Is this the game where Romo...

[gollum]

comes back to Earth? I say that for several reasons:

1) So far, he hasn't been forced into a serious, come from behiind situation where everyone knew he had to pass. The closest to this was in the Giants game during the 2nd half and we know how well he did then. I know it was his first game, but the Giants were squatting on the routes.

2) He is getting a little "cocky" and brimming with confidence; making fun jabs at Jerry and reporters. He's been hearing the praise heaped on him by nearly every pundit, mediot, and fan. Everything has come relatively easy so far, but time for reality check is near.

3) The Colts have the speed and quickness to not only bring pressure, but linebackers can make plays in the passing game as well.

I'm hoping that when that time comes, we are either in a no win situation anyway, or playing a horrible team that we can overcome in spite of his coming struggles.

[Rampage]

nope he will out-do peyton and lead us to a victory!.......In Romo we trust.

[CATCH17]

I doubt it just because he has faced better defenses allready.

Tampa could be the game where he has a set back but so far he has shown no signs of doing bad.

I think we will see Tony Romo play incredible this week. Especially with most of the football world watching this game.

[Tuna Helper]

I actually like the fact that Romo is brimming with confidence. Would we rather that he go into a shell?

I think he will rise to this occassion on center stage, with one of the league's best passers on the other sideline.

[alancdc]

If we can block Freeney then there is no doubt in my mind we can get deep on them. I think this is the type game Bill will pull out all the stops, and earn his money with a great gameplan!

[Dallyjake]

Your post makes no sense under topic #1. Romo had to lead the team to a win at Carolina down by 14. He also had to throw us down the field trailing by one to Wash. The man had the team in position to win the game with a simple:bang2: 35 yard chip shot.

I expect bigger and better things from this team with #9 under center. Relax and enjoy the ride. It may get a little bumpy but the Cowboys will be OK.

[Doomsday101]

If we can block Freeney then there is no doubt in my mind we can get deep on them. I think this is the type game Bill will pull out all the stops, and earn his money with a great gameplan!

I want to see Dallas take some shots down field but I don't want to see Dallas getting into a passing war with the Colts like the Pats did. If Dallas can run the ball and keep the colts offense standing on the sideline that will help keep the scoring down somewhat. I'm not saying we should not take our shots but I don't see us winning a passing war with the colts.

[Chocolate Lab]

That sig pic is just wrong. I know it's Theismann and all, but still...

[Cowboy4ever]

The colts are not an Elite TEAM! They are an ELITE offense.. but Average Defense. We have already played 3 D's that are better than the Colts.. Philly, Giants, and Carolina.. The only 1 that Romo Started, he beat.. coming back from 14.. I don't see any reason to be scared of the D on the Colts.. I know we will put up some points.. stopping them will be the question, but I like our chances there too.. Dallas will win this game.

[Zman5]

Your post makes no sense under topic #1. Romo had to lead the team to a win at Carolina down by 14. He also had to throw us down the field trailing by one to Wash. The man had the team in position to win the game with a simple:bang2: 35 yard chip shot.

I expect bigger and better things from this team with #9 under center. Relax and enjoy the ride. It may get a little bumpy but the Cowboys will be OK.

Actually we were tied with Washington but I agree mostly with what you are saying.

[ravidubey]

Parcells needs to reign him in a bit vs. Indy. We need offensive balance and well designed passing plays.

If we can win time of possession we'll keep Manning off the field and conserve our defense, saving some of their strength for Tampa Bay four days later.

Keys on defense are for the safeties to never bite on play-action and let the front seven stop the run. If we do that we can stay in our two-deep zone (Lord knows we've gotten enough practice at it) and contain this team.

[BAZ]

I expect the D to look like one of the worst units in the league if anything. If the Cowboys go down early by 17 points then expect a good few mistakes by Romo, it will be like the Giants game where the run is abandoned.

While it wouldn't surprise me if Freeny decided to start his season against the Cowboys, I get the feeling the game will be close for the most part.

[CrazyCowboy]

No....ROMO is the real deal....if we rally around him....we are going places!

[alancdc]

I want to see Dallas take some shots down field but I don't want to see Dallas getting into a passing war with the Colts like the Pats did. If Dallas can run the ball and keep the colts offense standing on the sideline that will help keep the scoring down somewhat. I'm not saying we should not take our shots but I don't see us winning a passing war with the colts.
I agree with you 100%, and I was just talking about the passing game because of the topic being Romo. I love JJ nad MB III being able to run. Is Bob Sanders out for them? I know we better have a backer have his "A" game on to cover Dallas Clarke.

[2much2soon]

I think Romo is "wired" perfectly to be an NFL QB.
Why?
Because he is an excellent golfer, nearly U.S. Open worthy, and that requires mental toughness like nothing else.
I don't think he ever really comes "back down to Earth". What we have seen from him is what we will probably continue to get. And I'll take that anyday.

[Doomsday101]

I agree with you 100%, and I was just talking about the passing game because of the topic being Romo. I love JJ nad MB III being able to run. Is Bob Sanders out for them? I know we better have a backer have his "A" game on to cover Dallas Clarke.

Colts have 15 players listed on their injury list right now but of course many of those so called injured players are playing right now. As for Sanders not sure if he is out or not but is listed as injured

[alancdc]

Colts have 15 players listed on their injury list right now but of course many of those so called injured players are playing right now. As for Sanders not sure if he is out or not but is listed as injured

Thanks. I thought I heard he was out this week, but could be wrong.

[Nightstalker]

I have faith in Romo. I love my team but I am really worried that the Defense might blow some big plays again. More worried on D than in Romo.:rolleyes:

[Doomsday101]

Thanks. I thought I heard he was out this week, but could be wrong.

He was out last weeks game vs the Bills so you could be right

[joseephuss]

The Giants were not squatting on routes in the MNF game. Romo just made two very bad decisions and then one bad throw that resulted in 3 INTs. He moved the ball well against them other than those plays and the one drop by an open T.O.

[alancdc]

The Giants were not squatting on routes in the MNF game. Romo just made two very bad decisions and then one bad throw that resulted in 3 INTs. He moved the ball well against them other than those plays and the one drop by an open T.O.

First let me say I loved the call, but if Toomer, I believe, doesn't get called for one of the worst offensive interference calls of all time the Giants probably win that game.

[gollum]

Perhaps "squatted" was not the right terminology, but they KNEW we had to pass which makes it easier to defend.

[joseephuss]

First let me say I loved the call, but if Toomer, I believe, doesn't get called for one of the worst offensive interference calls of all time the Giants probably win that game.

I am not questioning whether the Giants win that game. They played better. Romo made mistakes and it wasn't because the Giants knew Dallas had to pass.

[joseephuss]

Perhaps "squatted" was not the right terminology, but they KNEW we had to pass which makes it easier to defend.

That is true. Dallas may not have to pass to beat Indy. They have a poor rush defense. I think Dallas will continue to mix it up on offense to try and keep the Colts off balance. If Dallas has to pass to play catch up, that won't be a good sign. It will mean the defense is struggling to slow down Indy.

The Titans slowed down Manning on defense and used a heavy dosage of runs to keep the scoring low and close.

[Darkhound]

Ok guys, I was out of town for a couple of days. Can you plesae tell me all this deal with Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson?

[SultanOfSix]

The Giants were not squatting on routes in the MNF game. Romo just made two very bad decisions and then one bad throw that resulted in 3 INTs. He moved the ball well against them other than those plays and the one drop by an open T.O.

Looking back at those INTs, they weren't as bad as they looked. The first one was tipped and hung in the air. Should he have thrown the ball? Maybe, maybe not. But, it was flukish.

The second one was forced because (as he said himself) he expected a holding call on Julius, so he thought it was a free play.

The third one was Crayton's fault, because he ran the wrong route.

[alancdc]

I am not questioning whether the Giants win that game. They played better. Romo made mistakes and it wasn't because the Giants knew Dallas had to pass.

I gotta tell ya after reading this more closely I don't think my comments had anything to do with what you were saying. I was thinking about when the Giants played Indy in the first Sunday night game of the year, and I don't know why I brought this up. Let that be a lesson to all the children out there, don't drink at lunch!

:bang2:

[alancdc]

I think Romo is "wired" perfectly to be an NFL QB.
Why?
Because he is an excellent golfer, nearly U.S. Open worthy, and that requires mental toughness like nothing else.
I don't think he ever really comes "back down to Earth". What we have seen from him is what we will probably continue to get. And I'll take that anyday.

I haev made that comment to some of my buddies as well. He does seem to play with a "calm" about him. Remember when TO dropped that TD pass against the Skins...they flashed on Romo, and he kind of swung his arm like he had just hit a bad golf shot, and was like man, missed that one. I love his demeanor.

[joseephuss]

I gotta tell ya after reading this more closely I don't think my comments had anything to do with what you were saying. I was thinking about when the Giants played Indy in the first Sunday night game of the year, and I don't know why I brought this up. Let that be a lesson to all the children out there, don't drink at lunch!

:bang2:

No, no, no. Drink at lunch just don't worry if your posts don't make sense. I figured you were referring to something else. Just goes to show you that I will respond to any post. :D

[joseephuss]

Looking back at those INTs, they weren't as bad as they looked. The first one was tipped and hung in the air. Should he have thrown the ball? Maybe, maybe not. But, it was flukish.

The second one was forced because (as he said himself) he expected a holding call on Julius, so he thought it was a free play.

The third one was Crayton's fault, because he ran the wrong route.

He learned(I hope) that you can't assume that the refs will make the right call. He needed to take the sack or throw it at Julius' feet.

[REDVOLUTION]

comes back to Earth? I say that for several reasons:

1) So far, he hasn't been forced into a serious, come from behiind situation where everyone knew he had to pass. The closest to this was in the Giants game during the 2nd half and we know how well he did then. I know it was his first game, but the Giants were squatting on the routes.

2) He is getting a little "cocky" and brimming with confidence; making fun jabs at Jerry and reporters. He's been hearing the praise heaped on him by nearly every pundit, mediot, and fan. Everything has come relatively easy so far, but time for reality check is near.

3) The Colts have the speed and quickness to not only bring pressure, but linebackers can make plays in the passing game as well.

I'm hoping that when that time comes, we are either in a no win situation anyway, or playing a horrible team that we can overcome in spite of his coming struggles.

I see where you are going with this... and yeah I am concerned too... Bill mentioned in yesterdays PC that Romo made throws that he shouldnt have... so again I am concerned... but I am spoiled too... I have faith in this guy...

His NEXT come from behind attempt will be successful

[ZeroClub]

The Colts are dead last in rushing defense this year.

They've given up the most rushing yards.

Teams love to try to run against them .... Only the defenses of the Jets, Titans, and Raiders have faced more rushing attempts.

So you might think that they've given up so many yards because they've faced so many attempts.

That's true and false.

The Colts are giving up 5.1 yards per carry. 5.1 yards per carry! That is tied for last in the NFL.

-----

I'm as excited about Romo as the next guy, but the Cowboys need to get their ground game going. And if it gets going, they need to just keep it going. There is absolutely no need to get cute ....

[mwj473]

That sig pic is just wrong. I know it's Theismann and all, but still...

I agree. I hate the Skins and all, but that is not right. Usually with a sig, you are celebrating a player or an event. That is not something to be celebrated.

On to Romo, I look for him to have another steady game with a good ground attack to help him.

[Dale]

I don't see Romo's "cockiness" being an issue. His attitude, as Mosley pointed out in his blog, was no difference when he was the third-string QB. He's a funny guy, period.

As for a potential setback game, I could see this game as being potentially just that for him. Mainly, because I think he could put too much pressure on himself to match Manning's fast pace.

At the same time, the Colts' defense isn't exactly the league's best. He's already performed very well against what I consider to be better units. So even if he is pressing, are the Colts good enough defensively to capitalize? Given this league's week-to-week nature, you never know.

At some point, Romo's going to have an off game. It's bound to happen. So, it's certainly a possibility that it could happen against the undefeated Colts.

[EGG]

Dwight "Speedy" Freeney vs Flozell "molasses in wintertime" Adams may be a big big problem,,, especially since Romo will likely be forced to open it up and take chances, so it'll be feast or famine for the Cowboys and Romo.

I'd say the team's only chance is if they come up with a couple of big turnovers and this challenge wakes the 'Boys secondary up,,, they should be playing better than this. If they can keep thepoint total down then I'd say Romo keeps flying high!

[Fan Since 77]

Do you think Bledsoe is on the sidelines thinking "Damn, that was a nice pass" when Romo throws?

[bbgun]

My only concern is that he'll try to out-Manning Peyton Manning, which is a fool's errand.

[Fletch]

comes back to Earth? I say that for several reasons:

1) So far, he hasn't been forced into a serious, come from behiind situation where everyone knew he had to pass. The closest to this was in the Giants game during the 2nd half and we know how well he did then. I know it was his first game, but the Giants were squatting on the routes.

2) He is getting a little "cocky" and brimming with confidence; making fun jabs at Jerry and reporters. He's been hearing the praise heaped on him by nearly every pundit, mediot, and fan. Everything has come relatively easy so far, but time for reality check is near.

3) The Colts have the speed and quickness to not only bring pressure, but linebackers can make plays in the passing game as well.

I'm hoping that when that time comes, we are either in a no win situation anyway, or playing a horrible team that we can overcome in spite of his coming struggles.

So I guess coming back from a 14 point deficit in hostile Carolina in a nationally televised game is not considered a "come from behind" situation?? :rolleyes:

Every QB goes through some tough times. But the difference is that Romo has been developed for 4 years with the Cowboys. He is not your ordinary 4th year "rookie" starter.

You do sound a bit envious. :cool:

[DC Cowboy]

comes back to Earth? I say that for several reasons:

1) So far, he hasn't been forced into a serious, come from behiind situation where everyone knew he had to pass. The closest to this was in the Giants game during the 2nd half and we know how well he did then. I know it was his first game, but the Giants were squatting on the routes.

2) He is getting a little "cocky" and brimming with confidence; making fun jabs at Jerry and reporters. He's been hearing the praise heaped on him by nearly every pundit, mediot, and fan. Everything has come relatively easy so far, but time for reality check is near.

3) The Colts have the speed and quickness to not only bring pressure, but linebackers can make plays in the passing game as well.

I'm hoping that when that time comes, we are either in a no win situation anyway, or playing a horrible team that we can overcome in spite of his coming struggles.


I think if that happens in this game we can reply on our running game to relieve some of that pressure.

[chinch]

comes back to Earth? I say that for several reasons:
i'm more inclined to think it's the game he starts getting major props. we're playing a soft D and team with no running game.

[thekavorka]

if he "comes back down to earth" this weekend, this is the best week for it. we'd probably lose either way to the colts.

[JohnsKey19]

This Indy defense did force Tom Brady into 4 INTs just a few weeks ago. So they are capable of making plays. With their pass rushers up front and a lot of speed at LB and CB/S playing that Tampa 2 zone, they can be a problem, particularly if we get into predictable passing situations.

The key to this game will be pounding the ball at them with the running game and Romo being efficient in the passing game. If we do that, we'll be fine offensively. The Cowboys defense needs to do their part, especially in the 2nd half of the game.

[Rampage]

This Indy defense did force Tom Brady into 4 INTs just a few weeks ago. So they are capable of making plays. With their pass rushers up front and a lot of speed at LB and CB/S playing that Tampa 2 zone, they can be a problem, particularly if we get into predictable passing situations.

The key to this game will be pounding the ball at them with the running game and Romo being efficient in the passing game. If we do that, we'll be fine offensively. The Cowboys defense needs to do their part, especially in the 2nd half of the game.
2 of those brady picks were lazy deep balls thrown with no pressure. the last one was off faulks hands.

[Doomsday101]

This Indy defense did force Tom Brady into 4 INTs just a few weeks ago. So they are capable of making plays. With their pass rushers up front and a lot of speed at LB and CB/S playing that Tampa 2 zone, they can be a problem, particularly if we get into predictable passing situations.

The key to this game will be pounding the ball at them with the running game and Romo being efficient in the passing game. If we do that, we'll be fine offensively. The Cowboys defense needs to do their part, especially in the 2nd half of the game.

Totally agree. Colts are not the team you want to get into a passing war with. Pats made a big mistake doing just that. Run the ball and be efficient in the passing game. If Dallas can run consistantly on the Colts that will set us up for some play action to take some shots down field but to have a good chance in this game we need to run and control the ball and the clock. Longer Manning is standing on the sideline the better off we are. Defensively Dallas has to make some plays I don't think we are going to shut them down but if we can create a couple of turnovers that may be enough to come out of this game with a win

[DC Cowboy]

My only concern is that he'll try to out-Manning Peyton Manning, which is a fool's errand.


Coaches job to implement balanced offense!

[Billy Bullocks]

comes back to Earth? I say that for several reasons:

1) So far, he hasn't been forced into a serious, come from behiind situation where everyone knew he had to pass. The closest to this was in the Giants game during the 2nd half and we know how well he did then. I know it was his first game, but the Giants were squatting on the routes.

2) He is getting a little "cocky" and brimming with confidence; making fun jabs at Jerry and reporters. He's been hearing the praise heaped on him by nearly every pundit, mediot, and fan. Everything has come relatively easy so far, but time for reality check is near.

3) The Colts have the speed and quickness to not only bring pressure, but linebackers can make plays in the passing game as well.

I'm hoping that when that time comes, we are either in a no win situation anyway, or playing a horrible team that we can overcome in spite of his coming struggles.


Um, his first appearance was a come from behind situation. He also lead a comeback against Carolina on the road. He played lights out against Washington. He was away at Arizona and played well again.

Yes the Colts have speed on defense, but they also can't stop the run. They have a good pass defense, but haven't produced many sacks, and are average at generating INT's. Their pass defense looks so good on paper because they face a league low 26.3 Pass Attempts/Game. That affects how much yardage a team is going to generate. And that number of passes faced has everything to do with how bad their run D is.

Indy faces the 4th most rushes in the league. They give up 5.1YPC. That's not a typo. That defense cannot stop the run.

Peyton Manning is 2-7 v.s. New England in the last couple years. Hes got a 9TD/17INT ratio going for himself. If there's a blueprint out there to beat Indy, New England has it.

Essentially, from what I remember in those games, New England was overly physical against Indy. Indy is a team geared for the track surface at the RCA Dome. They are small and fast. You can overpower them.

[Clove]

I'm more concerned about our secondary than Romo, honestly.

[gollum]

So I guess coming back from a 14 point deficit in hostile Carolina in a nationally televised game is not considered a "come from behind" situation?? :rolleyes:

Every QB goes through some tough times. But the difference is that Romo has been developed for 4 years with the Cowboys. He is not your ordinary 4th year "rookie" starter.

You do sound a bit envious. :cool:

Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely thrilled that Romo is playing lights out. I hope it continues. I think he has excited the Cowboy Nation like it hasn't been in a very long time. I couldn't really ask for more from him, but...I'm also a realist. I don't look at our team through blue-tinted glasses no matter how much I love them.

As far as how he's acting...I like it that he's having fun. I just hope he doesn't ever take the game lightly the way so many before him who have tasted a little success "early" in their careers have. He seems down to earth; he's obviously intelligent, so I don't think the odds of that happening are great, especially with Parcells around to keep him humble. I wasn't real fond of him flying out to L.A. in the middle of the week to do BDSS and have dinner with(as rumor has it) with a Miss Simpson. I think he needs to be concentrating on the next opponent, although I admit those engagements would be tempting, particularly the latter. Envious??? Let's see, making $1+ milliion to play a game, be the starting QB for the Dallas Cowboys, and have Jessica Simpson interested in you...nah...not interested at all :rolleyes:

As far as the comeback at Carolina...first of all, I was thrilled at the outcome of the game. His play exceeded mine and most people's expectations...in your first NFL start, to go 24/36, 270 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 86.6 Rating, rush 4 times for 18 yds(picking up 2 1st downs in the process), on third downs where he had a hand in converting, he was 5 of 12 opportunities, so 3 of 10 success rate when he passed...that's not too bad, especially on the road.

Now Carolina was predicted to be a Super Bowl contender, but they were 4-3(now 5-4), so they have not shown themselves(at least to this point) to anything more than an average to slightly better than average team. You are what your record says you are. But to say it was all Romo, that's misleading. Carolina was up 14-0 in the 1st Qtr thanks to help from a 20 yd pass interference on Henry and starting on the next drive at our 24 yard line due to an interception he threw. Romo was 4/5 for 46 yards, 1 pick, and had two completions for 1st downs nullified due to offensive penalities, so it wasn't entirely his fault we were behind.

But from there on out, he was definitely the beneficiary of some other factors:
1) Instead of starting the next drive at the DAL38, we started at the CAR47 due to a late hit out of bounds. He finishes off that drive nicely to cut the margin in half.
2) Their next drive, he did an excellent job of leading the team from it's own 12 with 6:23 left in the half to a 38 yd FG by Vanderjagt with 0:27 seconds left to make it a 14-10 game at the half. Much of the 3rd Qtr was a stalemate with neither team seriously threatening except when Keyshawn drops and easy TD that would have put them up by 11.
3) Romo leads a nice drive beginning the 4th Qtr, going 71 yds in 14 plays ending in another Vanderjagt FG from 24 yds to cut the deficit to 1 with 9:52 remaining in the game.
4) Carolina fumbles the ensuing kickoff, giving Dallas possession at the CAR14...one Julius running play later, and a 2 pt conversion pass to TO and we lead by 7.
5) Delhomme throws 3 consecutive incompletions on the Panthers next possession.
6) Romo makes a nice deep throw to TO for 28 yds to change the field possession, but the drive stalls.
7) Delhomme is picked by Roy Williams at the CAR32 with 4:47 left in the game.
8) Five consecutive runs later, helped by a personal foul facemask(not the DC variety) and a short field, Dallas takes a 28-14 lead with only 2:17 left to go.
9) Delhomme is sacked and fumbles on the Panthers 2nd play from scrimmage, giving Dallas the ball at the CAR19 with 1:54 to go.
10) Two consecutive runs and Dallas extends the lead to 35-14 with 1:37 left...game over.

We ran the ball 38 times to 17 for Carolina for a margin of 156 to 76(24 of which came on Steve Smith's end around TD). Delhomme was only 17/31, 149 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT and a rating of 54.4 and sacked 3 times. The Panthers handed us the ball three times inside their 32 yard line.

I point these things, not to diminish the nice game Romo had, but just to point out that he definitely had help from not only the defense, but the running game and the Panthers charitable spirit. It was a much closer game than the score indicates and the fact that we won by 21 really isn't indicative only of the impact Romo really had on the game. Our final 3 touchdowns were scored on "drives" of nothing but handoffs.

Not raining on anyone's parade as I am stoked, albeit cautiously, about the new firepower we now have comandeering the ship...let's hope he brings us to the Motherland.