Tony Romo: 10 Things He Must Do When Healthy To Reclaim Elite QB Status

Tony Romo, starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, is out for six to eight weeks this season with a collarbone injury.

Even with a healthy Romo, the Dallas Cowboys have been absolutely awful all season, so we can only imagine how the ‘Boys will fair without him.

Cowboys fans saw glimmers of hope in Week 3 against the Houston Texans, but it looks like that 27-13 win was just a fluke.

The problems with Dallas run deeper than Romo’s injury, and when he gets healthy, he will have some serious work to do to be considered an elite quarterback.

So what should Romo do to reclaim his elite status?

Read on to find out…

10. Focus on Football

If you asked a random person walking down the street, “Who is Peyton Manning?” what would they say?

“Elite quarterback.”

What about Drew Brees?

“Elite quarterback.”

Now, how about Tony Romo?

“That guy who dumped Jessica Simpson on her birthday.”

9. Grow Up

One of my favorite phrases used to describe Tony Romo comes from Colin Cowherd. He calls Romo “Backwards Hat Guy.”

You know-the type of guy that thinks he is just too cool and acts more like a frat boy than a team leader?

Another example of “Backwards Hat Guy”?

Ben Roethlisberger.

But at least Ben wins some games.

8. Show Some Confidence

Sometimes it’s actually painful for me to watch a Cowboys game because Tony Romo looks like a scared little boy at the helm of the Dallas offense.

He’s no rookie, but sometimes he sure acts like it.

7. Earn Some Respect

I find it hard to believe that Tony Romo is a model leader in the locker room, so how can he can expect players to respect him on the field?

So you’re the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys? Big deal.

Respect is earned.

6. Show That He’s The Best Option

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a touchdown by Jason Witten against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Gett

I’m not saying that Jon Kitna is the answer for the Cowboys, but once Romo is back to fighting shape, he will need to earn back his starting position.

And unless the Cowboys can pull it together without him (unlikely), he probably won’t get a chance to start until next season.

That is if the ‘Boys don’t draft somebody new.

5. Stay Healthy

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys wears a sling on the sidelines after a left shoulder injury against the New York Giants at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Gett

This seems like a given, but if Romo isn’t healthy, he can’t play. If he can’t play, we can’t call him an “elite quarterback.”

So take time to heal, and then stay that way.

4. Stay On His Feet

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys lies on the field after a left shoulder injury in the second quarter against the New York Giants at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Mart

What’s the best way to stay healthy?

Staying upright on the field.

In Week 5, Romo took six sacks against the Titans for 36 yards, and while it’s not completely his fault, he needs to learn to communicate with his O-line and scramble to avoid the sack.

3. Stop Throwing Into Coverage

Another no-brainer right?

Well, Tony Romo apparently didn’t get the memo. An elite quarterback doesn’t throw seven picks in seven games (three against the Titans).

2. Run the Football

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Felix Jones #28 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes past defensive end Mario Williams #90 of Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

There’s a concept.

So you can’t get the job done through the air?

Try using your feet.

Romo has only three career rushing touchdowns, and some quarterbacks can get away with only throwing the ball.

Romo isn’t one of them.

Even if he doesn’t feel comfortable with his rushing ability, I think there are some other players on the team who could help him out.

They’re called running backs.

Maybe instead of throwing the ball to Jason Witten on every down, Romo could hand the ball off to one of the very qualified running backs on his team.

1. Try New Things

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Wide receiver Roy Williams #11 of the Dallas Cowboys catches his second touchdown pass of the game in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Pho

Speaking of Jason Witten, there are other players on the Cowboys’ offense.

Look at the game against Houston:

Romo targeted Witten seven times for 56 yards and zero touchdowns.

What happens when he changes it up?

Romo targeted Roy Williams five times for 117 yards and two touchdowns.

Variety really is the fruit of life.