The Dallas Cowboys saw Tony Romo return on Sunday and the team snapped a seven game losing streak with a victory over the Miami Dolphins. Romo is ready to start against the Panthers along with Darren McFadden after the running back dealt with an injury, while defensive end Greg Hardy will be in the lineup against his old team.
Romo was on injured reserve with a collarbone injury for most of the season before coming back in Week 11 and now the Cowboys feel they can go on a streak to stay in playoff contention. The team is now 3-0 with Romo starting and 0-7 in games started by someone else and that gives Dallas some confidence heading into the back stretch of the schedule. Romo completed 18-of-28 passes for 227 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in the win over the Dolphins and now the team is getting ready for a quick turnaround to face the Panthers on Thanksgiving.
The Cowboys may need to win out or at least win five of their last six games to catch the NFC East division lead, but with the Redskins, Eagles and Giants all at 5-5 or worse, there is a chance the team can make it into the playoffs. The Cowboys have the chance to win two games before the Giants even play again following their Week 10 loss to the Patriots, as New York was on a bye in Week 11 and will not play again until Sunday.
The return of Romo has given the Cowboys some confidence and after the game on Sunday, Dez Bryant said that the team feels ready to go on a streak. Bryant had a solid game against the Dolphins with four catches for 45 yards and a touchdown and this was the first time since Week 1 that Bryant and Romo had the chance to play together. Bryant dealt with a foot injury in the first game of the season before Romo suffered his injury and now the two top offensive players for the Cowboys are healthy.
The team also has Darren McFadden healthy after the running back came into the week with a groin injury, as he was able to play without limitations against the Dolphins. McFadden had 129 rushing yards against the Dolphins and he now is the clear lead back for the team with Joseph Randle and Christine Michael off the roster. The team has Rod Smith and Robert Turbin behind McFadden, but McFadden will continue to be the lead back.
Greg Hardy continues to make headlines for the Cowboys and coming into Week 12, owner Jerry Jones told the media that he met with Hardy last week to talk about his issues. Hardy reportedly has been late to meetings this season and has also said some things in the media regarding his domestic violence case that have caused some issues. According to Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPN.com, Jones said that he spoke with Hardy about the recent reports and that he "understands it, and he has agreed to really work on it."
