There’s really not a lot to add to the current commentary about the NFL after Week 2. Being a Dallas fan, I will say that I’m becoming more hopeful about Tony Romo becoming truly an elite QB. I don’t know if I’m the only one, but I’ve never been totally sold on him. Sure he’s got gaudy stats and he’s won a lot of games. Truth be told, my criticism’s of him don’t even rest on his less-than-stellar playoff performances either.
My general assessment of him has been that he’s not an elite QB because he hasn’t shown the ability to shake off 3 quarters of bad play and still pull victory from the jaws of defeat. Perhaps more succinctly, he’s a “downhill” quarterback- great when everything is clicking and bad when it isn’t. I can’t really think of any exceptions where, if he’s bad, he’s bad right to the end and the Cowboys lose. Contrast that with the Manning brothers or Tom Brady, who all can have 3 quarters of sloppy play and, if their team is close in the 4th, shrug it off and get their team a win.
After last week and this week, I’m seeing signs that perhaps he can become that QB. Of course, he’s actually got to finish the job one of these times. Arguably, he’s been sabotaged by teammates these passed two games. Previously, Romo typically doesn’t even get those kinds of late game drives going.
Still, they’re just signs and, truth be told, I like to be open minded about this stuff. But if the ship doesn’t get right soon then Romo will still go down as another Danny White. (That reminds me of a funny moment last season. I was talking with a fellow Cowboy fan. Without any other prompting, I asked him “If you could pick 2 words to describe Tony Romo, what would they be?” Hesitating only to put his beer down, he responded “Danny White.” Exactly.)
Oh, and Eagles fans- don’t get too high on Vick. I know what you guys are thinking after yesterday. I know y’all want to buy into the argument. Don’t. Trust me. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
Also, Peter King’s MMQB article echoes my own thinking on the possibilities of an 18-game season. Bottom line- liking it less the more I think about it.