(Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)
The Dallas Cowboys have a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
They head into Thursday’s game against the Eagles tied for first place atop the NFC East with Philadelphia. Quarterback Tony Romo has led the team to its best record since 2007. In 2007, the Cowboys finished 13-3. Romo is healthy (relatively), and more importantly, he’s been effective. His 111.4 passer rating is second to only Aaron Rodgers.
Romo’s been bolstered by the emergence of DeMarco Murray. Hey Cowboys fans, be thankful for DeMarco Murray. The running back has already gained 1,354 yards and seven touchdowns. With legs like that, Dallas hasn’t had to lean on Romo’s arm with such lopsided reliance.
Since 2011, Romo has thrown 40 passes or more 16 times. In those games, Dallas is 6-10. He’s thrown over 40 times just once in 2014. Romo isn’t afraid of throwing. It’s a dangerous trait to have. Without an effective running game, coach Jason Garrett let his quarterback gamble with the football. More times than not, it cost the Cowboys. With Murray in the backfield, Garrett has taken the gambling out of Romo’s game.
(USA TODAY Sports)
Be thankful for Romo, be thankful for Murray but as hard as it may be to believe, neither has been the Cowboys greatest asset this year.
The Cowboys drafted a rookie guard out of Notre Dame this year with their first round pick. You know, the one meant for Johnny Football. Instead of Manziel, Dallas took Zack Martin.
The Cowboys returned four starters to the offensive line this year. The only addition was Martin. There’s no question guys like left tackle Tyron Smith and center Travis Frederick have improved and developed. But Martin has proven to be the missing piece Dallas needed to bolster their front five. It’s the reason Murray is finding holes and running for days, and another reason Romo is getting picked off or sacked with his usual gusto.
(USA TODAY Sports)
The Cowboys are a complete team for the first time in a long time. With Thursday’s game against Philadelphia, Dallas has the opportunity to win nine games for the first time in four years. Nine wins would be great, and so would control of the NFC East.
But there’s an even more striking stat Cowboys fans will care about should the team win on Thanksgiving.
Every time Dallas has reached nine wins by Thanksgiving, the team has made the playoffs.
