Tony Romo Will Never Give Cowboys That 'Killer Instinct' COO Stephen Jones Wants

Until he actually proves it, despite having arguably his best season this year, Tony Romo lacks that "killer instinct" that all successful NFL QBs need.

In an article by Alex Marvez of Fox Sports, Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer, is just being realistic:

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Asked whether he is concerned that Dallas lacks the killer instinct to finish off a trailing opponent was justified, Jones said, “Obviously, there’s a question mark there and rightfully so. It’s something we’re working to correct. I think we’ll see some of that when we play the Giants on Sunday night.”

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On top of that, in an article by Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram Sports Blog, said in an interview on ESPN former Cowboys RB and Hall of Fame RB Emmitt Smith questions Dallas' mentality:

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 "Talent-wise, I think they have it," Smith said in an ESPN interview. "Leadership-wise, they have some good leaders on the ballclub. Do they have enough? Probably not. 

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Smith continued:

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"Mental toughness for four quarters or five quarters, if you have to go that far. But that's something our Cowboys have not been able to do in close games. And that's where mental toughness comes into play."

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Unfortunately for Dallas Cowboys fans, both Jones and Smith are correct.

For one, Dallas has won just one playoff game since the 1996 season and is just 1-6 in the playoffs since the 1998 season. Based on how inconsistent the Cowboys have played this year, no matter how well Romo plays, it seems to never be enough.

When you think of QBs with that killer instinct, Cowboys QBs like Roger Staubach and Don Meredith come to mind. Troy Aikman was surrounded with talent, but he also made everyone around him better.

Romo makes everyone better, however, if that competitive drive was true, it would spread through the team like wildfire. And if that competitive drive was true, the Dallas Cowboys don't choke in the postseason or late in the season nearly as much as they have.

And the part that Romo can't control are his injuries.

Sure watching a teammate played hurt is inspirational, but how many times does Tony Romo have to play hurt?

Romo can't and hasn't been able to provide that killer instinct because of inconsistency throughout his career in crunch time and having to play hurt all the time.

No player, regardless of how much potential he has, can ever impose a full effect to help the team when he isn't 100 percent more often than not.

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