Our own Adam Boedeker spent some time yesterday telling you why the Cowboys should go ahead and shut down Tony Romo for the rest of 2010. And he’s far from being alone in that sentiment. Now, let me explain to you why everyone who believes this is wrong.
First of all, if Romo is medically cleared to play and his collarbone is fully healed, why shouldn’t he play? These aren’t doctors urging Tony to take a breather for the rest of the year. You don’t know that he’s at any greater risk if he strolls out there in Week 15 to finish off the season. And if he isn’t, then you may as well get him out there.
Secondly, it’s vital to the Cowboys that they end this season with at least some idea of what the team would look like with Jason Garrett as the head coach and Romo as the quarterback. How will these two work together now that Garrett is in charge? Will their dynamic improve? Will Tony be more disciplined without Wade excusing him at every turn? It’s crucial for the Cowboys to see if Romo, in a short period of time, can flourish under Garrett. If Romo plays extremely well these last few games and the Cowboys won out, it would solidify Garrett’s chances of being named permanent head coach, and it would give the team a plan going into 2011.
No offense to Jon Kitna, who’s played decently for Dallas the past three weeks, but he’s not the future. You don’t learn anything with him being the caretaker on the way to a 7-9 record. Many fans in Dallas think Romo is a fairly talented guy who lacks the dedication necessary to become a championship QB. Some even want the Cowboys to draft a new QB to replace him. I don’t think the Double J will do that, but I bet seeing how Romo does under Garrett would go a long way to helping him decide if that’s the right thing to do.
I think Romo will play well with Garrett as his head coach. I think he could potentially cut down on those ill-timed mistakes that have plagued him during his career. And if that turns out to be the case at the end of this year, then that’ll give everyone a precise idea of what the Cowboys should do, and it’ll get everyone excited for 2011. The team will blow it, of course. But at least you’ll be all jazzed before your hopes are crushed. That’s why Tony Romo needs to play if he’s fine and dandy.
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