And it's not even his time yet.
I can't wait for Tony Romo to get back. Can't wait. His experience and know-how back in the backfield again, changing protections, signaling a route adjustment to Dez, pointing out the Mike, carving up the defense with his mind and his fancy pocket feet. The entire playbook back at our disposal. Let this big dog of an offense eat.
I so hope the Romo magic is still there. It's glorious to watch, and this season needs it, especially if a playoff game is in its future. He deserves another chance or two, and I hope he gets it.
But....suddenly, it's not nearly as critical as before. No longer are we pressured by the hear-and-now, because this team is no longer under the heavy microscope of the present and past. Sure, it is for Romo, but not for this team. Not for us. Not anymore.
There is a future. Say it with me.....by gosh, there's life after Romo. By some cruel joke to Cowboy haters everywhere, the Cowboys have stumbled on to Dak Prescott late in the draft after a half dozen had gone before him. It's another Romo miracle.
It's not just that Prescott can play. The real story is that Romo and Prescott are the too most poised, mature, well-mannered, serious, studied, and personality-polished players on the roster right now. Prescott doesn't just play like a veteran, he ACTS like one. None of this seems overwhelming to him.
Prescott isn't jaw-jacking after he makes a play. He's not look-at-me showboating after he scores, or getting into it with opponents. He more or less told Dez to shut up and play last week by telling the media he's not concerned about how many catches he receiver gets. I loved that. When he plays, it's Prescott's huddle. Nobody challenges him, and he wouldn't tolerate it if they did.
Plus, Prescott has a body built for the brutality of the position, and with a penchant for keeping plays alive and his eyes downfield. Prescott can run, but he doesn't unless there's no option. That is a real QB, and it will serve his longevity well. It's important because that ability tends to leave mid-career like it did Romo, so to be a QB first is vital. He won't be 23 forever.
Romo will return sometime after the first 4-6 games. It'll be fun to see him out there, and I hope he can still play like the Tony we know. I hope the back issues settle down and the collar bone is strong so this deserving warrior can finish his career on his terms this year and next.
But if not....if that back torques wrongly or that shoulder shatters again, we won't be held hostage this time with our heads buried in our hands. You know that position too well. We've all assumed it a few times in recent years.
If there's another unfortunate next time, we can say a sincere 'thanks' to Tony and turn the page. It'll be an unfair ending for a guy that's shouldered this team through tough times, taking Jerry's 3-13 rosters to 8-8 and beyond. What Romo has done with historically bad defenses and no-name offensive lines is nothing short of Hall-of-Fame worthy. Football ain't always fair.
Whatever happens, our football anxieties have been cured by an almost accidental afterthought of a compensatory pick in the 4th round. It's almost like finding an unknown kid from Eastern Illinois all over again. Just listen to the teeth-grinding around the league. Imagine the Commander fans' thoughts yesterday watching Dak. Yummy.
So the Dallas Cowboys are still Tony Romo's team. Sooner or later, it'll be Dak Prescott's. For about the next 10-15 years, in fact.
What a beautiful thing to write with confidence.
