Tony Romo's Injury May Affect Dallas' Gameplan

With Dallas quarterback Tony Romo out for one month due to an injury, the Cowboys turn to veteran QB Brad Johnson to take over. How will the Cowboys win with Tony Romo on the sidelines, you ask?

Run the ball.

With an offensive line that towers above most defensive fronts—the Cowboys have more than enough power to pound the ball 30-40 times per game. Which, in theory, could destroy most defenses in the league—but only if you can be successful.

That brings me to Marion Barber—"The Barbarian," as they call him in Dallas—reminds me of a young Robert Newhouse: a tough runner with quick feet. With the combination of Barber and the offensive line...the Cowboys could be virtually unstoppable.

But wait—Dallas lost rookie running back Felix Jones for two weeks...maybe. His body is young and will heal quickly—that is what Dallas hopes for anyway. On the edge, this kid is quick; he moves in cuts like Emmitt Smith used to back when the Cowboys were a dominant dynasty power.

And let us not forget that Brad Johnson has proven himself in the league. Quick thinking, quick release. Will be nice to see Terrell Owens running slants again. Kinda hard to double team the inside slant and quick pass. Terrell Owens should do well running the ball as well after five and 10-yard pass plays.

Look for the Dallas running game to have a breakout game against the 26th ranked run defense of the Rams. Tampa Bay will be tough—but Brad Johnson will perform well against that defense. Then there is the champion New York Giants—who last night lost to the Cleveland Browns. Apparently not invincible.

So, as I dream of Cowboys players and teams of past, present, and future, I can only say to you that "the dream" is far from over. Some of us are still dreaming in Big D. So get your rest Tony—come back fresh after the bye week. T.O. will be waiting—and so will the rest of us.