Tony Romo's star is shining

06.10.2007 15:00 Sport and Travel - Source: USA Today

When the Cowboys lost four of their final five games last season, Romo's detractors gave themselves a nice pat on the back despite his Pro Bowl appearance,

The reasons for Romo falling back to earth appeared to be logical. Many felt the rest of the NFL just needed time to adjust to the first-year starter.

But the rest of the NFL doesn't have a monopoly on adjustments. Romo's magic is back and the first month of 2007 has shown he may be the answer in Dallas.

Sunday's 35-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams was more than just another W. The team moved to 4-0 for the 10th time in team history and first since its last Super Bowl season of 1995.

"I never look at myself in the third person," said Romo, who spent three seasons on the Dallas sideline before throwing a pass. "Each step has been good. As a backup, you're trying to get on the field and get better. When it happens it feels normal. That's what you work yourself up for is to be successful."

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The win enhanced Romo's growing legend in the Metroplex. The Cowboys appeared to be a team that hit the snooze button one too many times early at Texas Stadium, but Romo's monumental scramble after a poor snap in the final minute of the first half sparked his sleepy-eyed teammates and added another amazing chapter to the success-laden franchise.

Dallas receiver Terrell Owens said the play "would end up on bloopers" while linebacker Greg Ellis called it "one of the greatest plays in NFL history."

Regardless of whether it was lucky or masterful, it was effective — and that's become Romo's calling card.

In 14 regular-season starts, Romo now stands at 10-4. He's thrown 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and for more than 3,800 yards. His 2007 passer rating of 112.9 ranks second to three-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.

"Anytime you're playing like our quarterback is playing, that's a key factor," first-year Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said.

The Eastern Illinois product was hailed after replacing winning five of his first six starts and turning the Cowboys' floundering ship into a NFC title contender. However, Dallas and Romo struggled down the stretch. They lost four of their final five games, including a stunning playoff defeat in Seattle.

Romo's three worst single-game quarterback ratings all came in the Cowboys' final five regular-season games. His most egregious gaffe came when he butchered the snap to a potential game-winning field goal in the Wild-Card game at Seattle.

Much of Romo's success this season has been his ability to hit several receivers. While Owens and tight end Jason Witten have been the prime targets, Romo and Patrick Crayton did the damage Sunday.

Crayton hauled in seven passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. Romo's 339-yard effort was the sixth 300-yard game of his career. He already ranks fourth in club history in that category.

Witten leads the team in catches (20) on the season while Owens leads in yards (362) and Crayton in yards per catch (20.2).

Romo's head coach believes the magic on Sundays begins with an impeccable work ethic during the week.

"I've seen the quick release and great arm, but it's his presence in practice," Phillips said. "I've seen a lot of players who were great in practice, but he carries it over to the game."

Phillips hopes to reap the benefits of Romo's act for quite some time. With the quarterback's contract set to end this year, there has already been much speculation as to the amount of money the Wisconsin kid will command from Dallas owner Jerry Jones.

"Now Jerry has to sign him," Phillips said. "I'm for that."

The Shreveport (La.) Times is owned by Gannett, parent company of USA TODAY

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