Dallas Cowboys: Where is Fun Bobby?
Do you remember the episode of Friends in which the show introduced “Fun Bobby?” Bobby made people laugh, he created a uniquely energetic atmosphere and, quite simply, things were more exciting when Bobby was around. The problem: Bobby’s “fun” personality was a result of a drinking problem.
The seven generic white “friends” decided that they needed to do something. The group banded together and eventually helped Bobby quit drinking. The problem: Bobby was no longer “fun.” Without alcohol, Bobby was just another guy with very little to offer (and please ignore the indirect “why you should drink” message).
Cowboys’ fans – say hello to “No Fun Tony.”
That’s right; you got what you asked for. Since taking over as the starter, Romo has been one of the most explosive playmakers in the NFL. But instead of recognizing Romo’s unique ability to make plays that no other quarterback could make, the fans just wanted to talk about turnovers.
Every time the Cowboys lost, Dallas sports-talk was littered with “Jeds from Garland” telling the world that, “This team just cain’t win with a guy like Romo who dun goes and throws them interceptions!”
Well Jed, you got what you wanted. Romo is no longer fun to watch. He no longer consistently makes amazing plays. The constant and seemingly never-ending chirping about turnovers finally got to Tony (or Garrett) – and a below-average offense is the result.
How did San Diego score their first touchdown? Philip Rivers took a shot down the field – Dallas interfered on the play – and San Diego was given the ball at the 2-yard-line. Sounds pretty simple.
Romo no longer takes shots down the field. He doesn’t look for the big play (at least not in big games). If Romo avoids trouble in the pocket, he isn’t looking downfield; he is looking for his check-down receiver. In other words, you have turned one of the NFL’s most unique weapons into Kyle Orton.
Congratulations.
The fans that united to collectively whine and complain about Romo’s “carelessness” with the ball now have the opportunity to watch this Dallas team scratch and crawl to score 17 points. When Romo was clicking on all cylinders, 17 points was a decent total for one quarter. Romo hasn’t turned the ball over in December and Dallas is 0-2. He currently has the lowest turnover ratio of his career – and yet the offense has become less productive. But hey, that’s what everyone wanted, right?
Romo is a natural-born playmaker. Did his creativity and willingness to take chances occasionally lead to mistakes? Of course it did. But when Romo was playing free and loose, his positive impact on the offense far outweighed his occasional mishap.
Do you remember the youthful exuberance that used to surround Tony? Can you recall how electric Texas Stadium became when Romo stepped onto the field? Now, none of that happens. The fans aren’t excited, the players look disinterested and Romo himself doesn’t look confident. Two years ago, if you had told me that Romo would not exude confidence when he stepped on the field, I would have called you Sarah Palin crazy!
Early on in his career, Romo’s ability to make big plays defined him as a quarterback – and I can’t help but think that this coaching staff (with help from constant criticism by the fans/media) has simply taken that risk-taking mentality away from him. Though Romo has connected on 14 big plays (40+ yards) this season, only three of them have come during meaningful times in meaningful games (2 against Philadelphia; 1 against Green Bay). A more detailed breakdown follows:
• Week 2: Loss to the Giants 33-31 (0 big plays)
• Week 4: Loss at the Broncos 17-10 (1 big play less than 2:00 remaining)
• Week 10: Loss at the Packers 17-7 (1 big play)
• Week 13: Loss at the Giants 31-24 (0 big plays)
• Week 14: Loss to the Chargers 20-17 (0 big plays)
This team doesn’t make big plays against quality teams. Against Oakland and Seattle, Dallas receivers will break a tackle and create a big play. But in close games against decent teams, Dallas simply doesn’t take many (if any) shots down the field.
And no, T.O. isn’t the difference. T.O. played in Dallas last year and, outside of the San Francisco game, the team didn’t connect on many explosive plays. This isn’t a personnel issue – this is a mentality issue. Romo no longer appears to have the playmaker mentality. He doesn’t strike fear into opposing defense and he isn’t walking with the same swagger that he used to own. He simply looks like just another guy.
I don’t know about you, but I want “Fun Bobby” back!
