DMN Blog: Tony Romo's take on leadership

[juck]

you say this and have a picture of Dirk and the mavs in your sig.

Yea and Dirk wins.He got to the finals and the refs gave Wade a zillion phantom calls.He also has no support unlike Garnett,etc...

 

[InmanRoshi]

Roshi, I agree that Dallas probably wins that game if Crayton catches that ball. I completely agree that that is not on Romo. But can you honestly say that we had not already underperformed that day, and that was part of the reason why that drop cost us the game?

Romo was 18-36 (50 pct) for 201, 1 TD and 1 Int

Barber had 27 carries for 127 yards, so I would say Tony had pretty good run support that day. No?

I would say the Giants pass rush dominated our offensive line and kept Romo out of rhythm. Just like they did to two first ballot HOF Quarterbacks in the ensuing next two games. Brady, leading the NFL's All Time Greatest Single Season offense, barely threw over 50% and it took him 48 pass attempts to crack 255 against the same pass rush. I guess the dreaded, fickle "clutch fairy" stole Brady's clutch powers.

Crayton takes that pass to the house and now we're looking at 280 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.

 

[rcaldw]

I would say the Giants pass rush dominated our offensive line and kept Romo out of rhythm. Just like they did two first ballot HOF Quarterbacks in the ensuing next two games.

Crayton takes that pass to the house and now we're looking at 280 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.

Yea, and if cows could fly. That is my point Roshi. Every failure of Romo is explained away, every success of Aikman is played down, in order to make it seem that Romo has already been succeeding. But this isn't the only BIG GAME in which Romo has struggled. If it was just one you could say that, but there are more and more of them stacking up. He has to, at some point, just go get the thing done. Not just him, THE TEAM.

Plus, you avoided my point. You want to chalk Aikman's success up to a great running attack and great defense. On this particular day Romo had a great running attack and great defense, and he struggled and they lost. So, if they had won would Romo have deserved credit? Yes. And so does Aikman. And Aikman didn't just do it once in big games, he did it over and over again to the tune of 3 Super Bowl Championships.

 

[InmanRoshi]

Yea, and if cows could fly. That is my point Roshi. Every failure of Romo is explained away, every success of Aikman is played down, in order to make it seem that Romo has already been succeeding. But this isn't the only BIG GAME in which Romo has struggled. If it was just one you could say that, but there are more and more of them stacking up. He has to, at some point, just go get the thing done. Not just him, THE TEAM.

You asked me if I thought he played a good game ... under the circumstances of the Giants pass rush, he played about as well as 2 First Ballot HOFers did. Better than 2 first ballot HOFers if Patrick Crayton catches a pass that Romo placed perfectly right in his hands. But because Crayton didn't catch a pass, now Tony choked in the big game. Once again, we have to blame Patrick Crayton's hands and fingers for Tony not "getting it" in the head. Crayton has some pretty magical fingers, to rob and give the power of quarterbacks "getting it" at his discretion. We should pamper him more than TO, given all the magical powers he possesses.

And Aikman didn't just do it once in big games, he did it over and over again to the tune of 3 Super Bowl Championships.

He did it with great teams. And then he went about 5 years without ever winning another playoff game. If Aikman had the ability to just "lead" a team to a Championship, or even a playoff win, why didn't he do it from 1996-2000? Because that type of mystical power doesn't exist. Steve Young didn't just learn to mystically become a "leader" or "clutch" when he went from the Bucaneers to the 49ers. He just went to a better organization and better team.

 

[BIGDen]

Roshi, I agree that Dallas probably wins that game if Crayton catches that ball. I completely agree that that is not on Romo. But can you honestly say that we had not already underperformed that day, and that was part of the reason why that drop cost us the game?

Romo was 18-36 (50 pct) for 201, 1 TD and 1 Int

Barber had 27 carries for 127 yards, so I would say Tony had pretty good run support that day. No?

Also, looking at the boxscore:

Eli Manning was held to 163 yards passing, and the Giants had 88 yards rushing. That is 251 total yards BEFORE any sacks are accounted for.

So we also had great defense that day.

Romo's #s would have been better and we would have won if Crayton and Fasano did their jobs. They didn't do their jobs and "Romo lost". The play Romo made to get that ball to Crayton (in stride) at a huge moment in the playoffs was extremely clutch. But he's a "loser" because Crayton dropped the ball. We would never have heard another thing about Cabo or Romo choking or anything after that. Sadly, between injuries, coaching and just a total team collapse at the end this year, this thing has taken on a life of its own.

 

[rcaldw]

He did it with great teams. And then he went about 5 years without ever winning another playoff game. If Aikman had the ability to just "lead" a team to a Championship, or a playoff win, why didn't he do it from 1996-2000? Because that type of mystical power doesn't exist. Steve Young didn't just learn to mystically become a "leader" or "clutch" when he went from the Bucaneers to the 49ers. He just went to a better organization and better team.

Ok, then we are back to the argument that leadership is a "mythical" quality. It is all just about great teams, and individual leadership ability is a myth.

Now, I want you to go float that one to 32 NFL head coaches, former players, college coaches, high school coaches. Ask them. "Coach, do you believe that certain players have leadership ability? Do you think it makes a difference for a football team? Do you want that kind of player on your football team?"

And I think we both know the answer you are going to get. Leadership is a real quality. Johnny Unitas had it. Troy Aikman had it. Bart Starr had it. Roger Staubach had it.

Can a leader win without a team around him? No. Do leaders contribute to great teams? Absolutely. You want to say that Aikman played on a great team. He did. He was also a great player. He is in the Hall of Fame. Listen to former players who played with him. Listen to coordinators and coaches who coached him. The guy has the absolute respect of his peers. That is leadership. Does losing prove that a player is not a leader? No. But does a leader command respect from his peers? Is there an instinctive knowledge that this guy is a leader? Absolutely. And does he lead by example as well as whatever other way he is comfortable with? Yes.

I'm NOT saying that Romo CAN'T be a leader. I'm saying that some of these statements he makes, and in some ways his example, work against that. And I'm also saying that while his peers acknowledge his talent, and may love his personality, I just don't hear many people describing him in terms of leadership.

 

[RoadRunner]

**** yeah.

Tony's 2007, his first year as a starter, was better than any year McNabb ever had, and McNabb plays for a coach who thinks running the ball is a trick play.

Was Tony's 2007 better than McNabb's Super Bowl year? What do you prefer, pretty stats, or getting the job done (at least as far as making it to a SB after winning playoff games).

 

[rcaldw]

You asked me if I thought he played a good game ... under the circumstances of the Giants pass rush, he played about as well as 2 First Ballot HOFers did. Better than 2 first ballot HOFers if Patrick Crayton catches a pass that Romo placed perfectly right in his hands. But because Crayton didn't catch a pass, now Tony choked in the big game. Once again, we have to blame Patrick Crayton's hands and fingers for Tony not "getting it" in the head. Crayton has some pretty magical fingers, to rob and give the power of quarterbacks "getting it" at his discretion. We should pamper him more than TO, given all the magical powers he possesses.



He did it with great teams. And then he went about 5 years without ever winning another playoff game. If Aikman had the ability to just "lead" a team to a Championship, or even a playoff win, why didn't he do it from 1996-2000? Because that type of mystical power doesn't exist. Steve Young didn't just learn to mystically become a "leader" or "clutch" when he went from the Bucaneers to the 49ers. He just went to a better organization and better team.

Do you imagine that those "great teams" were not great because of Aikman too? Did he raise his game in those big games? He did. Do you think he never had a pass rush in his face and had to endure sacks? He did. How did he get all those concussions, from NOT being hit?

Want to talk about "mythical", it is how some of you now have come to view those championship years. Go back and watch those games. He had some great protection, yes, but he also had some bad protection. He got hit in the mouth. He got hit ALOT late, because they were not nearly as strict about roughing the passer. Aikman was tough and he was good. And any attempt to downplay that to prop up Romo is just wrong, and in the end it won't matter. At the end of the day QB's are judged on winning and losing, and almost every QB will acknowledge that.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Ok Tony is missing the big picture... You HAVE TO TAKE THE PROPER STEPS to become a winner! Something he's not yet done.

 

[Oh_Canada]

I would say the Giants pass rush dominated our offensive line and kept Romo out of rhythm. Just like they did to two first ballot HOF Quarterbacks in the ensuing next two games. Brady, leading the NFL's All Time Greatest Single Season offense, barely threw over 50% and it took him 48 pass attempts to crack 255 against the same pass rush. I guess the dreaded, fickle "clutch fairy" stole Brady's clutch powers.

Crayton takes that pass to the house and now we're looking at 280 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.

You can't have it both ways...the guy sucked...dropped pass or no dropped pass....he stunk and his team lost. To say the Cowboys lost because of Aikman against the Cards in '98 than turn around absolve Romo and say it was Crayton's fault that the 08 Boys lost to the Giants is kind of hypocritcal.

Don't get me wrong I like the guy and REALLY hopes he proves me wrong, but I don't see this happening until there is a change in attitude, he takes care of the ball and command of this team.

 

[Redball Express]

He has no clue about leadership.

Try running this interview past Staubach and Aikman.

Completely different set of answers and values coming from them.

I can't stand this guy anymore.

Yep..leadership coming from Romo is deciding whether we go to Cabo or elsewhere when it's time for our bye-week.

Get real, Romo.

The more the pressure is on him,the worst he appears.

I'll tell you what that is.

And it isn't leadership.

It's called choking. Amd it's really time we start using those terms with him.

He is what he is and I don't think it'd going to change.

He's an undrafted QB with limited talent on a over-publicized team that needs a long look in the mirror as to what they all have done.

They have literally rob jerry Jones of his millions and given lip-service to the fans. Now they point fingers at other players and their own coaches as the problems.

It's disgraceful.

:starspin Redball Express :starspin

 

[Vintage]

So, I guess Owens is off limits when you talk leadership with Romo. I guess you think he's untouchable, too.

I made a post about Tebow.

Not about Romo. Not about Owens.

You took that post, replied to it, and turned the discussion to Owens.

Congrats.

 

[Stash]

You asked me if I thought he played a good game ... under the circumstances of the Giants pass rush, he played about as well as 2 First Ballot HOFers did. Better than 2 first ballot HOFers if Patrick Crayton catches a pass that Romo placed perfectly right in his hands. But because Crayton didn't catch a pass, now Tony choked in the big game. Once again, we have to blame Patrick Crayton's hands and fingers for Tony not "getting it" in the head. Crayton has some pretty magical fingers, to rob and give the power of quarterbacks "getting it" at his discretion. We should pamper him more than TO, given all the magical powers he possesses.



He did it with great teams. And then he went about 5 years without ever winning another playoff game. If Aikman had the ability to just "lead" a team to a Championship, or even a playoff win, why didn't he do it from 1996-2000? Because that type of mystical power doesn't exist. Steve Young didn't just learn to mystically become a "leader" or "clutch" when he went from the Bucaneers to the 49ers. He just went to a better organization and better team.

You want to try to make it seem like people are stating that "leadership rules all" in an effort to support your case.

Well I haven't seen anyone make that claim.

I also haven't seen anyone say Romo was a garbage QB who needed to be replaced.

But that also didn't stop some from claiming it.

I also haven't seen anyone other than you bring up 'Steve Young' and 'leader'.

Montana yes, Young no.

But you seem to insert whatever name and scenario helps make your point.

Truth be damned.



Leadership is a solid component to winning, be it from Romo, Witten, Phillips, Jones, whoever. The more the better.

And leadership is something Romo and this team currently lack.

You claim Young went to a 'better team'. Well Romo has every bit the same advantage. He currently resides on a 'better team' as far as talent goes.

And if anyone in this organization - including Romo - could get their head screwed on straight, this team might have a chance to win something.

 

[28 Joker]

I made a post about Tebow.

Not about Romo. Not about Owens.

You took that post, replied to it, and turned the discussion to Owens.

Congrats.

Look, I just used your comment about Tebow to compare his work environment to Tony Romo's work environment and made my opinions known on the subject.

I was critical of Romo and Wade Phillips in that post, not just Owens. So, get it straight. You make it sound like I"m "hating" on Owens when he is the
ipinkelephant in the lockerroom. He's a factor in the discussion, and I used your guy Tim Tebow to help illustrate it.

I made a mistake when I addressed the post to you. I should have just replied to the thread and avoided you. I would have if I thought you would be so offended. I won't make that mistake again. I can promise you that much. I should have known better.

I knew you were a Tebow fan, and I addressed the message board and you. You know, other people can read that opinion, too, not just you.

I praised Tebow, and you still got mad.

 

[wileedog]

Was Tony's 2007 better than McNabb's Super Bowl year? What do you prefer, pretty stats, or getting the job done (at least as far as making it to a SB after winning playoff games).

Gimme a break, McNabb has had 9 years as a starter to Romo's 2. Yeah he got to the SB one year, give me 7 more with Romo and we'll talk about it.

Marino put up HOF stats his whole career and never sniffed the SB after he lost his first one. Did he suck too?

 

[StillNothinNice]

He has no clue about leadership.

Try running this interview past Staubach and Aikman.

Completely different set of answers and values coming from them.

News Flash! Romo isn't Staubach or Aikman. He's Tony Romo. On a different team, a different time and a different QB.

And for you to actually believe you know anything about what it takes to be the leader of the Dallas Cowboys is laughable...

Actually thats disgraceful.

 

[rcaldw]

News Flash! Romo isn't Staubach or Aikman. He's Tony Romo. On a different team, a different time and a different QB.

And for you to actually believe you know anything about what it takes to be the leader of the Dallas Cowboys is laughable...

Actually thats disgraceful.

I have to agree that his position is extreme. Tony Romo has been the best QB we have had since Aikman, and there isn't even a close 2nd. Tony has played fabulously at times. In fact, I think it is fair to say THE VAST MAJORITY of the time. My only beef with Romo is that I believe he has to take being the leader more seriously than he has if he wants to take the next step.

I also believe that if the Cowboys want him to do this, then help him. Get a head coach who exerts authority, get the owner out of the coaches business and the locker room speeches, and if T.O. isn't willing to be a follower, and let his QB be the leader, then get rid of him, and any other player with the same attitude.

Less UNITED, over the long haul, is better than more divided.

 

[Idgit]

He has no clue about leadership.

Try running this interview past Staubach and Aikman.

Completely different set of answers and values coming from them.

I can't stand this guy anymore.

Yep..leadership coming from Romo is deciding whether we go to Cabo or elsewhere when it's time for our bye-week.

Get real, Romo.

The more the pressure is on him,the worst he appears.

I'll tell you what that is.

And it isn't leadership.

It's called choking. Amd it's really time we start using those terms with him.

He is what he is and I don't think it'd going to change.

He's an undrafted QB with limited talent on a over-publicized team that needs a long look in the mirror as to what they all have done.

They have literally rob jerry Jones of his millions and given lip-service to the fans. Now they point fingers at other players and their own coaches as the problems.

It's disgraceful.

:starspin Redball Express :starspin

It's ok. At least we know it's a safe bet you'll be back on the bandwagon if the team wins. It'll be a consolation to all of us how much Tony Romo will have learned about leadership in the process.

 

[ZB9]

like ive said, Romo is not accountable. Im not an expert and I dont like to overanalyze or nit pick, but this interview proves my point. The franchise QB needs to be accountable. Do you think Aikman would make statements like the one's Romo made in this interview?...just an observation

about being a competitor...Do you think Aikman would say "if losing a football game is the worst thing that happens to me, ill be fine" after losing a huge game? Most champions hated to lose, to a fault. They were miserable to be around after they lost. Aikman and Irvin were both that way. MJ, that Romo used as an example, he was that way.

Im not saying Romo is not competitive or that people need to be as extreme as Aikman or Irvin or MJ when they lose. Im not saying he needs to pull a Vince Young and fly off of the deep end if he plays badly...but my point is that Romo often comes across that he really doesnt give a crap if they win or lose (and most of his performances in big games back that up, probably because when you get to a big game, what seperates talented teams is who competes the hardest. The players that hate to lose usually compete the hardest)

and it's not all about "getting in someone's face" or "yelling" or "ra ra". I dont think that is what most people are talking about when they say Romo needs to project leadership. It doesnt seem that Romo "gets it" yet imo.....but what do I know, ive never played in the NFL (although i did stay at a Holiday Inn Express

 

[InmanRoshi]

Also, I want to further blame Terry Glenn's fumble on the 5 yard line in the Seahwaks playoff game on Tony "not getting it". Clearly, if Tony just "got it", Terry hangs onto the ball. Then, maybe the magical clutch fairy visits Romo and sprinkles its' magical clutch and leadership dust on him, like it did Eli. Unfortunately, Terry's fumble, much like Crayton's drop, appears to have scared off the magical clutch fairy, instead turning him Eli's way. That is until the fickle clutch fairy took away Eli's magical clutch and leadership abilities before this year's playoffs. Just like Aikman led his teams in 1994, until the magical clutch and leadership fairy took away his powers in 1996 for the rest of his entire career, for reasons completely unknown. Man, that magical fairy sure is unpredictable.

I know a lot of people wonder if Tony will ever "get it". I'm going to go way out on a limb and predict that Tony magically "gets it" at the same exact moment his WRs don't fumble the ball on the 5 yard line and when they don't drop game clinching passes that hit them right in the hands. When that happens, all of Tony's naysayers will flood the board and proclaim that Tony now, finally, "gets it".