http://www.pjstar.com/stories/102906/BIL_BBC51SIL.083.shtml
Even an EIU guy can't save Cowboys
Bill Liesse, Sports Editor - Peoria Journal Star
Sunday, October 29, 2006
The year of the Panther continues.
Up until now, Eastern Illinois has exerted its influence on the sidelines. Former Charleston denizens Mike Shanahan, Brad Childress and Sean Payton have teams that are 14-4 combined, each with a bead on playoff berths.
Now a fourth sideline guy, Tony Romo, gets his shot on the field. Or perhaps you hadn't heard. Seems the Dallas Cowboys have made a quarterback change.
For a couple months, Romo has been the quote-unquote most popular guy around Valley Ranch, a distinction that must have had some nice fringe benefits back in the fraternity days of Barry Switzer.
Under headmaster Bill Parcells, it's the more traditional definition: backup QB popular not so much for what we know he can do, but because the starting QB was the most unpopular guy in town.
As insufferable, pouty, misguidedly egotistical and flat-out hard to watch as Drew Bledsoe is, Romo hardly looks like a savior here. Deep down, Parcells and the Cowboys faithful know this.
Until Dallas stops trying to protect its quarterbacks with
Flomax Adams and
Mrs. Columbo, a toga would provide Romo with more of a pocket than this line.
For extra sadism, Parcells is debuting the ex-Panther against the Panthers. In Carolina. Think league sack leader Julius Peppers might add some salt to these wounds?
Somewhere out there, owner Jerry Jones is saying the move to Romo means he has to adjust his expectations. Start here, Jerry: "We suck."
The only solace for Dallas is it didn't go to Iowa State for its quarterback. We'll get to that one.
Love 'em
PANTHERS -5 vs. Cowboys: Jim Mora Sr. said on NFL Network that he has a gut feeling Romo will play well. Play well? Play well? CAROLINA
