Time for the Romo haters to admit they were wrong

[KJJ]

I thought there was a moritorium on call out threads.

They're supposed to be a moratorium on a few things but that doesn't stop it from happening.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

your dedication is impressive, but if I was Romo, I'd get a restraining order on you...just a little too creepy for my tastes.

 

[black label]

your dedication is impressive, but if I was Romo, I'd get a restraining order on you...just a little too creepy for my tastes.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

yea....that blows the tattoo out of the water. not permanent, but can you really go back to a time before you had another man's face cut into your hair? I don't think so.

 

[Coy]

I unfollowed him a couple of years back because of his hate towards Romo, now look at him.

 

[plasticman]

Here is the deal on the "Romo hating" for the most part.

There is usually only one major criticism on Tony and it relates to very specific circumstances.

It's not about overall performance, December, 4th quarter, or any of that. It relates only to those games in which losing means that the season is over, you don't get to play any more. And it is only the circumstances in which it is late in the game, say last 7-10 minutes of the 4th quarter in a tight game.

This means those game #16's that determine playoff participation or the playoffs themselves, none other. A play has to be made late in the game and the season hangs in the balance. Make the play and the Cowboys move on. Don't make the play and the Cowboys clean out their lockers.

This is a handful of games, four or five of them. The criticism is that he has never been able to make that "signature"" play, he has never had his "Catch" or "Hail Mary" or the TD throw that seals victory.

My problem with this criticism is that each great play that these other QB's made was in just one of several playoff games they were involved in. Those other games did not require any such miracle. They had great supporting teammates on both offense and defense. They never had the pressure to make a big play each game in order for the team to be successful. That gave them more opportunity to make the play when they had to because no opponent could focus exclusively on them.

Now consider Romo's situation. It seemed that the Cowboys couldn't advance each and every game unless they received a great play from Tony Romo at the games most critical point. There was no feared running attack until last season that would balance the offense and keep defenses honest. There was no play action in those games. LOL, who would be fooled by a fake handoff on 3rd and 4? Everybody in the world and on the field knew that Tony Romo was dropping back. there was no guessing, those D-linemen went straight for Tony Romo. Those DB's went straight to the one or two realistic targets for the most important pass of the game.

And so these games would end with a Romo INT or a poor last series. And Romo would get the blame, even if the ball should have been caught. The Giants never get to the Super Bowl in 2007, the "Helmet Catch" never happens if Patrick Crayton catches that ball.

And the fumbled FG snap that started the whole thing? Let me ask you all a question:

When was the last time you saw the starting quarterback as the snap holder for a field goal attempt? Do you think there is a reason for that? In a playoff game, any game for that matter, the starting quarterback has a million things on his mind, all the different scenarios and potential plays when he gets the ball back, field position, ball handling, coaching instructions. The guy is focused on managing an entire offense, how can he singularly focus on that one play, especially his first ever playoff start?

Coaches know this...except on that particular day. Tony Romo should have been on the bench going over things with his coaches. There should have been an alternative as a holder three months before that day, the very same week they decided to start Romo at QB. That fumble was on Bill Parcells for not doing what every single other coach should and would have done.

We have all said that if Tony Romo only had some help then he would be far more successful. He finally gets a legitimate running game and what happens? As good as he always was, last year he is the first Cowboy QB to be ranked #1 in the league since Roger Staubach, 35 years ago.

Undrafted free agent QB's normally have only a fractional chance of making a 53 man squad but Tony Romo is criticized for not leading his team to a Super Bowl? Meanwhile, guys like Payton Manning, Eli Manning, Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlesburger, and Aaron Rogers receive credit for the kind of things that should be expected of a 1st round pick?

I have a problem with that.

Tony Romo has accomplished enough to enter the Hall of Fame without a ring, all you have to do is combine his stats with his won-loss percentage and if Dan Fouts and Warren Moon can get in then Romo should be first ballot.

It's all academic, however. Tony Romo will get his ring, this great story will have the perfect ending.

And far sooner than we are prepared for, we will miss this guy. Yep, we'll miss him.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

Two things here:

1) Threads like these are silly.

2) Posters who come into these threads just to get defensive are even sillier.

 

[Corso]

Two things here:

1) Threads like these are silly.

2) Posters who come into these threads just to get defensive are even sillier.

Who's getting defensive?
I'LLKILLYOUWHEREYOUSIT!!!

I don't see anybody getting defensive around here...

 

[Lodeus]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2567254-freeman-say-it-with-me-tony-romo-is-great

 

[Rockport]

Here is the deal on the "Romo hating" for the most part.

There is usually only one major criticism on Tony and it relates to very specific circumstances.

It's not about overall performance, December, 4th quarter, or any of that. It relates only to those games in which losing means that the season is over, you don't get to play any more. And it is only the circumstances in which it is late in the game, say last 7-10 minutes of the 4th quarter in a tight game.

This means those game #16's that determine playoff participation or the playoffs themselves, none other. A play has to be made late in the game and the season hangs in the balance. Make the play and the Cowboys move on. Don't make the play and the Cowboys clean out their lockers.

This is a handful of games, four or five of them. The criticism is that he has never been able to make that "signature"" play, he has never had his "Catch" or "Hail Mary" or the TD throw that seals victory.

My problem with this criticism is that each great play that these other QB's made was in just one of several playoff games they were involved in. Those other games did not require any such miracle. They had great supporting teammates on both offense and defense. They never had the pressure to make a big play each game in order for the team to be successful. That gave them more opportunity to make the play when they had to because no opponent could focus exclusively on them.

Now consider Romo's situation. It seemed that the Cowboys couldn't advance each and every game unless they received a great play from Tony Romo at the games most critical point. There was no feared running attack until last season that would balance the offense and keep defenses honest. There was no play action in those games. LOL, who would be fooled by a fake handoff on 3rd and 4? Everybody in the world and on the field knew that Tony Romo was dropping back. there was no guessing, those D-linemen went straight for Tony Romo. Those DB's went straight to the one or two realistic targets for the most important pass of the game.

And so these games would end with a Romo INT or a poor last series. And Romo would get the blame, even if the ball should have been caught. The Giants never get to the Super Bowl in 2007, the "Helmet Catch" never happens if Patrick Crayton catches that ball.

And the fumbled FG snap that started the whole thing? Let me ask you all a question:

When was the last time you saw the starting quarterback as the snap holder for a field goal attempt? Do you think there is a reason for that? In a playoff game, any game for that matter, the starting quarterback has a million things on his mind, all the different scenarios and potential plays when he gets the ball back, field position, ball handling, coaching instructions. The guy is focused on managing an entire offense, how can he singularly focus on that one play, especially his first ever playoff start?

Coaches know this...except on that particular day. Tony Romo should have been on the bench going over things with his coaches. There should have been an alternative as a holder three months before that day, the very same week they decided to start Romo at QB. That fumble was on Bill Parcells for not doing what every single other coach should and would have done.

We have all said that if Tony Romo only had some help then he would be far more successful. He finally gets a legitimate running game and what happens? As good as he always was, last year he is the first Cowboy QB to be ranked #1 in the league since Roger Staubach, 35 years ago.

Undrafted free agent QB's normally have only a fractional chance of making a 53 man squad but Tony Romo is criticized for not leading his team to a Super Bowl? Meanwhile, guys like Payton Manning, Eli Manning, Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlesburger, and Aaron Rogers receive credit for the kind of things that should be expected of a 1st round pick?

I have a problem with that.

Tony Romo has accomplished enough to enter the Hall of Fame without a ring, all you have to do is combine his stats with his won-loss percentage and if Dan Fouts and Warren Moon can get in then Romo should be first ballot.

It's all academic, however. Tony Romo will get his ring, this great story will have the perfect ending.

And far sooner than we are prepared for, we will miss this guy. Yep, we'll miss him.

You better believe we will miss him.

 

[RunDMC]

How about that Tony Romo huh? Not bad for a choke artist. Every Cowboys fan in America is screaming his or her head off after such an incredible comeback. For Romo it's just another day at the office. Doing what he does. He talks about in his presser. Staying poised and just finding a way to will his team to victory. A few years ago he made a comment saying if Dallas is just within striking distance within 10 or so he has full belief they can comeback and win the football game.

Now the thing about Romo the guy has always been a terrific quarterback. At times early on in his career he did tend to make some numb skull mistakes. We all know how he idolized Brett Favre like many young kids did learning and playing the game of football. Much like Favre there was a lot of big plays and sometimes trying for the home run too often and not taking what the defense gives. When the Cowboys got behind especially. Now he's a different player. Great understanding of coverages and knowing where to go with the football. Often times when being behind teams will play a lot soft prevent defense. Romo has learned to be patient. Allow routes to develop. Not giving the pass rush a chance by being quick and decisive. Not trying to escape the pocket unless it's absolutely necessary. Finding and exploiting mismatches. Even though he doesn't have the greatest arm with a guy like Dez Bryant just give him a chance and allow him to high point the football. Romo has always been great at selling play fakes and obviously with the improvements on the offensive line and a commitment to the run game it makes things a lot easier on a quarterback. Romo has taken full advantage.

For those of you who didn't see it yet there's a piece on Romo and Quincy Carter. In it Romo talks about how when was he younger and just coming out of high school and playing at Eastern Illinois he wasn't fully polished yet. He was basically running around playing backyard football. Just using his natural talent to excel. There was a huge growing process and learning curve for him. He really had to master the other elements of the game and he did so. Improving footwork, throwing motion, using his eyes more to move defenders, standing strong in the pocket, using his legs to get a solid delivery on a throw, hips squared, and just constantly studying film. You're talking about a guy who was obsessed and fixated on the game. Mastering every detail. There are not many quarterbacks who have the work ethic of a Tony Romo.

People always bring up his 2-4 playoff record. Now let's examine some of those losses. In 2006 his first playoff game at Seattle. One of the most difficult places to play. College like atmosphere. You can barely hear yourself think let alone talk and communicate. Bill Parcells had a very conservative game plan. Basically put handcuffs on the first year starting quarterback. Even so Jason Witten clearly had a first down and it was inexplicably overruled. Hey that's why you get home field advantage. Terry Glenn fumbled the ball at the 2 yard line. Then the universally seen bobbled snap by Romo. What nobody discusses conveniently was the slippery football Romo had to get ahold of. Funny how that works.

Then there's the divisional round loss to the New York Giants. Now Romo wasn't particularly sharp in this game. The Giants got pressure with what was a stacked defensive line. Couldn't stop Brandon Jacobs either. Then there was Patrick Crayton dropped a sure touchdown and of course at the end of the game Romo having to force a pass to try to get in the end zone. He had absolutely no choice, but yet that loss is on him too.

2009 against the Minnesota Vikings. The offensive line was obliterated not by Jared Allen who was the league's premier pass rusher that year, but Ray Edwards who was really never to be seen again. The Cowboys were so focused on stopping Allen and Edwards took advantage. As good as Dallas' defense was all season long they were not able to generate any pressure on a near 40 year old Brett Favre who had an MVP caliber season that year and Sidney Rice torched the secondary with included two Pro Bowlers. This offensive line was older and clearly there needed to be some changes. Thankfully there were.

Then there is last year. Against the heavily favored Green Bay Packers. Tony makes one of the best throws you'll ever see him or any quarterback for that matter make. Dez Bryant one of the best wide receivers in the game is one on one goes up and makes a phenomal catch and you know the rest. Yes it was 4th and 2, but any quarterback will tell you when you see one on one with your best player you take it and don't think twice. It was taken away from Romo and the Cowboys.

There's many examples of Romo playing his heart out and putting Dallas in a position to win a football game and simply being let down by his teammates. Think back to 2013 against the eventual AFC Champion Denver Broncos and Romo was in an epic duel with all time great QB Peyton Manning. Romo outplayed him which says a lot because Manning had one of his better games of the season against an all time bad Dallas defense. Tony threw for six touchdowns and over 500 yards passing. Rookie tight end Gavin Escobar makes the same mistake a lot of rookie which is not running a crisp route. Allowing the underneath defender to make an easy break on the ball due to not squaring off his route and crossing the defenders face and giving Romo a clear lane to throw the ball and there's also the fact that Tyron Smith forced Tony into the throw.

In 2011 against the New York Giants in their first meeting Romo threw for four touchdowns and gave the Cowboys a 12 point lead with six minutes remaining and the defense proceeded to allow the Giants to go right down the field twice and make a miracle comeback. Romo and the Cowboys had a chance to put the game away, but Miles Austin lost the football in the lights and while it appeared Romo overthrew him clearly that was on Austin. The inability to get to Eli Manning and bring him to the turf and get consistent pressure. Often allowing him to escape along with some inexplicable blitz calls by Rob Ryan led to so very big plays down the field for New York. Yet it's all Romo's fault again.

Now here we're in 2015. Still the same ridiculous narrative that Tony Romo cannot win in the clutch and win important games even though every game in this league is important and this is a man that leads the NFL in 4th quarter comebacks since 2006. Even more than the so called elite quarterbacks. Romo has proven time and time again he clearly is in that category. People continue to neglect the fact that this is the ultimate team sport. If Dan Marino doesn't need a Super Bowl to validate his greatness neither does Romo. That's not to say he is equal to one of the true all time greats, but rings do not solely define a player's greatness. Whether or not Tony will lead the Cowboys back to their glory days and bring a sixth Super Bowl championship back to Dallas remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure he doesn't need one to have establish himself as one of the truly best in the game.

Romo has already done so.

 

[Rockport]

How about that Tony Romo huh? Not bad for a choke artist. Every Cowboys fan in America is screaming his or her head off after such an incredible comeback. For Romo it's just another day at the office. Doing what he does. He talks about in his presser. Staying poised and just finding a way to will his team to victory. A few years ago he made a comment saying if Dallas is just within striking distance within 10 or so he has full belief they can comeback and win the football game.

Now the thing about Romo the guy has always been a terrific quarterback. At times early on in his career he did tend to make some numb skull mistakes. We all know how he idolized Brett Favre like many young kids did learning and playing the game of football. Much like Favre there was a lot of big plays and sometimes trying for the home run too often and not taking what the defense gives. When the Cowboys got behind especially. Now he's a different player. Great understanding of coverages and knowing where to go with the football. Often times when being behind teams will play a lot soft prevent defense. Romo has learned to be patient. Allow routes to develop. Not giving the pass rush a chance by being quick and decisive. Not trying to escape the pocket unless it's absolutely necessary. Finding and exploiting mismatches. Even though he doesn't have the greatest arm with a guy like Dez Bryant just give him a chance and allow him to high point the football. Romo has always been great at selling play fakes and obviously with the improvements on the offensive line and a commitment to the run game it makes things a lot easier on a quarterback. Romo has taken full advantage.

For those of you who didn't see it yet there's a piece on Romo and Quincy Carter. In it Romo talks about how when was he younger and just coming out of high school and playing at Eastern Illinois he wasn't fully polished yet. He was basically running around playing backyard football. Just using his natural talent to excel. There was a huge growing process and learning curve for him. He really had to master the other elements of the game and he did so. Improving footwork, throwing motion, using his eyes more to move defenders, standing strong in the pocket, using his legs to get a solid delivery on a throw, hips squared, and just constantly studying film. You're talking about a guy who was obsessed and fixated on the game. Mastering every detail. There are not many quarterbacks who have the work ethic of a Tony Romo.

People always bring up his 2-4 playoff record. Now let's examine some of those losses. In 2006 his first playoff game at Seattle. One of the most difficult places to play. College like atmosphere. You can barely hear yourself think let alone talk and communicate. Bill Parcells had a very conservative game plan. Basically put handcuffs on the first year starting quarterback. Even so Jason Witten clearly had a first down and it was inexplicably overruled. Hey that's why you get home field advantage. Terry Glenn fumbled the ball at the 2 yard line. Then the universally seen bobbled snap by Romo. What nobody discusses conveniently was the slippery football Romo had to get ahold of. Funny how that works.

Then there's the divisional round loss to the New York Giants. Now Romo wasn't particularly sharp in this game. The Giants got pressure with what was a stacked defensive line. Couldn't stop Brandon Jacobs either. Then there was Patrick Crayton dropped a sure touchdown and of course at the end of the game Romo having to force a pass to try to get in the end zone. He had absolutely no choice, but yet that loss is on him too.

2009 against the Minnesota Vikings. The offensive line was obliterated not by Jared Allen who was the league's premier pass rusher that year, but Ray Edwards who was really never to be seen again. The Cowboys were so focused on stopping Allen and Edwards took advantage. As good as Dallas' defense was all season long they were not able to generate any pressure on a near 40 year old Brett Favre who had an MVP caliber season that year and Sidney Rice torched the secondary with included two Pro Bowlers. This offensive line was older and clearly there needed to be some changes. Thankfully there were.

Then there is last year. Against the heavily favored Green Bay Packers. Tony makes one of the best throws you'll ever see him or any quarterback for that matter make. Dez Bryant one of the best wide receivers in the game is one on one goes up and makes a phenomal catch and you know the rest. Yes it was 4th and 2, but any quarterback will tell you when you see one on one with your best player you take it and don't think twice. It was taken away from Romo and the Cowboys.

There's many examples of Romo playing his heart out and putting Dallas in a position to win a football game and simply being let down by his teammates. Think back to 2013 against the eventual AFC Champion Denver Broncos and Romo was in an epic duel with all time great QB Peyton Manning. Romo outplayed him which says a lot because Manning had one of his better games of the season against an all time bad Dallas defense. Tony threw for six touchdowns and over 500 yards passing. Rookie tight end Gavin Escobar makes the same mistake a lot of rookie which is not running a crisp route. Allowing the underneath defender to make an easy break on the ball due to not squaring off his route and crossing the defenders face and giving Romo a clear lane to throw the ball and there's also the fact that Tyron Smith forced Tony into the throw.

In 2011 against the New York Giants in their first meeting Romo threw for four touchdowns and gave the Cowboys a 12 point lead with six minutes remaining and the defense proceeded to allow the Giants to go right down the field twice and make a miracle comeback. Romo and the Cowboys had a chance to put the game away, but Miles Austin lost the football in the lights and while it appeared Romo overthrew him clearly that was on Austin. The inability to get to Eli Manning and bring him to the turf and get consistent pressure. Often allowing him to escape along with some inexplicable blitz calls by Rob Ryan led to so very big plays down the field for New York. Yet it's all Romo's fault again.

Now here we're in 2015. Still the same ridiculous narrative that Tony Romo cannot win in the clutch and win important games even though every game in this league is important and this is a man that leads the NFL in 4th quarter comebacks since 2006. Even more than the so called elite quarterbacks. Romo has proven time and time again he clearly is in that category. People continue to neglect the fact that this is the ultimate team sport. If Dan Marino doesn't need a Super Bowl to validate his greatness neither does Romo. That's not to say he is equal to one of the true all time greats, but rings do not solely define a player's greatness. Whether or not Tony will lead the Cowboys back to their glory days and bring a sixth Super Bowl championship back to Dallas remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure he doesn't need one to have establish himself as one of the truly best in the game.

Romo has already done so.

There's no doubt in my mind that Romo is and will be in the Hall of Fame no matter what happens from this point out.

 

[Primetime42]

Why don't you list the ones where he threw a pick. That is a two headed coin.

Why don't you?

And for good measure, add a list of his peers' as well.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Good for you. You know why this is a good post?

I'll tell you. It's because Romo and his personal stats cannot do it alone. Fifty two other guys need to do their job also. Now then...I won't charge you for the Football 101 lesson.

NO SOUP FOR YOU! Now then...let us FANS enjoy the accomplishments Romo has done so far...or get on the phone and ask Ms. Busty to come back because you have been so annoying since she bailed on you!

GET!

If you could put in a good word for me i am sure she would take the next greyhound bus from Memphis to come back to me.
Mention $$$. Often. Tell her I half become even more handsome and am getting into a AC/heating certificate academy. That should do it.

And would I half tolt you Aikman and Staubach could take us to the Super Bowl, I would say yes in a New Yawk minute. romo, not so much. That is just how I feel and you should not discount mein feelings.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Wish they would allow me to bounce for a day. LOL

I am wit you! I half a list of people I want banned, shunned and sent to Tehran.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Hater Hater Burnt Tater
Winner Winner chicken dinner

Woot
Holla
YOLO!

 

[tyke1doe]

People act like people's evaluation of a person is etched in stone, never to change.

In Romo's early years, he was mistake-prone. He was too reckless. Bill Parcells said as much.

He was always good, if not more "Farvian" than we would have liked.

But now he's playing more within himself and letting his experience and wisdom strengthen his game.

Just as players can change and get better, so can people's opinions. Shrug.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I hate these kind of threads. One person stands up and claims victory while the other defends the position and it devolves into stupidity, more times then not. The reality is that nobody ever wanted Romo to fail. Everybody wanted Romo to succeed because that means the team succeeds.

Was everybody wrong about Tony or did Tony and the team just come around to playing a different style of Football that is showing to be effective?

I'm glad Tony Romo is finally seeing the success he and the team deserve.

 

[KJJ]

There's no doubt in my mind that Romo is and will be in the Hall of Fame no matter what happens from this point out.

If Romo's career ended today he'll have no shot at the HOF with his 2-4 playoff record and no championship. He's never gotten the Cowboys past the second round of the playoffs. Romo is currently 27th on the all-time passing list with 8 current QB's ranked ahead of him. Every season he has peers who throw for more yards and TD's than him those are the glamour stats that everyone looks at. When he retires although he'll have good numbers they won't be good enough to get him into the HOF because he'll be behind several QB's who played during his era who not only have better numbers but at least one championship on their resume. His passer rating isn't going to get him in the HOF regardless if he maintains his current #2 all-time ranking because passer rating stats don't carry near as much weight as yards, TD's and championships. There's QB's who are in the HOF whose passer ratings weren't that impressive even during their era.

The only way a QB is going to be elected to the HOF without a championship is having record breaking numbers ala Fouts/Marino or finishing their career in the top 5 on the all-time passing list ala Warren Moon. Brady, Rodgers, Brees and Peyton Manning are all locks for the HOF. Roethlisberger has an excellent chance at the HOF and even Eli has an outside shot with his 2 SB wins. If Romo and Phillip Rivers retired this very moment Rivers would have a better shot than Romo at the HOF due to having a better playoff record and being ahead of Romo on the all-time passing list. It's pointing out facts that has led to some claiming I hate Romo. Some of you are so ridiculous that if a few don't have Romo ranked ahead of most of his peers and don't think he's a HOF QB it gets twisted into hating him.

 

[KJJ]

There's been a lot frustration with Romo due to him holding most of the Cowboys passing records and not having it lead to much playoff success or a championship. He's had some of the best performances we've ever seen from a Cowboys QB but it's only led to 2 playoff wins. Having to follow in the footsteps of Staubach and Aikman who had 5 championships between them and were first ballot Hall of Famers hasn't been easy for any of the Cowboys QB's who've come along since especially Romo who's given the team the most hope since the Cowboys glory years of the 90's. The problem in todays game is that more is put on the QB than years ago. Neither Staubach or Aikman had as much put on their plate as Romo because the game is different today due to all the rule changes. All QB's are required to do a lot more than their predecessors which is why QB's numbers are so inflated today. They're great QB's who won championships 30-40 years ago that might not have been able to win consistently in todays game such as Bob Griese who never attempted more than 33 passes in the regular season during the Dolphins SB years.

He won a SB in a blowout only attempting 7 passes vs Minn. When a QB produces the numbers that Romo does and is currently #2 on the all-time passer rating list a lot of scrutiny is placed on them. Danny White went through a lot of what Romo has gone through. He was a very good QB but he could never get the Cowboys as far as Staubach did therefore he received a lot of criticism. Like with Romo, White's most memorable play was a huge mistake that helped cost the Cowboys a playoff game. Most of the criticism that has been placed on Romo is by those of us who experienced the Staubach and Aikman era's. Neither QB had the passer ratings or put up the numbers we see from todays QB's due to the era they played in it was the wins, clutch throws in big games and championships that made us fall in love with them. Some of the younger FANS who weren't around during the Staubach and Aikman era's can't understand why they receive so much love when comparing their numbers with Romo's because they don't understand that all the changes to the game over the years have inflated the numbers of even average QB's.

With many here it's all about the numbers which is why a number of Cowboy FANS have Romo ranked ahead of Aikman and Staubach. We've had polls on the board asking to rank the Cowboys QB's and Romo ranks #1 with many here due to his numbers/passer rating. When you compare Romo's playoff record to Staubach and Aikman's and mention they have 5 championships between them compared to zero for Romo some FANS scoff and accuse us of hating Romo. There's no Romo hate on this board other than maybe during some of his meltdown's. He's had games where everyone loves him and games where most have hated him because many live in the moment. I'll promise you the ones who argued to trade him back in 2013 wouldn't dream of trading him now because they're all living in the moment.