott Linehan has been brought in as offensive coordinator.
Linehan runs a scheme that is pass-happy. Romo has good accuracy and doesn’t throw that many interceptions. They just get magnified because of where he plays. The scheme is an excellent fit for Tony.
Linehan is an upgrade from Jason Garrett, whose play-calling last season was weird to say the least. Garrett can now concentrate on being head coach and let his OC call the plays. Romo has a healthy DeMarco Murray, an underrated offensive line and a good receiving corps. There is no reason he shouldn’t be able to set career highs this season.
The NFC East may be the most unpredictable division to call. Each team, even the Philadelphia Eagles, are vulnerable. If the defense can remotely do their job, the Cowboys have a chance to win this division. It is all up to Romo now to prove his critics wrong.
For current news, sports, politics and more please follow us at @TheInscriberMag and like us on Facebook: The Inscriber : Digital Magazine