Dallas Cowboys

A couple of seasons ago I would rejoice whenever I saw Tony Romo in the news. Mainly because he was also attached to Jessica Simpson by some part of his body, but also because the Cowboys were champions elect with Wade Phillips at the helm and the most talented NFL roster at his disposal.

But now Jessica and Wade are in the rear view mirror and so, it would seem, are Dallas’s chances of being considered a serious contender.

New coach Jason Garrett is a great guy. He’s a former Dallas player himself and understands the rigours and rollercoaster ride of the modern NFL. He can connect with his team, but can he get the best from his star man?

Romo has been criticised over his career for his inconsistency, choke-factor, propensity to live the celebrity lifetime and his inability to win a playoff game.

Let’s address each point in defence of a player I believe still has a chance to make something of his career. He is 31 after all – it’s about now things should start happening…

Inconsistent he may appear, but a lot of that is not his fault. The players around him need to be in sync with their main man and although it’s his responsibility to get them to fall in line, Quarterbacking is only one part of the whole. In further, more practical defence of this downfall, he is, statistically, the most efficient passer of all time. Think about that. You can’t throw too many air balls and wind up with that against your name…

Choke-factor is a big deal. He does seem to choke in the fourth quarter of big games, but maybe his style of play just doesn’t suit the frantic offense often required as a game comes to a close. Sure, that means he isn’t a complete player, but that’s one reason why a team carries multiple players at the same position. Find a hurry-up guy and use him! I know it’s unconventional to have a situational QB, but Romo’s game is fine but for the last little bit of it – he panics and makes mistakes. Give the opportunity to a guy who needs to impress. Just a suggestion.

Celebrity lifestyle? Have you SEEN Jessica Simpson? Give the guy a break.

And as for the failure to win a playoff game – so what? Peyton Manning lost his first three, Eli manning his first two etc, etc. All great players lose playoff games – there can only be one winner and so what if you lose to three playoff calibre teams on the bounce. No big deal. It took Ivan Lendl four final losses before he won a Grand Slam – it happens in sport all the time. Remember the Broncos of the 80s? Yeah, exactly.

So are they any good? You know what, I think they might be. There is something in the back of my mind that says these guys could be a dark horse in the NFC. They won’t win their division (the Eagles should sew that one up), but they could get second and a decent enough record for a Wild card. It’s a big COULD, but don’t write them off…

Verdict: 10-6 and on the outside looking in. Just.


Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.

E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.