Under-Appreciated Tony Romo Leads Cowboys On Road Trip To New Orleans
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo faces a tough task in prime time this Sunday, squaring off against the New Orleans Saints 5th-ranked passing defense in the unfriendly confines of the Superdome.
Two weeks removed from being robbed of a win by Matt Stafford, Romo, who averages 284 yards per game in the air—good for 5th among NFL QBs—matches up against a secondary that has twice held opposing quarterbacks to 125 yards or less this season. Tony Romo has thrown 6 interceptions and fumbled the football 3 times and New Orleans defenders have picked off the opposite signal caller 9 times and forced 12 fumbles. Those same Saints have sacked opposing QBs 26 times, good for 9th in the league, and Tony Romo’s offensive line has allowed the 11-year pro to be taken down 19 times this year.
It’s not looking like a fun weekend for Tony Romo. He can look forward to getting to know New Orleans defensive end Cameron Jordan and linebacker Junior Galette exceptionally well by the time Cowboys and Tony Romo fans start the work week.
A tremendous help to Romo’s cause would be a rushing attack that was something other than non-existent, considering the New Orleans run defense leaves something to be desired. The real struggle Tony Romo will face is keeping up with Saints QB Drew Brees, who’s thrown for 50 more yards per game and more TDs. Brees faces Romo’s defensive teammates, ranked as the 31st pass defense in all of creation. For Tony Romo, it may not be a matter of if he can find success against the Saints so much as it is how often he can find success.
In other Tony Romo news, Numbers Never Lie calls him the “most under-appreciated quarterback in the NFL.” In the ESPN segment from Jemele Hill and Michael Smith, Smith says the “Romo-coaster” doesn’t exist and the veteran QB has more ups than downs.
“Since he became a starter in 2006, only Peyton Manning has led more 4th-quarter comebacks [than Tony Romo],” Smith explains.
“Romo is the best 4th-quarter passer in recent memory,” he continues. “Romo has a 103.1 career passer rating in the 4th quarter…nobody from the past 30 years has been better.”
Do you think Tony Romo is under-appreciated? How far can Romo lead the Cowboys in 2013?
