Romo Should Sit This One Out

Who would have thought 3 weeks ago that this weekend’s game vs. St. Louis would be “must win” for the Cowboys? I know I certainly wouldn’t have. In fact, I think anyone that knows anything about football would have said, before last week’s games, that Dallas would probably beat the Rams by at least 2 touchdowns on Sunday, if not more. However, because St. Louis beat Washington, in Washington no less, and because of not only how Dallas played last week but their injury factor, this game on Sunday is huge. In fact, I think it’s a “must win” not in the sense that Dallas’ season will be over if they lose but if the Cowboys lose to the hapless Rams, I don’t think they will have a snowball’s chance of beating Tampa Bay or New Yawk. And if they lose all three of those games, they will be 4-5 heading into their bye week with road games in Washington, Pittsburgh and Filthadelphia on the horizon and tough home games against New Yawk and Baltimore as well. So, this week’s game vs. St. Louis is very important for Dallas to get their rhythm, swagger and confidence back to where they were through the first 3 games of the season.

It’s been reported this week that Romo may in fact play this weekend vs. St. Louis despite having a fractured little finger on his right hand. It’s my opinion (and of course, no one asked me) that Romo should not play even if he says he can go and even if the trainers/doctors clear him to play. If Wade lets him play and his finger ends up getting broken...that will be a huge problem. It's just fractured now but could break if hit just right. And if Romo does break his finger, then forget about him playing, at all, for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

Another reason I wouldn’t play Romo is that his backup, Brad Johnson, while being 40 years old is a solid back up capable of filling in for a few games. He may not be what he was back in 2002, when he won the Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, but he is experienced, knows his limitations and can be effective. Basically, it’s not like Romo’s backup is a rookie who has never thrown an NFL pass before. And while there are several injuries on the team, including Felix Jones, the majority of the offense will still be playing. That means, Witten, TO Owens, Barber, Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and the newly signed Roy Williams will be in the lineup to give Johnson support. And really, depending on how Johnson plays this weekend, I would even consider keeping him in next week against TB so Romo can try to play vs. the Giants the following week.

Dallas is not playing a team on their level, like New Yawk, Washington or Filthy. I know Washington lost to St. Louis last week but St. Louis’s offense only put up 4 field goals and needed a fumble returned for a TD to win. In fact, this is how St. Louis ranks among the 32 NFL teams in offense and defense:

Rams Passing Offense: averages 155 yards/game (28th in the NFL)
Rams Rushing Offense: averages 82 yards/game (29th in the NFL)
Rams Total Offense: averages 237 yards and 12 points/game (31st in the NFL)
Rams Total Defense: gives up 403 yards/game: 234 yards passing, 169 yards
rushing (31st in the NFL)

St. Louis still has a few good players, as all teams do, in QB Marc Bulger, WR Torry Holt, RB Stephen Jackson, DT La’Roi Glover and DE Leonard Little but beyond those, very little else.

So Dallas is, quite possibly, playing the worst team in the NFL. And with all the rest of the offensive weapons the Cowboys still have playing, they really should be able to win regardless of who is in at QB…emphasis on should. If they don't, then this thing's got bigger problems that Romo being out.

Prediction: Dallas 23, St. Louis 14.