Cowboys Utilize Their "Playmaker"

For the last several years, people have continued to doubt the San Antonio Spurs. They have been told that they, "are old, aren't athletic enough, can't score, etc..." And for the last several years, the Spurs continue to prove their doubters wrong. The reason: Tim Duncan. Regardless of what happens around him, if Duncan is on the court, the Spurs will be in the game.

When I watch Tony Romo, I can't help but feel the same way.

Throughout last week, the Dallas Cowboys appeared to focus on anything other than the New York Giants. The wide-receiving core, led by Terrell Owens, highlighted the distraction-filled week by suggesting out-loud that Tony Romo favored Jason Witten and, as a result, targeted him more during games than wide-receivers.

TO even went as far as accusing Romo and Witten of drawing up "secret" plays meant to be used in critical game situations, depriving Owens of the opportunity to make an impact.

The situation climaxed Friday in the Cowboy locker room, when Witten and Owens had to be separated by teammates after tempers flared following a discussion on pass-routes. As Sunday evening approached, rampant speculation surrounded the Cowboy gameplan: Would Dallas make an effort to appease Owens and get him involved early in the game? Should the Cowboys continue as usual while risking the further exile of their polarizing receiver?

Even the media appeared to be split. On every local sports station, an explosion of 'Owens vs Witten' debates arose. "Owens is the big-play threat...but Witten is the security blanket. Witten has more catches...but Owens has more yards." The conversations then transitioned to Sunday's gameplan: "Should Dallas make an attempt to get TO involved early...or should they continue as planned, risking further exile of their polarizing receiver?"

On Sunday evening, against the defending Super Bowl champions, Dallas chose to get the ball in the hands of its best player...on every single play: Tony Romo. Amidst all of the controversy throughout the week, people seemed to almost forget that Romo drives this bus, not TO or Witten or anyone else. Maybe we don't talk about Tony because he doesn't provide us with great sound-bytes or talking points. He didn't talk to the offensive-coordinator and complain that the receivers weren't getting open. He didn't go toe-to-toe with any of his teammates in the locker room. Hell, Romo wasn't even interested in clearing the air by speaking with the media. As has been the case throughout his career, he simply led by example.

On Sunday, Romo's actions spoke louder than words. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. And he produced the majority of those numbers after injuring his back in the first quarter.

While TO keeps us entertained, we would be wise to recognize that Romo is, and has been, the best playmaker on the Cowboys' offense. It doesn't matter whether Witten is out with a broken rib, Owens isn't creating separation as he has in the past, Barber is running at 60%, the offensive-line isn't protecting well...Romo will find a way to get his team in position to win.

As a Mavericks' fan, it pains me to write this, but watching Dallas play with Romo is akin to watching the Spurs play with Tim Duncan. As long as that guy is there, you know that his team will be in the game.

A few interesting Romo nuggets:

Individual NFL Ranks

• QB Rating: #2 in the NFL
• Touchdowns: #4 in the NFL
• Yards/Game: #4 in the NFL

Team Statistics

• Since 2006, Romo is 27-13 (.675 winning %) as a starter...
• Since 2006, Dallas is 4-6 (.400 winning %) without Romo.
• In 2008, Romo is 8-3...
• In 2008, Dallas is 1-2 without Romo.
• Romo has been sacked 15 times in 11 games this season...
• Dallas has allowed 10 sacks in 3 non-Romo games.