Rumor or Reality: Tony Romo Edition

By: Whitney Starling | Posted: August 08, 2012

As a fan from the Lone Star State, yeah, I occasionally hate on Romo. Sometimes it’s hard to believe he has the stats to back up his sometimes-designated status as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

Although Romo has – don’t bother getting your calculators out – just one playoff win since taking over for Drew Bledsoe in 2006, he has pushed through a broken rib and made gutsy, successful read adjustments at the line of scrimmage and managed to dodge defensive players while in the pocket. Last year’s resume?

• Threw for 4,184 yards
• Just ten interceptions
• 66% pass completion rate
• QB rating of 102.5 

Alas, it was to no avail as The Big D boys finished 8-8.

I’m not crying “that’s my quarterback” just yet, but I am starting to question if Romo’s reputation as a choke artist is overshadowing his status as an elite NFL quarterback. Only time will tell, but as long as Romo doesn’t make any dumb mistakes (like last year’s interception against the Jets), he should be able to lead the Cowboys to a winning season. And just look at the team of superstars to backing him up:

• DeMarcus Ware: Six-time Pro Bowler and, arguably the league’s best defensive player last year, with 19.5 sacks, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles
• Jason Witten: His report card includes being the third-all time in receptions as a tight end and fourth all-time in receiving yards. Not to mention seven straight Pro Bowl appearances.
• Dez Bryant: I hesitantly include the potential mini-T.O., but Bryant is entering his third year as wide receiver for the ‘Boys and could have his big break out season, that is if he leaves his personal drama and attitude off the football field
• Phil Costa: As long as he and Romo took Communication 101 during the off season and can avoid bad snaps.  

Does Tony Romo deserve to be considered an elite quarterback in the NFL, or do his fourth-quarter meltdowns eclipse his impressive statistics? 

Whitney Starling is an assistant account executive at MarketWave, a national integrated marketing communications firm, in Dallas. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. You can follow her on Twitter @Whit_Star and @MarketWaveWS.  

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Whitney
Posts: 4

Get it together boys!
Reply #4 on : Fri August 17, 2012, 10:38:10

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Thanks Lindsey!

I agree on the consistency charge against Romo. Let's cross our fingers and hope him (and the 'boys) can get it together this season. I don't want to hear myself saying "Seriously Romo?"!

Lindsey Trevino
Posts: 4

"Seriously Romo?"
Reply #3 on : Mon August 13, 2012, 16:42:34

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Hey Whit! Finally got around to reading it, but excellent blog post!
I just wanted to throw out my opinion - while Romo looks above average and fairly stellar on paper, I need to remember that all of the stats are mere averages. He has some above average plays and a few really great moments (usually fairly early in the season and in the games), but what he lacks is consistency. He can't seem to hold it together. He makes costly mistakes (mostly costing The 'Boys a win) that don't necessarily count highly against his stats. All in all, I think if he can create some consistency and keep his mind in the game, he could help us accomplish a winning season. But with his seemingly lack of change over the past few years, and costly mistakes when it's all on the line, I'll probably still find myself saying "seriously Romo?" this season. We'll see though! I have my fingers crossed and hope some things have changed. I mean, with some of the best players in the league how could we not keep our hopes up?

Whitney
Posts: 4

Re: Rumor or Reality: Tony Romo Edition
Reply #2 on : Thu August 09, 2012, 14:49:39

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Thanks for the comment Ruby!

Personally, I want to root for Romo, but I've got to see some improvement and consistency in fourth quarters before I can do that.

Also, no matter what the stats say, when I hear "Tony Romo" I just don't think "elite." I don't imagine Romo belonging to the same group as Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Joe Montana or John Elway.

Ruby Neighbors
Posts: 4

The "Score"
Reply #1 on : Wed August 08, 2012, 18:32:54

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Hi Miss Whitney (Footballgirl)!

I was amazed at your objectiveness in this post. I think you have a great handle on the facts, but I would like to know more of your personal opinions!! Then, I could share mine! Looking forward to the next post!
Another Cowboy Fan til the end,

Ruby Neighbors
Grapevine, Tx