Dallas Cowboys Have A New And Improved Leader

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I don’t know about any of you who are reading this but I’m more excited about this upcoming Dallas Cowboys season than any I can remember. Why? My answer can be summed up in two words: number nine.

Quarterback Tony Romo is in rare form this offseason. This is the first time in three years that he’s gone without any kind of back procedure. The thought of a fully healthy Romo is quite scary in my opinion.

"“When you have a good offensive line like we do, the thought definitely crosses your mind to ensure you do everything possible to play longer than maybe what you had envisioned. We’ll reassess that in a few years.” – Romo per NFL.com"

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The number of hits he endured was limited because of that deadly offensive line we have in front of him. Of course, there were still those moments that the opposing team got to him. But this time around, it won’t sting as much.

Last season, every time someone got close to Romo, I would cringe. In Week 8 against the Washington Redskins, linebacker Keenan Robinson sacked Romo which caused a back contusion. I promise you -every muscle in my body locked up when I saw my quarterback still on the ground.

The last half of the season, Romo took pain medicine just so he would be able to play. Considering his medical history, I can’t be the only one amazed that he finished 2014 with a 113.2 passer rating. It’s almost as if the man is untouchable.

Romo managed 3,705 passing yards and 34 touchdowns last year. The only game he missed was against the Arizona Cardinals and that was due to the injury he suffered against Washington. Even at that game, he was still on the sidelines offering help from a distance.

"“The further I get away from the surgery the stronger I get in a lot of areas. … I’m working as hard as I can to ensure that I’m strengthening the areas that I need to be at my best, and right now it’s just been a good start in the offseason. I’ve been able to continue to build and grow.” Romo via ESPN"

His teammates, new and old, have so much confidence in him. What can be said across the board about Romo is that he’s a leader. That opinion continues to manifest itself as a fact.

Tony gives credit to the offensive line that will only get better with time. He believes their success could help prolong his career as well. I have no qualms with seeing these guys together on the field a few more years.

So picture it – Valley Ranch, 2015. The Dallas Cowboys are participating in organized training activities and the quarterback is attending every session. Romo is getting in the groove of things without limited mobility.

Last season, his practice schedule did not include Wednesdays. My hope is that somehow they continue that routine. I understand he’s healthy but if it ain’t broke…

All I know is a healthy Romo means a scary Romo. Seeing the damage he did with back injuries leads me to believe we’re going to see a more driven and focused quarterback. I won’t take any of it for granted.

It seems as if owner and general manager Jerry Jones is finally getting the picture that Tony needs the right team around him to go all the way. Romo has already promised a Super Bowl win so it’s time to make that dream come true.

Go Cowboys.

Next: Jerry Jones' Secret Closer When Signing Marquee Players