IRVING, Texas – One game doesn't make or break an NFL season, but there's no denying the magnitude of the challenge in front of the Cowboys this week.
It's not enough that the Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl champions, or that they boast the NFL's top overall defense – highlighted by a stingy, league-best run defense. On top of that, they'll be hosting Dallas at CenturyLink Field, where they're 17-1 since the start of the 2012 season.
"Ultimately, you've got to play a very sound, error-free type of football game," said Tony Romo. "I think, like I said, you've got to be aggressive, you've got to do some things to counter what they do and give yourself a chance. They're a very good ball club, there's a reason they're the defending champs and we've got to play a very good game."
There couldn't be a stiffer opposition to show the Cowboys where they stand after a 4-1 start highlighted by a league-best rushing attack. Romo was careful Wednesday not to place too much emphasis on the meeting, but he did acknowledge the opportunity to measure up with what is widely considered the NFL's best teams.
"I think we've seen plenty of times that one game isn't going to define your season at this point. However, there are very important games and you know this game is a game that is a great test for us," he said. "It's going to be good to see our team come out with great energy and great enthusiasm and really see how we stack up."
Romo also didn't shy away from the blunt truth – it hasn't worked out well for many teams. The Seahawks' 17 home wins in the past two years have been by an average of 14 points. The last time the Cowboys went to Seattle, in 2012, they were beaten, 27-7. [embedded_ad] "Normally, no one stacks up very well there against them, so I'm anxious to see how we do," Romo said.
Don't expect the Cowboys to change up their gameplan, however. Despite facing a defense that's allowing just 62 rushing yards per game, Romo said he's confident the offense won't need to make any radical changes to the approach that has gotten it to this point.
"We feel good about going out and just being who we are," he said. "You have little adjustments here and there, but as far as our identity, I think we're going to be who we are and go attack football teams in multiple ways. We'll find other teams' weaknesses and try and exploit those."
