Anti-Overreaction Monday

It was a tough weekend for the Central/ North Texas sports fan. Friday saw the Rangers get two-hit in a home loss to the Wild Card Tampa Bay Rays to open up the Division Series. On Saturday three of the four ranked college teams here regionally had disappointing losses in A&M, TCU and Baylor, and the lone win was by the University of Texas, which ends up just making things even worse for their rivals. But what topped it off was on Sunday when the beloved Dallas Cowboys blew a 24 point, second half lead at home to the upstart Lions.  The Aggie collapse and the eerily similar Cowboy disappointment happened on  back to back days in the same building. Seeing these two games specifically, and being in College Station at the time to watch them, coupled with the recent history of both A&M and the Cowboys having similar collapses, the Aggies just the week before and the Cowboys in week one, I could not help but get the feeling of here we go again even when the teams where still ahead late.

The big surprise for me today is the lack of overreaction by the local and national media, especially in regards to the Dallas Cowboys.  "America's Team" historically has encited more than deserved praise in a win, and even more so criticism in a loss. I expected everyone to be calling for Tony Romo's head today after his three interception performance, two of which were returned for the momentum changing touchdowns. To my surprise, there is actually many more people voice their support. It could be that he impressed so much in his gritty performances in wins in weeks two and three, or the fact that the rest of the division has not been impressive either. The "Dream Team" Eagles are 1-3 and had their own collapse this week. The Giants barely squeaked by against the Cards, and depending on who you ask, the Cardinals may have gotten robbed on that late non-fumble by Victor Cruz. And the Redskins lead the division at 3-1, and the Cowboys handed them that loss.

What I am mostly hearing is that with Romo as your quarterback, it is going to be feast or famine. His playmaking abilities will win you some games, but also lose you some. The Cowboys coaching staff needs to put him in position where it will be the former rather than the latter.

So, take a step back., realize that this is a long season. The Cowboys are heading into their bye week and are going to get healthy again and fix their mistakes. It was hard not to be impressed by how the young offensive line came together and mostly handled a tough Lions' defensive front.  Bryant showed that he is still a playmaker and the running game is finally getting going. Not to mention, Jason Witten stepping up and being that tough possession receiver Romo needs him to be.