This NFL season has been one of redemption for Tony Romo. Ever since being named the starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, Romo has been the center of attention. With such a rich history and an egomaniacal owner, it is hard for the media to stay away from the Cowboys. Not to mention, Jerry Jones loves the attention.
Romo, on the other hand, could probably go without it, and coach Jason Garrett would probably agree. Romo had only played three playoff games in his career with one measly win. To make it worse, the Cowboys had not been to the playoffs since 2009 and Garrett had posted three consecutive 8-8 records.
In 2014, however, Romo looked like a different quarterback and Dallas a completely different team. They finished an impressive 12-4 to capture the NFC East title and a playoff berth. On Sunday, with a second-half comeback and maybe a little help from the officials, Romo and the Cowboys defeated the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round, 24-20.
Everything might be fine and dandy in Jones’ fantasy land right now, but Romo’s journey to find redemption is far from complete. He has already crossed this threshold in 2009 when the Cowboys defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. The joyous occasion was followed by a blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round.
Yes, it is safe to say that if Romo and Dallas do not defeat the Green Bay Packers next weekend, it would have been exactly the same as not making the playoffs. A playoff berth and victory are great, but with high standards, a state-of-the-art stadium and years of failure, there must be more — and Romo must deliver it.
Shane Phillips is an NFL Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
Find out why E.J. Manuel deserves another shot at leading the Buffalo Bills. Read More
Reggie McKenzie may not use the tag again this season, but if he does, here are five players he might use it on. Read More
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were awful in the 2014 season. These five veterans may have to find new places of employment because of it. Read More
Taking a look at the New York Jets' hiring of Todd Bowles as their new head coach, and why this is the right move for the organization. Read More
Think you know everything about the Indianapolis Colts/New England Patriots rivalry? Test your knowledge. Read More
With 19 playoff victories together, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have been the steady combo behind the New England Patriots' run atop the NFL. These are their five greatest wins during that time. Read More
Should Cardale Jones declare for the 2015 NFL Draft, his availability won't shake up the quarterback landscape much. Read More
This offseason is the most important one the Dallas Cowboys have faced in decades and here's why. Read More
After losing in the National Championship, Marcus Mariota has seen his NFL Draft stock slip a little bit. Read More
When the list of 15 finalists for Hall of Fame was released last week, it once again did not include former New York Jets All-Pro Joe Klecko. That’s shameful, and here are five reasons why. Read More
See why players like Hakeem Nicks and Kyle Arrington are worthy of your attention when you tune in for the 2015 AFC Championship. Read More
Former Packers great Donald Driver will be sending four lucky fans to the NFC Championship Game to cheer on the Green Bay Packers. Read More