The Dallas Cowboys were 2-0, feeling good about themselves with divisional wins against the Giants and the Eagles. As we know, the second win of the season came at a high cost, as Tony Romo was injured and later placed on the IR.
Since then, the team has lost six straight games and a 2-0 start feels like forever ago at 2-6. So we ask, where would we be with Romo at the helm? Let’s take things loss by loss and attempt to save the season…
Loss 1: Vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Cowboys running game went OFF in the first half of this game, as the now suspended Joseph Randle ran for three first-half touchdowns. However, with Brandon Weeden not proving a viable threat, the Atlanta defense stacked the box against the run and shut out Dallas in the second half to stay undefeated.
With Tony Romo in, the offense would have been much more balanced and I think the Cowboys would have won to go to 3-0.
Loss 2: at New Orleans Saints
The Cowboys went into the Superdome and forced overtime against the winless Saints. On just the second play of overtime, a defensive miscue allowed Drew Brees to find C.J Spiller for an 80-yard game-ending TD.
Just before that, at the end of the fourth quarter, the defense gave up what should have been another game-winning drive that resulted in a missed New Orleans field goal.
All that said, it’s easy to blame the defense for this loss and say that it is still a loss with Romo. However, the Saints have lost to the likes of Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota this season.
Hard to believe Romo would not have had a much different impact on this game. It’s a bit of a stretch, but I’m putting the Cowboys at 4-0 with Tony Romo.
Loss 3: Vs. New England Patriots
We lost this game 30-6. The Cowboys could have brought back Roger Staubach and it wouldn’t have mattered. This would be our first loss of the season no matter what.
Loss 4: at New York Giants
Coming off the bye week, this was the first game started by Matt Cassel. While the offense did some great things, including unleashing Darren McFadden, Cassel threw three interceptions – one of which went for a touchdown on the opening possession of the second half.
The defensive line was a disappointment in this game, and it came down to special teams, but I’m inclined to say that Romo would not have thrown these terrible interceptions – keeping the offense on the field and producing more points.
The Cowboys bounce back in a big way, moving to 3-0 in the NFC East and 5-1 on the season.
Loss 5: Vs. Seahawks
This game was tough. A one-point loss at home to the defending NFC Champions, with Tony Romo still having to face the legion of boom. What gives me hope that this would have been a win is the Cowboys putrid 0-3 red zone stat from this game.
Dez Bryant made his return in this game, and was blanketed by Richard Sherman. With Romo in, he works his magic in the red zone and finds Bryant or SOMEONE for at least one touchdown. That would have been all that was needed, as the Cowboys make a statement and improve to 6-1 on the year.
Loss 6: Vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Cowboys’ most recent loss came in overtime once again, and although a close call I think this remains a loss with Romo. Assuming the game still goes to overtime, the Eagles got the ball first and marched right down the field for a winning touchdown.
Nothing Romo can do about that. Cowboys suffer their first divisional loss, but remain 6-2 on the year.
6-2. 2-6. Mirror image records decided by one of the most polarizing signal callers in the league. This record would have us two games up in the NFC East. Instead, the Cowboys are in fourth place – two games behind the first-place Giants in the loss column.
It’s fair to say that Cowboys Nation wants their quarterback back as soon as possible.
