Why Tony Romo Will Have Have a Better Season Than Eli Manning

Tony Romo plays under one of the NFL's biggest microscopes as the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, but he's played in the NFC East shadow of Eli Manning for the overwhelming majority of his career. 

Since 2006, the first year in which Romo took over the starting duties in Dallas, Manning's won eight playoff games to Romo's one and most importantly, has two Super Bowl rings. 

Their statistical numbers are comparable, but Eli did outshine a fine 2011 regular season from the Cowboys' quarterback. Romo tossed 31 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions and threw for 4,184 yards. Meanwhile, Manning thrashed opposing secondaries to the tune of 4,933 yards, 29 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. 

From an individual statistical standpoint, this slideshow explains why Romo will trump Manning in 2012.

Giants' Offense

I doubt even Eli Manning was expecting a 4,933-yard passing season in 2011. He had eclipsed the 4,000-yard mark the two previous years (4,021 in 2009, 4,002 in 2010) but another 900 yards didn't happen accidentally.

Entering the 2011 campaign, Manning was fresh off a disastrous 25-interception season that led the NFL. Victor Cruz was a nobody and the tandem of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs were the perceived strengths of the offense.

As Cruz emerged as one of the league's premier downfield and YAC threats, New York's game plan dramatically changed.

Sure, the Giants were struggling running the football, but they ended the year with a mere 411 carries, the 21st-lowest total in the NFL.

This year, teams will put the defensive onus on stopping Cruz and Nicks, thus giving Bradshaw and first-round pick David Wilson a fantastic opportunity to improve upon a run offense that ranked dead-last in terms of accumulated yardage in 2011. After that embarrassing distinction, New York will gladly feature the running game more frequently.

A more balanced attack will lead to a decrease in passing yards and touchdowns for Manning in 2012.  

Perception of Cowboys' Offense

Miles Austin can't seem to stay healthy—hamstring injuries have truly hamstrung what looked to be his solidification as a top NFL wideout. 

Via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Austin's been practicing and is recovered after missing the entire preseason. 

Although Dez Bryant is dealing with what the same article cited as "jumper's knee", he practiced fully and is ready for tonight's matchup. 

Bryant has the skill set and natural ability to become a legitimate star and should breakout in 2012. Without Laurent Robinson and an injured Jason Witten, a perception will formulate that the Cowboys won't be explosive through the air. 

The Cowboys' aerial attack still has tremendous potential.

While there will undoubtedly be an increased emphasis on the run after only 408 carries last year, Romo shouldn't be discounted. Remember, he set a career-high with 4,483 yards in 2009 throwing to Austin, Witten, Patrick Crayton and Roy Williams. 

With Bryant maturing into one of the league's best all-around receivers, Austin healthy, and two or three pass-catchers most defenses haven't seen, Romo will have a surprisingly successful year, one that's a tad more productive than Eli Manning. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso