I think we can all agree that Tony Romo is the most discussed and scrutinized quarterback in the NFL today. Since the time Romo became the Cowboys starting quarterback in 2006 to the final game of the 2012 season, there have been arguments about what kind of quarterback he is. There are questions about whether or not he is an elite quarterback or a player that seems to struggle when the lights are shining the brightest. Over the years I have written my share of articles about Tony Romo. The first ones were in his favor as I saw excitement once again at the quarterback position. But as a few seasons went by I found myself questioning whether or not Romo had reached his potential as a starting quarterback in the NFL and maybe couldn't get the Cowboys to the next level. Of course the articles that are not in his favor are the ones that are not all that popular with Cowboys Nation. But that's alright because everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That's what being a fan is all about and why I love to write about the Cowboys.
Over Tony Romo's six and half seasons he has had games that have made me think that there is nothing that he can't do and that the sky is the limit. But of course with the good also comes the bad and there are also those games that I think being a starting quarterback is just too much for him. All of this shows why Tony Romo's career has become known as the Romo Coaster.
The five games listed below are the ones that made me think that Tony Romo is capable of greatness and getting the Cowboys to the next level.
2007 season opener vs. Giants - In Tony Romo's first ever season opener as a starter, he threw for 345 yards and four touchdowns. He also scored on a 9 yard touchdown run and led the Cowboys to a 45-35 victory over the Giants.
2007 at Bills - In a mistake filled game by Tony Romo, he threw five interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns and he also lost a fumble. Even with all the turnovers and losing 24-16 to the Bills late in the game Romo kept fighting. The Cowboys scored 9 points in the final 20 seconds. Romo threw a touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton to make the score 24-22, but the attempt to tie the game with the two point conversion failed. Then Tony Curtis recovered the onside kick for the Cowboys. Romo quickly got them into position for a Nick Folk game winning field goal from 53 yards with 2 seconds left. The Cowboys completed the comeback and won 25-24.
2009 at Eagles - In the final game of the 2008 season the Cowboys traveled to play the Eagles and got crushed 44-6, which ended their playoff hopes. In the Cowboys first trip back to Philadelphia since that horrible loss Tony Romo came through when the Cowboys needed him most. In a tight hard fought game that was tied 13-13 with eight minutes to go, Romo connected with Austin on a 49 yard touchdown that gave the Cowboys a 20-13 lead. They went on to win 20-16 and took over the lead in the NFC East.
2011 at 49ers - The Cowboys were losing 24-14 to the 49ers when Tony Romo came off the bench in the fourth quarter with two broken ribs and led the Cowboys to victory. After closing to within 24-21, Romo led the Cowboys to the game tying field goal by Dan Bailey with no time left on the clock to force overtime. Then on the first play of overtime Romo connected with Jesse Holley on a 77 yard completion to set up Dan Bailey's game winning field goal. The Cowboys won 27-24. For the game Romo completed 20 of 33 passes for 345 and two touchdowns. Romo's numbers after coming back into the game were 12 of 16 for 201 yards and two touchdowns.
2012 at Giants - After losing the division title to the Giants in the final game of the 2011season the Cowboys opened the 2012 season back at Met-Life Stadium. From the start the Cowboys and Tony Romo were in control and the Cowboys won 24-17. Romo completed 22 of 29 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns.
The five games listed below are the ones that made me think if Tony Romo has what it takes to lift the Cowboys to the next level.
2008 at Steelers - The Cowboys had gone toe to toe with the #1 ranked Steelers defense. But with the game tied 13-13 and only 1:40 remaining in the game, Tony Romo threw a pick six and the Steelers won 20-13.
2011 at Jets - With the Cowboys leading 24-17 in the 4th quarter, Tony Romo fumbled on the Jets 1 yard line and the Jets recovered. Then with 1:00 left in the game and the score tied 24-24, Romo threw an interception directly to Darrelle Revis and the Jets turned that into the game winning field goal and the Cowboys lost 27-24.
2011 vs. Lions - The Cowboys were beating the Lions 27-3 in the 3rd quarter when Tony Romo threw a pick six to make the score 27-10. On the Cowboys next possession Romo threw another pick six to make the score 27-17. Then with Cowboys leading 30-27 and four minutes left in the game, Romo threw his 3rd interception that the Lions turned into the winning score, 34-30.
2011 vs. Giants - With the Cowboys leading 34-29 and only three minutes left in the game, Tony Romo overthrew Miles Austin on what would have been the game clinching as well as the division clinching throw. The Cowboys would go on to lose the game 37-34. Three weeks later the Cowboys would lose to the Giants again as well as losing the division title and miss the playoffs.
2012 at Redskins - The Cowboys went into the Redskins game with the division title on the line and Tony Romo threw two first quarter interceptions. Romo then threw his third interception of the game with three minutes left and the Redskins leading 21-18. The Redskins would go on to seal the game and the division title 28-18. The Cowboys would miss the playoffs for the third straight season.
So what does 2013 have in store for Tony Romo? Will the Romo Coaster continue as it's been since 2006? No one can say for sure, so find a seat, buckle up and hopefully the ride will be enjoyable.
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