DMN: Blog: Will Tony Romo be better or worse in 2009?

[Cbz40]

Will Tony Romo be better or worse in 2009?

2:45 PM Thu, May 28, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Richard Durrett


That's a question former DMNer and current SportingNews.com reporter Albert Breer tried to answer today. The package also includes 19 former Cowboys talking about Romo.

His reasons for why Romo might be better (with a quick few sentences from Breer's article):

(1) No Terrell Owens.

Losing Terrell Owens from the offense should free Romo of concerns about keeping his top playmaker happy, and it could also make coordinator Jason Garrett better with renewed play-calling freedom.

(2) Roy Williams becoming the No.1 WR.

His old OC from Detroit, Mike Martz, chalks up Williams' struggles in Dallas to his midseason entrance: "The timing is so different, the anticipation is so different, you really need an offseason of work."

(3) Trio at running back.

Marion Barber and Felix Jones are both healthy now, and with Tashard Choice in the mix, the Cowboys have the makings of a versatile, explosive running game to take pressure off Romo.

Flip to see the reasons why he could be worse.

(1) No TO.

For all his warts, Owens got a defense's attention. And Williams has only one 1,000-yard season on his resume, meaning that he's no T.O. Not yet, anyway. As Romo says, "It's always difficult to replace someone who's been the dominant player."

(2) Offensive line.

The offensive line, a strength in 2007, really missed Tony Sparano's firm hand in 2008, and part of that is attitude.

The Cowboys' number of rushing attempts has declined in each of the last four years, and that makes it more difficult to protect the quarterback, with more long-yardage situations accrued and more predictability in playcalling. As a result, a big, grinding unit may have lost its physical edge.

(3) Lack of depth.

Last year, losing starting left guard Kyle Kosier was devastating. Similar problems could surface at receiver.

With the exception of tailback, depth just isn't there. So staying healthy is imperative for an offense that was outstanding when its lineup was kept almost completely static two years ago.

So what do you think? Will Romo be better or worse in 2009?

 

[Hoofbite]

I predict lesser numbers but more efficient play.

 

[Kaika]

I think Kitna will see some playing time.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I predict lesser numbers but more efficient play.

I am with that. I still think there is great potential for good to above average numbers. Too many weapons.

We should be a terror on defenses. Witten/Bennett/Barber/Felix. Those 4 guys right there should be more than a handful for opposing defenses.

This is in theory. I would like it applied.

 

[sonnyboy]

I predict lesser numbers but more efficient play.

That's better in my book.

I want a higher QB rating and a higher YPA. Romo's YPA was special in 2006 and 2007. It was only very very good in 2008.

Could care less about total yards. I just want that YPA back at 8.5!

 

[Bleu Star]

I think he'll be better simply because the mound of media/fan/team expectation that now rests squarely on his shoulders will drive him. Some people are self motivated and some need to be a little pissed off in order to get it in gear. I think Romo belongs to the latter party.

The bigger question to me is.. will he improve enough to finally get beyond the December jinx and comfortably into the playoffs. I'm anxiously awaiting the results and hope we do end up cheering a playoff game. (or two or three...)

 

[Mansta54]

Romo will be better and so will the team across the board....

 

[Hostile]

I think he can return to the neighborhood of his 2007 numbers.

It hinges on his health.

 

[Section446]

I honestly have more faith in him going into this season than I did at any point last season. I just think that getting rid of T.O. will allow him to just play QB instead of worrying about getting the ball to a particular player. This might be the best "T-E-A-M" we've had in quite some time.

 

[dbair1967]

I think he'll be better overall because of 1) no TO to have to force the ball to and 2) more emphasis on running game

Alot of his bad turnovers came on plays where he tried to force the ball to Owens. Without him here alot of those types of plays will be eliminated.

I also think the OL will be better this yr, and with the trio of backs we have likely combining for 2000+ yds, we should be in good shape to get Romo more efficient.

 

[miamicowboy21]

I predict lesser numbers but more efficient play.

Agreed. I don't care about flashy numbers. Just be efficient and don't turnover the ball.

 

[Section446]

Agreed. I don't care about flashy numbers. Just be efficient and don't turnover the ball.

Hell, lower numbers would be a good thing in a way, that would mean that our running game is working.

 

[Doomsday101]

I predict lesser numbers but more efficient play.

I agree. I think Dallas has to become more balanced than they have been and if we can be more successful in the running game it will lessen the overall numbers on Romo but in the end the only number that counts is wins and loses. Aikman knows that 1st hand

 

[zrinkill]

Better ...... MVP nominee.

 

[McCordsville Cowboy]

The homerism is overflowing in here....

He will be better statistically than he was last year ( because of the missed games) but not even close to 07'.

His PROVEN big play threat is gone.

Alot I think hinges on Felix Jones Big play ability because without him, we have no Wow in this offense. But I could care less about a WOW player if Tony can hold on to the ball , not throw in triple coverage and make better decisions with the game on the line.