The Dallas Cowboys are trying to stress that the team is ready to implement changes to the organization. They brought in a new defensive coordinator. They are changing who makes the offensive play calls. They are truly trying to become better in order to build off several disappointing seasons in recent years. Part of that change will come from quarterback Tony Romo. As Jerry Jones puts more pressure on his franchise quarterback, Romo is echoing the mindset.
The Cowboys went 8-8 last year in a season that ended in disappointing fashion after Dallas once again missed out on the playoffs. In the offseason, Romo signed a rather large contract extension, making him the next quarterback to receive a $100 million deal. With that big pay raise come even bigger expectations to live up to the faith the Cowboys apparently have in him. Romo is ready to step up to the plate and deliver.
"We were 8-8 the last couple of years, that doesn't sit well with me. I don't think I'm an 8-8 quarterback. I don't think this organization is comfortable being 8-8. We're going to do everything we can as coaches, players and in this building to change that. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen again. That just sits there and eats at you," Romo said.
It clearly was eating at the fans as well. Jones is ready for Romo to be the quarterback he thinks he can be. He has been vocal about Romo being more present at team facilities throughout the week. He wants Romo to take on a Peyton Manning-like mindset when it comes to preparation for game day. Romo followed through with the first step-backing off his offseason golf game.
As the Cowboys enter into OTAs, Romo believes the team is ready for change and is already improving.
"Now it's obviously been some good times and some times that we've had some rough spots, obviously. In a lot of ways I know that this team is continuing to get better, and using those experiences to be better, and it's going to be good," Romo said.
The Cowboys must improve. Romo has yet to lead the team to any kind of success. 8-8 is not good, but Romo is committed to getting better.