IRVING, Texas -- Tony Romo is excited to start the 2012 season where the 2011 season ended in abrupt and ugly fashion: at the Meadowlands against the world champion Giants.
Four months ago, Romo watched the Giants celebrate the NFC East title after they pummeled the Cowboys, 31-14, and knocked them out of the playoff race on the final day of the 2011 season. In another four months, they'll face the same challenge.
What more motivation do they need?
"I'm excited about having the opportunity to go back to that position to play the team that obviously ended up winning the Super Bowl," Romo said Tuesday. "There's motivation to have a great season this year, to accomplish certain goals that you set out that you haven't yet. Each time you step out here that is what you are thinking about. That's why you push yourself as hard as you do."
Romo knows the NFC East won't be easy. It never is. The Giants are defending their Super Bowl title after an improbable run. The Eagles seem a logical bounce-back team full of talent. The Redskins could be more explosive on offense with projected top pick Robert Griffin III at quarterback.
"Throwing another good quarterback in is just going to make it tougher," Romo said. "If you can survive your division and come out on top, it gives you a great opportunity to be successful. It shows over and over again, the teams that come out of our division can beat anybody. They really can. I think it's going to be that much tougher.
"If you're able to come out, no matter what you're record is, you've done a hell of a job. That's what we're trying to do is take each step to get there."
