Dallas Cowboys: Despite December Struggles, Tony Romo Is Mr. November
by Dan Parzych
Throughout his career, Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Tony Romo has been criticized for the way he performs towards the end of the year. However, it may be time to award him the nickname of "Mr. November" with the type of play he's established during this month in Dallas over the last four seasons.
On November 5, 2006, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo made his second career start against the Washington Redskins. He completed 24-of-36 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns in a 22-19 loss.
Why was this game so significant for the seventh-year quarterback? This was the only time in Romo's career he lost a game during the month of November.
Despite all of the heat taken for his performance when the month of December rolls around, in which he has a combined record of 5-8 over his career, Romo has established himself as a clutch-performer in the month of November for the Cowboys.
Since losing to the Redskins in 2006, he has won 13 straight games in November, including two key victories over the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles this season. Not only has his win streak been impressive, but his numbers at quarterback have been as well.
In the 13 wins, Romo has completed 68.2 percent of the passes he's thrown. Overall, he's completed 269-of-394 passes for 3,641 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions.
The Cowboys have three games remaining in the month of November with a 6-2 record and a one-game lead over the Eagles for first place in the NFC East. On Sunday, they take on the 4-4 Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, who are coming off a loss to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
If Romo can lead the Cowboys to another win in the month of November by defeating the Packers, his streak will increase to 14 games. With two home matchups against the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders before December rolls around, there's a good chance Romo's streak can stay alive for 2010 considering both teams each have two wins so far this season.
He may not have the best reputation for being a dominant quarterback once December rolls around.
However, Romo has performed well enough over the last four seasons to earn the nickname of Mr. November in the NFL.