There is no doubting that if the Dallas Cowboys struggle, the first fingers will be pointed at Tony Romo. Since the quarterback took over as the starter for the team, he gets blamed for each bad season. Never mind the imbalance of the offense or the poor defensive play; it is Romo that takes the heat. As the Cowboys enter into the 2013 season with higher expectations for the team, DeMarco Murray is speaking up for Romo and calling out the critics.
"He will have a great year," Murray said to the Dallas Morning News. "I don't think it's Tony Romo himself. We have to have guys on the outside stepping up, guys in the front five stepping up and guys in the backfield stepping up. It's not all on his head. He gets a lot of criticism, a lot of the blame. As individuals, we have a lot of talent and we have to make plays for him."
Romo received one of the many $100 million contracts handed out in the offseason. The size of the contract drew loads of criticism considering Romo's record as a starter and a starter in the postseason is not exactly great. Murray knows that Romo is worth the money and teammates do not hold any ill feelings towards the quarterback for getting such a large pay raise. But with the increase in money, comes an increase in expectations.
"I think when you look at Romo, no one has higher expectations for him on this team than Tony Romo," Murray said. "I can tell you right now, every guy is behind Romo and every guy has his back, from the undrafted guys to the No. 1 starting tackles or anyone. "
One of the biggest knocks to Romo is the lack of leadership the quarterback appears to display. However, Murray says he sees Romo's leadership on the field and in the weight room crediting the quarterback for being the first in the facility in the morning and the last to leave at night. It is that kind of work ethic that owner Jerry Jones expects from Romo and challenged him to display this season.
Murray is singing Romo's praises as the team prepares to enter training camp at the end of July. If the Dallas Cowboys are going to be successful, Murray will play a large part in it. Romo cannot be expected to throw every play and Murray's success could prove productive in 2013.
