Tony Romo fails to qualify for the U.S. Open

[moklerman]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/sh...t=AlaDGKlgl1AAzMGLr7xtgYpDubYF?urn=nfl,162916

I thought I had some interesting insight about Romo not making the cut for a U.S. Open qualifier but apparently my thought was an obvious one.

Romo shot well through the first 9 but struggled(choked?) on the back 9 and failed to qualify.

I'm not even anti-Romo in any way but even I have to really question his decision making at this point. The trip to Mexico, Jessica Simpson and now the U.S. Open(probably more that I don't remember) all point to Romo, at the very least, having divided attention.

One might say it's unfair to criticize him along these lines because he's just human and needs to have a personal life. I agree with that to some extent but when there is a gold standard like Peyton currently in the league, it's hard not to compare other QB's to how he approaches the game.

On top of the apparent distractions is how this round of golf seems to perfectly mirror Romo's shortcomings as a QB. The initial thought seems to usually be how even having a chance at the cut shows what a great athlete that he is but it may have shown more about his ability to handle pressure than he could have intended.

With the NBA playoffs in full swing, Romo reminds me of Dwight Howard. Plenty of talent but possibly a lack of competitive fire. It's tough because on some levels I appreciate their enjoyment of their respecitive games but it can sure come off as not being as serious about winning.

 

[dogpoo32]

Yet another failure on the resume of a loser.

 

[IAWarnerFan]

Yet another failure on the resume of a loser.

Well put!

 

[moklerman]

Yet another failure on the resume of a loser.

I think that may be a little harsh. I mean, Romo's already playing with house money because I don't think he was ever really thought to get there in the first place.

My problem with Romo is that the problems he has are all related to focus and discipline and he continues to seemingly lose focus and be distracted. I think he's got plenty of physical skills and cognitive ability to succeed as a QB but then fails with personal decisions.

I guess being the QB of the Cowboys has a certain celebrity to it that may not come with other jobs in the NFL but IMO, Romo should be living in the film room, weight room and practice field. Okay, not literally but enough so that that's where we all think he is.

 

[dogpoo32]

I think that may be a little harsh. I mean, Romo's already playing with house money because I don't think he was ever really thought to get there in the first place.

My problem with Romo is that the problems he has are all related to focus and discipline and he continues to seemingly lose focus and be distracted. I think he's got plenty of physical skills and cognitive ability to succeed as a QB but then fails with personal decisions.

I guess being the QB of the Cowboys has a certain celebrity to it that may not come with other jobs in the NFL but IMO, Romo should be living in the film room, weight room and practice field. Okay, not literally but enough so that that's where we all think he is.

I didn't mean it literally. If the guy played for any other team I would most likely not have any problem with him. Of course he has it made and I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't want that. That said, he stinks and I don't like him.

 

[IAWarnerFan]

I think that may be a little harsh. I mean, Romo's already playing with house money because I don't think he was ever really thought to get there in the first place.

My problem with Romo is that the problems he has are all related to focus and discipline and he continues to seemingly lose focus and be distracted. I think he's got plenty of physical skills and cognitive ability to succeed as a QB but then fails with personal decisions.

I guess being the QB of the Cowboys has a certain celebrity to it that may not come with other jobs in the NFL but IMO, Romo should be living in the film room, weight room and practice field. Okay, not literally but enough so that that's where we all think he is.

He's a pansy!

 

[Duckjake]

I think that may be a little harsh. I mean, Romo's already playing with house money because I don't think he was ever really thought to get there in the first place.

My problem with Romo is that the problems he has are all related to focus and discipline and he continues to seemingly lose focus and be distracted. I think he's got plenty of physical skills and cognitive ability to succeed as a QB but then fails with personal decisions.

I guess being the QB of the Cowboys has a certain celebrity to it that may not come with other jobs in the NFL but IMO, Romo should be living in the film room, weight room and practice field. Okay, not literally but enough so that that's where we all think he is.

That is the double edged sword for professional athletes and owners and coaches as well. They get criticized (this is not a knock on moklerman but most fans and media) for not being 110% dedicated to the team yet if they are 110% dedicated to the team they get criticized for being aloof or arrogant or not having any personality.

Coaches get criticized for being bland and using "coachspeak" yet if you have someone who is colorful or tells it like it is they get criticized for what they say.

Of course we also tend to have a different standard for outside activities as well. A guy can spend countless hours working on a charity or helping kids with football for example and no one says a word about the time away from the weight or film room.

You really need thick skin to be in the spotlight. But then they get paid very well for it.

 

[moklerman]

That is the double edged sword for professional athletes and owners and coaches as well. They get criticized (this is not a knock on moklerman but most fans and media) for not being 110% dedicated to the team yet if they are 110% dedicated to the team they get criticized for being aloof or arrogant or not having any personality.

I agree that they have to live with unfair criticism but my point in comparing him to Manning, which I didn't convey clearly enough, was that everyone's "perception" of Manning is one of dedication and hard work. I know that he doesn't literally live in the film room, practice field, etc. but the perception is that he does.

I think there is less scrutiny in playing for the Colts but I don't think there is any bigger name in the NFL or recognizable face than Peyton's so I'm sure if he took a trip to Mexico during the playoffs or his girlfriend was a pop singer he would get the same tabloid attention. And that's the point. Somehow Peyton manages his personal life in such a way that he isn't the target of paparazzi. I don't even know if he has a girlfriend and that's the way I like it.

Of course, I could be looking at it the wrong way since I'm assuming that Romo doesn't want this negative attention. He may be in hog heaven with all the attention he gets. Good or bad.

 

[Duckjake]

I agree that they have to live with unfair criticism but my point in comparing him to Manning, which I didn't convey clearly enough, was that everyone's "perception" of Manning is one of dedication and hard work. I know that he doesn't literally live in the film room, practice field, etc. but the perception is that he does.

I think there is less scrutiny in playing for the Colts but I don't think there is any bigger name in the NFL or recognizable face than Peyton's so I'm sure if he took a trip to Mexico during the playoffs or his girlfriend was a pop singer he would get the same tabloid attention. And that's the point. Somehow Peyton manages his personal life in such a way that he isn't the target of paparazzi. I don't even know if he has a girlfriend and that's the way I like it.

Of course, I could be looking at it the wrong way since I'm assuming that Romo doesn't want this negative attention. He may be in hog heaven with all the attention he gets. Good or bad.

Your reference to Manning was well presented. It is why I commented on the double standard we fans, and the media, especially talk shows, have towards players. If they are doing something we deem acceptable we have no problem with it taking them away from preparation. On the other hand if it is something we consider frivolous we hammer them unmercifully. Yet what is frivolous to one is extremely important to another.

For example the US Open is the holy grail of golf for amateur players. Anyone who can establish a low enough handicap can try to qualify. We all want to be "Tin Cup". As a life long golfer I totally understand Romo's desire to try to qualify. Yet I'm sure most who have never played golf seriously would consider the attempt frivolous.

The most important part of your OP though is the comment on Romo's performance on the back nine. Golf is 90% talent and 10% mental until you get to the top where everyone has talent. Then the numbers reverse. Blowing up on the back nine could be a real indication that Romo has, as has been hinted at on numerous occasions, a problem performing under pressure.

But then golf is a really crazy game so it might not mean anything at all.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Yet another failure on the resume of a loser.

Not exactly sure if it was tongue in cheed or not, but who wouldn't want to have Romo's money, Jessica Simpson, playing golf etc. I hate the Cowboys, but Romo is a pretty good guy overall.

 

[lauraw]

I predict Dallas never wins a Super Bowl with Tomy Slo-mo as The QB...Tony Chokemaster, tonygomer..

 

[cgolden]

I live in the DFW area so I hear more Romo talk that I really want to, but the funny thing about this whole story is that he tries to qualify every year and of course has never really come close. The kicker is that if he ever does make it, he'll miss some of the mini-camps because the Open regulary conflicts with off season workouts. Of course it wouldn't be major news for a player to miss a weekend of OTA's or whatever but when it's a QB, it's alittle bigger deal than a WR or RB.

Also he tried to qualify for a local tourney (the Nelson) and failed to make the cut for that as well, so the joke on local sports talk is that Jessica is now effecting his golf game as well.

 

[TJ]

I heard he shot a 44 on the back 9.

Another choke job!

 

[Ryanwb]

Golf isn't exactly a casual game, especially if you want to compete with others in a professional tournament. By that I mean he would have to put in countless hours of practice to even have a shot.

Sounds like football isn't a top priority in the offseason

 

[TheHopToad]

You have to give Romo credit, he is pretty versatile. He sucks professionally at two different sports. That's an exclusive club. Even Jordan was good at one of them...

 

[JS22]

Everyone loves to pile on Romo, call him a choker, etc. But his 4th quarter QB rating is among the highest in the league. And if Patrick Crayton doesn't completely blow his route the Cowboys beat the Giants in the final minute of their playoff game. Wide open in the endzone, stops his route, Romo overthrows him. Game over.

I just don't understand all the hate? He's actually a nice human being, which is tough to say about most players.

He's also, like it or not, one of the top QB's in the game. And I know stats aren't everything, but he is currently the second highest rated QB of all time behind Steve Young. (Yes, that can change. He hasn't been starting for very long.) Looking at his numbers he is on pace to become one of the best to ever play the position. Missing 3 games this season he still threw for 26 TD's and 3500 yards.

With the trash players leaving Dallas (Owens, Pacman, Williams, etc.) I'm interested in seeing how they do.

 

[Mulli]

Everyone loves to pile on Romo, call him a choker, etc. But his 4th quarter QB rating is among the highest in the league. And if Patrick Crayton doesn't completely blow his route the Cowboys beat the Giants in the final minute of their playoff game. Wide open in the endzone, stops his route, Romo overthrows him. Game over.

I just don't understand all the hate? He's actually a nice human being, which is tough to say about most players.

He's also, like it or not, one of the top QB's in the game. And I know stats aren't everything, but he is currently the second highest rated QB of all time behind Steve Young. (Yes, that can change. He hasn't been starting for very long.) Looking at his numbers he is on pace to become one of the best to ever play the position. Missing 3 games this season he still threw for 26 TD's and 3500 yards.

With the trash players leaving Dallas (Owens, Pacman, Williams, etc.) I'm interested in seeing how they do.

Paragraphs like this might be part of people's problem with Romo. Win a playoff game to be one pace for being one of the greatest ever anything. Peyton Manning had to put up with the same.

Just saying.

 

[cgolden]

Everyone loves to pile on Romo, call him a choker, etc. But his 4th quarter QB rating is among the highest in the league. And if Patrick Crayton doesn't completely blow his route the Cowboys beat the Giants in the final minute of their playoff game. Wide open in the endzone, stops his route, Romo overthrows him. Game over.

I just don't understand all the hate? He's actually a nice human being, which is tough to say about most players.

He's also, like it or not, one of the top QB's in the game. And I know stats aren't everything, but he is currently the second highest rated QB of all time behind Steve Young. (Yes, that can change. He hasn't been starting for very long.) Looking at his numbers he is on pace to become one of the best to ever play the position. Missing 3 games this season he still threw for 26 TD's and 3500 yards.

With the trash players leaving Dallas (Owens, Pacman, Williams, etc.) I'm interested in seeing how they do.

Talent or not, aside. It's easy to see understand why there's plenty of Romo-hate out there. First, he's the QB for the most polarizing (love'em ro hate'em) franchise in the league. While that's probably enough of a reason he also has a knack for jumping into the spotlight off the field, and it doesn't help that he embraced this 'hollywood' lifestyle before he was an established player. Throw in the trip to Mexico, several playoff losses and his comments at the end of last season and it's very easy to see why some people can't stand the guy.

 

[Duckjake]

Golf isn't exactly a casual game, especially if you want to compete with others in a professional tournament. By that I mean he would have to put in countless hours of practice to even have a shot.

Sounds like football isn't a top priority in the offseason

I'd have to disagree. Golf is unlike any other sport in that either you can play or you can't. Compare Charles Barkley and Bruce Leitzke. Barkley has put in hours and hours of work with one of the best teachers in the game and he still can't play.

Leitzke on the other hand would go weeks or even months without picking up a club and show up at a tour stop one week and finish 12th.

When was the last time any tour player drastically improved his game? The vast majority of those guys are at the same level they were when they joined the tour. Tiger's been kicking their rears since day one.

Practicing golf is for suckers. Forget the range. Just go tee it up.