Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo and 6 Cowboys That Need to Show Up at New England

The Dallas Cowboys have a huge opportunity next week at New England.  They are currently in a division that features the “dream team” Philadelphia Eagles at 1-3 and a Washington Redskins team at 3-1 that they have already beaten. 

Although America’s team is only 2-2, the Cowboys have a huge opportunity to move up in the division with a win at New England in two weeks.

If the Cowboys are going to win against the Patriots, Tony Romo and these five Dallas Cowboys will need to show up in New England.

1. Tony Romo

Tony Romo’s season has been a true Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde tale. 

Romo fell apart against the Jets down the stretch in Week 1, battled through broken ribs and a collapsed lung in Week 2 against San Francisco, led the Cowboys down the stretch in Week 3 against the Redskins and threw three interceptions (two were returned for touchdowns) as the Detroit Lions came back from a 24-point deficit to come back and beat Romo’s Cowboys. 

If the Cowboys are going to win, they need Romo the gutsy leader to show up and leave the turnover prone Romo at home.

2. Felix Jones

The Cowboys have struggled to have a dominant running game ever since Emmitt Smith left them.  In Week 3 against the Redskins, Jones rushed for 115 yards on 14 carries and gave the Cowboys hope that he could be a threat out of the backfield. 

However, last week he was limited to 57 yards on 16 carries, and caught the ball on a fourth down and immediately ran out of bounds instead of trying to go for the first down, on the last drive of the game. 

Jones needs to cut down on the mental mistakes and have a performance like he did against the Redskins to take the pressure off of Romo and the passing game.

3. Miles Austin

When Miles Austin is healthy, he is a 1,000-yard receiver, Pro Bowler and deep threat for the Dallas Cowboys.  However, Austin has been hurt since his explosive performance in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers and is currently listed as questionable for the New England game. 

Dallas needs him to be healthy and produce if they are to get out of New England with a victory.

4. Dez Bryant

A lot of things could be said about Dez Bryant.  While he’s been described as an attitude problem he has also been described as very explosive receiver with a bright future in the NFL. 

While both could be true, the one thing that is true is that he has not been playing and full strength since Week 1.  With Austin a question mark for the New England game, the Cowboys need Bryant to use the bye week to recover from his injury and be the explosive receiver he can be.

5. DeMarcus Ware

DeMarcus Ware is having another strong year as he has five sacks through four games.  Although he doesn't play in the secondary, Ware has the potential to make this game a nightmare for Tom Brady. 

The Dallas Cowboys need Ware to put consistent pressure on Tom Brady.  Even if he doesn't sack him, Ware needs to knock Brady down and make Brady throw on the run in hopes that Brady will make a bad throw due to the pressure.

6. Terrance Newman

Terrance Newman was once known as the best lock down corners in the league.  That title now belongs to Darelle Revis and Nnamdi Asomugha.  Cowboys fans looked on in horror as Calvin Johnson was able to jump over Newman in the end zone for the touchdown. 

The Patriots biggest threat at wide receiver is Wes Welker, and Welker has the ability to blow the game open.  Newman has to be able to cover Welker and limit him if they are to win at New England.