The Cowboys were on cruise control for 3 quarters before exploding in the 4th quarter.  Tony Romo passed his first test, completing 24 of 36 passes for 270 yards with a TD and an INT.  Romo also carried the ball 4 times for 18 yards.  Julius Jones carried the ball 24 times for 92 yards (3.8 ypc) and a TD.  Marion Barber carried the ball 9 times for 49 yards (5.4 ypc) and 2 TDs.  WR Terrell Owens caught 9 passes for 107 yards and Terry Glenn caught 4 passes for 52 yards.  TE Jason Witten caught 6 passes for 80 yards and a TD.

Greg Ellis had 4 tackles, 2 sacks and forced a fumble.  The Panthers carried the ball 17 times for 76 yards (4.5 ypc).  The Panthers completed 17 of 31 passes for 128 net yards passing.

Could this be the dawn of a new era of the Romo Empire?

Yes Cowboy Nation we finally have a leader! Tonight I believe that we we’re witnesses to the beginning of something special in Tony Romo! He is everything that Drew Scarecrow is not, he’s young, fast, instinctive, and about all he’s brave.Tonight he created ways to be successful like running the ball on third down two or three times to make first downs and scrambling out of a collapsed pocket to find T.O., Terry Glenn, or Jason Witten for a first down or tounch down time and again.And the Tuna was so pleased that he was handing of kisses to T.O.!Anyway Cowboy Nation I know that it would be premature to start saying I told you so,but I do believe that this just might be to beginning of something special. John Madden said it best tonight on NBC,”some people have “it”, and Tony has it! Enough said! 

Just wanted to say how this ravenhater is a great writer! What is your background? Keep it up, I’m looking forward to reading all your material.

The Cowboys are scoring alot of points this season as they are averaging 28.2 points per game.  The running game has been solid for the Cowboys,  rolling up 138.0 yards rushing per game and 4.3 yards per carry.  The passing game has been ok too, averaging 218.5 net yards passing per game and completing 54.1% of their attempts.

The defense has been decent this season, but they allow 21.3 points per game.  The run defense has been stellar, allowing 81.7 yards rushing per game and 3.2 yards per carry.  The Cowboys pass defense has been a little below par, allowing 205.7 net yards passing per game and allowing the opposition to complete 56.3% of their passes.

These two teams are both coming off of tough losses and need to rebound to get their season back on track.

The Cowboys will try to run the ball against the Panthers who are a little soft defending it (114.6 yards per game, 4.0 yards per carry).  That means plenty of work for Julius Jones (524 rushing yards) and Marion Barber (215 rushing yards).  When the Cowboys decide to pass, they better protect Tony Romo or Julius Peppers (8 sacks) will beat him up and force him to make mistakes.  The Cowboys do have a lot of weapons to attack the Panthers secondary (206.6 yards passing allowed).  Terry Glenn, Terrell Owens and Jason Witten could cause trouble for the Panthers, if the Cowboys can protect Romo….and that’s a huge if!

The Cowboys defense has been really tough this season allowing only 287.3 yards per game, but they were exposed Monday night against the Giants.  The Cowboys safeties are slow with help over the top and Steve Smith could have a huge football game against them!  Also look for Keyshawn Johnson to be motivated to have a big game against the Tuna.  DeShaun Foster (490 yards rushing) is having a good season and will test the Cowboys front seven after what Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs did to them last week.

I have to side with the Panthers, because I have a feeling Tony Romo is gonna be under constant heat all game from the Panthers pass rush….and he will throw some passes up for grabs.