The NFL lockout has not stopped Tony Romo. He is already leading the Dallas Cowboys in their quest for the Super Bowl. Romo has led the Cowboys through a series of player-only workouts. At least 40 players have attended. Because of the NFL lockout, coaches are not allowed to attend. The workouts are secretive. Fans and media are not invited. It is for the players and they are coming to work. These workouts are a great early sign for the Cowboys. Fans have many reasons to be excited.
Romo is becoming a leader. He is leading by example. He is conducting organized workouts that are similar to official team workouts. He watches the clock and blows the whistle. It appears that Romo is maturing into the on-the-field leader that the Cowboys need.
Romo is healthy. He stated that his collar bone was healed by the end of last season. But being healed and being able to play are two different things. It is reassuring to know that Romo is playing now. These early workouts will get him mentally ready as well.
The other players are responding. Players who attend optional workouts like these show commitment to winning and to each other. This is when team chemistry is developed. The practices, repetition and workouts will prepare the team well. When training camp comes, they will be ready.
Dez Bryant is working out. He suffered a broken ankle last season. Prior to the injury, Bryant was one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the league. Since Bryant is participating in the workouts, he must be close to 100% healthy. Even if he isn't, the season is still a few months away. The second-year receiver is also showing some maturity by attending the workouts.
The defense is anticipating changes in the playbook. The Cowboys hired Rob Ryan to be their new defensive coordinator. There will be new plays and terminology to learn. The Cowboys defense is trying to anticipate these changes at the workouts.
This is a great early sign for the Cowboys. The best part about these early workouts is that Romo and the Cowboys are showing commitment. Nobody told them to practice. They are doing this because they want to win.
Edwin Torres has been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys since the days of Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach. He enjoyed watching the Dallas teams of the 90s dominate opponents on both sides of the ball. Living in New Jersey, he is sandwiched between Giants and Eagles fans. But that has never deterred him from being a fan of America's team.
Sources: Associated Press, "Romo details Cowboys' player-run practices, which draw crowd," NFL.com
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