ARLINGTON, Texas – When you've quarterbacked the first two Super Bowl victories in franchise history and remain one of the most popular players to ever don the Cowboys uniform, your opinion seems to carry more weight. Roger Staubach says he not only believes the Cowboys will turn the corner this year, but that Tony Romo will be one of the major reasons why.
"Tony makes mistakes like anybody else but if you look at the plays he makes … 8-8, this team could've been 10-6 easily if Dez Bryant (doesn't have) two fingers out of bounds," Staubach said Thursday night at the Silver & Blue Debut practice at AT&T Stadium. "This team is a good football team that I think can go to a higher level. I really believe that. They're not a bad team at all. They're a good team that needs to go to a higher level, and I think this is the year to do it."
Staubach was one of about 40 former players invited to this annual open practice for the fans. The ex-players roamed the sidelines, catching up with their former teammates and also mingled in with some of the current players during practice breaks.
Former players on hand include Ring of Honor members Mel Renfro, Lee Roy Jordan, Cliff Harris, Rayfield Wright and Charles Haley. It also included well-known favorites like Jay Novacek, Butch Johnson, Walt Garrison and Nate Newton. Also attending practice were John Fitzgerald, John Gesek, Toby Gowin, Michael Myers, Dixon Edwards and Super Bowl XXX MVP Larry Brown.
Just like he was when he played, Staubach is always the center of attention. A large group of reporters surrounded the Hall of Fame quarterback, who couldn't stop raving about the current player that shares his position.
Staubach said Romo is "playing at a very high-level" and said his involvement in the game-planning during the week should translate to the field in a positive way.
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"I think that's good. I think you'll see more of the no-huddle offense. I really loved to do that too," Staubach said. "Some players can do it. Tony is really good at it. When he's run it, it's been very effective. I know he's looking forward to it. He's got a good coach who understands how to take more advantage of Tony Romo. I think you'll see more of that no-huddle offense.
"Romo just makes things happen. He has great instincts and a feel for the pocket. Some of these quarterbacks can throw and do other things, but don't know what's going on around him. Tony does. He makes plays."
Coming from arguably one of the greatest playmakers at his position, that's quite the compliment.
