Passing the ball is something the Dallas Cowboys have done well since Tony Romo took over at quarterback in 2006. Well, at least it’s been done well for most of Romo’s five seasons as the starter. However, the Cowboys were a one-dimensional team for most of that period. Now that Romo has a stud running back in DeMarco Murray to lean on, his numbers are getting better. In addition, the most important number to the Cowboys is also increasing.
As the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, Romo will always get most of the credit for the team’s success and a majority of the blame for failure. However, Murray’s presence has changed the mentality of this team and has made Romo a better quarterback.
Indeed, Romo is not a better passer in the purest sense of the word. Instead, he’s a better decision maker, knowing the game does not rest entirely on his shoulders. Romo now has Murray as a security blanket on second-and-short. The Cowboys can take chances in that situation knowing Murray will deliver on third-and-short if the gamble doesn’t pay off.
Murray’s presence has made Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett a better play-caller, also contributing to Romo’s better play. For years, Romo has been ridiculed for ever little mistake he makes, this year being no different. However, Romo may finally have all the tools he needs to succeed.
Romo’s elite performances in the Cowboys’ last two games have been a treat and new experience to the Dallas faithful. He broke a franchise single-game record with an 88.5 completion percentage against the Bills and then passed Don Meredith to move into fourth place for most career touchdown passes.
These numbers and milestones are great, but Romo is all about winning. When he plays well, that definitely makes winning easier for the Cowboys, who haven’t had a running back like Murray since Emmitt Smith or a quarterback like Romo since Troy Aikman retired.
With Romo playing well and Murray providing insurance on the ground, the Cowboys are on the way up. In fact, Dallas is already in first place in the NFC East after the New York Giants lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. With two very winnable games ahead before three more division games, the Cowboys have a golden opportunity to take the NFC East title into the playoffs. However, such a feat will take way more effort as a team than what was seen against the Redskins.
Contact Jeric Griffin on Twitter @JericGriffin
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Good grief man are you a brand new Cowboy fan?? What about 2007 when Dallas was 13-3 with Home Field Advantage and a first round bye?? Instead of studying film and preparing for the game in the bye week, Romo, Jessica Simpson and Witten et al set sail for a Mexico vacation?? This is just an opportune moment for the Cowboys… FAR from their best chance under Romo. Do you even watch football??