How Beating Tom Brady's Patriots Could Renew Tony Romo's Career for Now

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been criticized ever since he took over under center for the historic franchise in 2006.

In Romo's four full seasons as the Cowboys quarterback, he has surpassed 4,200 passing yards twice and thrown for at least 26 touchdowns three times.

However, his statistical accomplishments are clouded by his lack of postseason success.

The 31-year-old Romo is just 1-3 for his career in the playoffs, including a 2007 home loss to the Wild Card Giants in the NFC Divisional Round.

Fast forward four years, and no one has forgotten Romo's shortcomings, especially not frustrated Cowboys fans.

Six weeks into the 2011 season, Romo is again staring mediocrity in the face. At 2-2, the Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of going unnoticed this postseason, once again.

However, the turning point could potentially be their Week 6 matchup at New England.

Tom Brady's Patriots are 4-1 despite boasting one of the NFL's worst defenses and could provide the spark Dallas needs to gain confidence and return among the NFC's elite.

The storylines out of Foxboro if Dallas outfoxes New England in Week 6 would be tremendous.

Romo would again rank alongside Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees as one of the best in the business. And the Cowboys would be Super Bowl bound in the eyes of experts everywhere.

Although beating the Patriots on Sunday won't slay Romo's demons, or change his dismal playoff record, it will make the media forget about all of it—at least until he reminds them again.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke