On pace for what would be one of his personal best seasons Tony Romo presents numerous challenges for a struggling Eagles defense. Photo Courtesy: Esquire
After already facing the likes of Peyton Manning and Robert Griffin III earlier this season, the Philadelphia Eagles defense is in for another test this Sunday against Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys.
Maligned by the media and fans alike for his inability to shine in the game's biggest moments, Romo is quietly in the midst of perhaps his greatest season as a pro.
Through five weeks Romo has racked up 1,693 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing a paltry 70.2 percent of his passes. The downside is of course his three interceptions, including a costly final drive gaffe that cost the Cowboys the game against Manning and the Denver Broncos two weeks ago.
Project those numbers out and the 11-year veteran is on pace to throw for 4,515 yards and 37 touchdowns which would approach his career best in each category.
Slowing Romo may be the most critical key for the Eagles in Sunday's showdown at Lincoln Financial Field with sole possession of first place in the NFC East on the line.
With weapons such as Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Terrance Williams around him, the Cowboys are arguably the most complete offense that the Eagles 32nd ranked defense has come across thus far.
"They have got some great weapons and a quarterback that knows how to distribute them," Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis said Tuesday. "That's really what you come against, the big passing offenses, quarterback that can get the ball to playmakers, and the other part of that is having the playmakers and Dallas is loaded with playmakers."
For as much heat as Romo takes, head coach Chip Kelly nothing but high praise for the three-time Pro Bowler Wednesday.
"If you're a student of the game and playing quarterback, when you watch him play the game it's impressive," Kelly told reporters Wednesday morning before practice. "I think he's got a great feel for how to play quarterback. He has a lot of innate ability in the pocket. He's extremely accurate and also has the ability to keep the play moving. He looks similar to Tom Brady in that he's always moving and always puts himself in the right position to make the throw and make the play."
Dallas is averaging 349 yards of total offense so the onus will come down to the defense to limit Romo and company. However, the Eagles may just be catching the Cowboys at the right time with DeMarco Murray and DeMarcus Ware likely out Sunday.
Regardless, the Eagles understand the test in front of them and all of the weapons Romo and company bring to the table.
"We don't talk about hatred," Kelly explained. "Everybody we play we have the utmost respect for and if you don't, you're going to lose. There's a professionalism that I kind of like in this league in that we respect all and fear none. I'm not a guy who gets into the hate aspect and says 'hey, we hate them so let's stay a little later and prepare extra hard.'"
Matt Lombardo is the Editor-In-Chief of Eagledelphia and also an on-air personality on 97.5 FM The Fanatic in Philadelphia. Join the conversation and follow Matt on Twitter.
