Dallas Cowboys franchise quarterback Tony Romo signed a massive contract this offseason worth $40 million guaranteed whether Romo plays another down for Dallas. Should the Cowboys’ superstar play through 2015 as a part of his 6-year extension, he will receive $55 million guaranteed. But what has Romo really done to deserve such a contract? Does the Cowboys’ gunslinger have what it takes to take the Cowboys’ to a Super Bowl?
Antonio Ramiro “Tony” Romo was signed as an undrafted rookie out of Eastern Illinois University in 2003 by the Dallas Cowboys. Romo sat behind veterans Vinny Testaverde and Drew Bledsoe until he took over for Bledsoe at halftime of a 2006 contest against the New York Giants. Romo took the Cowboys to the playoffs that season, throwing for just over 2,900 yards with 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The 11-year veteran struggled in his first playoff appearance, and ultimately cost Dallas a win. With only 1:19 left in the game and his team trailing by one, Romo fumbled the snap on a would-be go ahead field goal from the 19-yard line, and was tackled before reaching a first down. This may be the most significantly defining moment of Romo’s career, as he cost his team a playoff-win in its first appearance since 1996.
Things didn’t get much better for Romo over the next few seasons. The Cowboys had a shot at a playoff-birth in 2007, but were eliminated from contention on a Romo interception to R.W. McQuarters in the end-zone to end a meeting with the rival Giants. In 2008, Romo continued his run of successful regular seasons, only to fall short in high-pressure situations. In week 17 of the 2008 season, Romo and the Cowboys were embarrassed by the Philadelphia Eagles 44-6 and missed the playoffs. At this point in his career, Romo’s December record stood at 5-8, and drew questions about Romo’s ability to finish. The 2009 season was a turning point for Romo and Dallas, as the team won its first post-season game after winning back-to-back games against division rival Philadelphia. The victory was short-lived however as the Cowboys were destroyed by the Minnesota Vikings 34-3 in a game where Romo had three fumbles, losing two, an interception, while was sacked six times. Romo’s continued lack of clutch play in big-game situations proved to be the nail in Dallas’ coffin yet again, but the bad luck wasn’t over.
The former EIU Panther had his 2010 season cut short by injury when he broke his left clavicle in October. Returning to action in 2011, Romo again had a spectacular regular season campaign accounting for 32 of the team’s 39 total touchdowns. In yet another make-or-break week 17 matchup with the Giants, Romo threw for 289 yards, but just two touchdowns and one interception, while the Cowboys fell 31-10 to New York subsequently being eliminated from playoff contention. In 2012, Dallas yet again faced a week 17 do-or-die scenario, and managed to lose once again to a division opponent, the Washington Redskins. Romo contributed in this contest in the form of three interceptions, leaving many to speculate that his future in Dallas was in jeopardy.
After signing his $108 million extension this offseason, Romo is back in Dallas ready to contend for a division title. Romo has a talented offensive group surrounding him including Jason Witten , Dez Bryant , Miles Austin , and DeMarco Murray; but uncertainty on the offensive line may keep this group from stardom. Dallas’ gunslinger has the ability to succeed in the NFL, that much is proven by his 40 games throwing for over 300 yards. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, Romo appears to shy away from the highest level of competition, and has only one playoff win in his 11-year career. However, this problem may be more psychological than physical.
Jerry Jones has had a choke-hold on the Dallas organization since purchasing it in 1989. As one of only two owner-general managers’ in the league, Jones is more hands on than the vast majority of NFL owners. Could Jones’ constant scrutiny have caused added stress for the beleaguered Dallas quarterback? Absolutely, Dallas is one of the largest football markets in the nation, and one of the league’s most storied franchises.
When Romo fumbled the snap of a probable playoff game-winner in 2006, he opened the door for an enormous amount of criticism. Romo is basically Philip Rivers trying to do Peyton Manning ‘s job, a mediocre quarterback being asked to do far more than is reasonable. If Romo’s psyche and responsibility don’t change, neither will the Cowboys’ playoff hopes.