Jerry Jones: Tony Romo Was Nervous Due to “Compromised” O-Line
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones rarely admits he was wrong about a personnel move, but he did so on Tuesday via KRLD-FM. Many Cowboys fans and media members criticized Dallas for fielding a makeshift offensive line in 2011 after cutting three perennial starters during the off-season. The Cowboys’ disappointing 8-8 season is due, in part, to that fact. However, Jones seems to think Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was not at this best because of it.
“There was no question that Romo had that on his mind when we started the season,” Jones said. “And I know that it impacted our year from having that on his mind, not only physically but mentally about the base that we had up front.”
So Romo’s best statistical season as a pro was hobbled due to the fact he was scared of getting hit? The Cowboys’ offensive line was bad, but not bad enough that Romo played in fear because of it. While that was confusing, Jones’ next comments made a nice recap of his error in personnel moves last season, including making Phil Costa his starting center.
“I personally got carried away with, ‘Hey, we’re going to be able to go. These guys are playing well enough as a group. Costa – throw him in there. They’re playing well enough as a group that we’ll be able to not be too compromised and they’ll evolve and get better and better.’ That was a mistake.”
Indeed it was a mistake to cut perennial Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode with no plan to fill his spot other than Costa, who was by far the Cowboys’ worst starting offensive lineman in 2011. To hear Jones actually admit that is music to the ears of the Dallas faithful.
“I believe that we’ve been compromising the offensive line for different reasons for two straight years,” Jones said.
Truer words were never spoken! The Cowboys’ offensive line was makeshift at best last season and Jones admitted he was the reason for that. However, the Cowboys’ outspoken owner then made some sensible comments regarding the future of the offensive line.
Jones mentioned that starting seventh-round pick Bill Nagy was a mistake, saying Nagy had to be developed. Jones then said he was wrong to put Nagy in as a starting guard last year, calling it “madness.”
While the original decision was indeed madness, Nagy actually played better than the other four starting offensive linemen. Had Nagy not broken his ankle a month into the season, he and then-fellow rookie Kevin Kowalski would both have been starting – Kowalski in place of Costa by mid-season.
The Cowboys signed Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau to veteran add depth to the offensive line and Jones said these players will help younger players like Nagy and Kowalski grow into solid starters. While the Cowboys have yet to add a center to the roster, it’s nice to know that Jones at least has a plan for replacing Costa this time around.
Nagy and Kowalski each could start in place of Costa if the season started today. Nagy will likely win the job, but either he or Kowalski should be starting when the Cowboys play the New York Giants in primetime on the season’s opening night.
Jones has taken the first step in admitting “compromising” the Cowboys’ offensive line was a mistake. Now it’s time to make sure that problem is fixed for not only 2012, but many seasons to follow.
Follow Jeric Griffin on Twitter @JericGriffin or on Facebook at Jeric Griffin – Rant Sports
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