Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a pass during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Steelers 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports; Superman Logo is a Copyright of Warner Bros. Productions

The media loves to hate Romo. Fans too. He’s an easy target, like Clark Kent. Romo’s “go with the flow” attitude and calm nature masks any real intensity to win. And in a culture that glorifies the “victory at all costs” mentality, a guy who seems to take everything in stride is a bit of an outcast. This is especially evident when his play costs his team a playoff win or yet another post-season berth. Despite the villainous levels of negativity and hate that constantly bombard him, Romo simply allows all those emotional projectiles to bounce right off like bullets off Superman’s chest plate.

Almost faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound; we forget what a freakishly good athlete Romo really is. It is easy to overlook the Houdiniesque escapes he makes in the pocket against the best pass-rushers in the league because we see those jaw-dropping plays so regularly. And this may sound like heresy, but Romo just might be the most athletic quarterback in the entire NFL. (and that includes RGIII) The guy can do anything when it comes to sports. He’s like an athletic savant.  On top of being a scratch golfer, Romo also excelled at tennis and basketball in high school. Many of his friends believed Romo would have been a great point guard, if he had chosen to pursue it.

Instead, Romo seems proud to hold the mantle as the Dallas Cowboys’ franchise quarterback. He wears it like Superman’s cape, flapping in the wind behind him wherever he goes. You can tell Romo is honored to hold the position as the captain of America’s team. And he’s willing to suffer all the kryptonite-laced shards that come shooting at him because that’s the price for holding the highest position in the land. Like royalty, Romo acts as if he was born to wear the star. And that urks some fans who believe he has yet to earn that swagger.

Like the Man of Steel, Romo is also one tough S.O.B. For proof, just dust off the VHS player and watch the San Francisco 49ers game from back in September of 2011. Not only did he lead the Cowboys to victory in overtime, Romo did it while suffering from a broken rib and punctured lung. Like Don Meredith, Dan Pastorini, or the great Johnny Unitas before him, Romo played through the pain and gave his team a super-human performance.

Romo suffered the injury early on, during the third play of the game. He toughed out the first half and sat all but 37 seconds of the third quarter. During that time, Romo anxiously waited on the bench for the “all clear” from the doctors. Then Romo took off his glasses, stripped off his Clark Kent suit and transformed into Superman for the fourth quarter and into overtime. You probably remember his 77-yard pass to wideout Jesse Holley that secured the win. I jumped for joy so high, I nearly hit my ceiling fan!

At some point, Romo will be revered by every Cowboys’ fans. Like Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach before him,  Romo’s play thus far has already ensured his place within the Ring of Honor. And when he finally hoists the Lombardi Trophy above his head in front of millions to see, and restores America’s Team to it’s rightful place amongst the world’s champions, Romo will suddenly rip off his jersey to reveal the “S” that has been there all along.

In the 4th quarter and OT, he was closer to "clutch" than "choker".

The Cowboys did not have a great day offensively against the Redskins, but they still managed 27 points against a decent defense.

More importantly, I think we witnessed something from Jason Garrett as a Head Coach that marks a pivotal change in his play calling (click here to jump to that).

Passing

- Romo certainly has his ‘escapability’ back, for I heard several onlookers comment, “That boy has ninja skills.”  The best part is, Romo isn’t turning the ball over.

Click on the link to continue reading about Romo and the Cowboy’s passing game against the Skins. (more…)

Drafting Bennett in the second round was a stretch, especially with Tony Curtis perfectly capable of filling in for Witten. I didn’t fully understand the move, but after looking into Bennett a little more, I learned that he is versatile and strong.

Well, so far, it’s been a mixed bag on training camp opinions on this kid. Tight end coach John Garrett believes Bennett is starting to shine.

“He’s doing great. He really made a lot of progress so far, but particularly yesterday. He played with great urgency. He picked up some things in the offense as far as blitz adjustments really well. He’s a strong, powerful guy that is really working hard to master the footwork and the technique, so his progress has been great.”

Now, I don’t personally believe a coach of the team he plays for is going to provide the most truthful answer on Bennett’s talents.

So, we turn to Sports Illustrated columnist Peter King. He’s not really sold on the rookie from Texas A&M.

“Don’t know why exactly, but rookie TE Martellus Bennett does not impress me. He seems to sulk, and he’s not particularly energetic.”

Peter, I think you answered why. He sulks and he’s not very energetic. I don’t know about you guys, but that’s not what the Cowboys need in a backup tight end.