In just a few minutes last nite it was very easy to see how much the Cowboys have missed Tony Romo. His presence on the field immediately lifted the spirit of the team. His pinkie finger was not an issue and he returned with the "gunslinger" mentaility that has lifted him to become one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Although defensively it was a shaky beginning, they hung tough and allowed the offense to take the lead in the 4th quarter.
Am I the only one that wondered how Clinton Portis was listed as doubtful and unlikely to play, but yet entered the game with no ill effects of the apparent MCL strain. Maybe it was a typical NFL ploy to force the Cowboys to scheme for another gameplan, but the defense came prepared and proved that, when healthy, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Terrance Newman completely shut down Santana Moss and the passing game, which was a great improvment from the first meeting in Texas Stadium. Kudos to Wade Phillips and Brian Stewart for the scheme, with the exception of the 20-yard draw straight up the middle by Campbell. Hopefully that formation is permanently deleted from the playbook.
With San Francisco and Seattle in consecutive weeks, the Cowboys should arrive at Heinz Field at 8-4 for a big match-up with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jerry Jones will make sure that this team does not look past anyone since they are fighting for their playoff lives, in a very difficult NFC.
Stay tuned for updates on injuries, gameplans as we prepare for an early noon kickoff versus the 49ers on Sunday.
How bout 'em!!
SCB
Keywords: Tony Romo Pinkieheinz fieldcowboy nation
