It is December and Dallas Cowboys fans know what that means. If history says anything, December means the downfall of quarterback Tony Romo. The Cowboys cannot afford that this season. They are in contention for the postseason and staying on track could finally see the team break their playoff drought. Owner Jerry Jones is well-aware of Romo's record in the winter and stressing the fact that history cannot repeat itself.
The fact is Romo is 11-15 in the month of December. In 2012, he finished 3-2 in the final month of the season, throwing three interceptions in the team's final game against the Washington Redskins. In 2010, he was 1-3 with eight touchdown passes. Jones is very mindful of Romo's winter struggles, hoping they can avoid the issue this season.
"I think it's real and I don't mean to be trite," Jones said, via KRLD-FM. "You can probably tie that [into] why we have had disappointments in December. It's hard to build up in this time of the NFL. It's hard to build up enough edge to play at that level during December, so you better be moving or having your arrow going up rather than going down."
This year could be different. The Cowboys enter the month on a two-game win streak. They beat the Raiders on Thanksgiving day and baring any setbacks, they will be completely healthy for a matchup against the struggling Chicago Bears. Dallas is in a tie for first place in the NFC with the Philadelphia Eagles. With quarterback Nick Foles surging at the right moment, it is important that Romo not have a hiccup in the final four games.
"I've often said it is one of the biggest disappointments of my entire time to have Romo as quarterback and not be in better shape for the playoffs as we looked to his career," Jones said. "We need to change that. That was our goal this year, that should have been our goal this year and we've had some setbacks to some injuries and every other team does too. And we got a chance to do something about it this year."
Can the Cowboys change their losing ways in the month of December? The win against the Raiders certainly puts them on the right path. The team's remaining schedule offers them a few favors. The Bears have struggled and could be without quarterback Jay Cutler once again. Facing Green Bay at home could go either way. Aaron Rodgers may not be active depending on whether the doctors clear him this week. Then they face Washington on the road and Philadelphia at home to finish the season. Jones is simply hoping to keep the win- streak alive.
