AT ISSUE
Ripping on Romo
What: People are picking on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Background: The attack on Romo and his personal life kicked into a new gear after he and his Cowboys were upset at home by the New York Giants in the divisional playoffs. The Cowboys’ chances ended when Romo threw an interception in the Giants’ end zone with Dallas trailing by four points. Romo was on the hot seat going into the game because of a trip to Mexico he took with some teammates and his girlfriend, pop singer/borderline actress/reality TV star Jessica
Simpson, during the Cowboys’ bye weekend. Romo took heat from many people, including former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw, for going on the excursion. Romo was previously under pressure for having Simpson attend a Cowboys game, which they ended up losing, last month. After the Cowboys lost their game after CaboGate, the attacks on Romo have been full force. Anticipating the uproar, receiver Terrell Owens broke into tears, saying criticism of Romo would be unfair.
Williamson’s take: Leave Romo alone. The Cowboys didn’t lose that game because of what he did on a short break. Who cares what the guy does in his private time? And for former athletes like Bradshaw to chime in is ridiculous. Bradshaw never had a good time while he was playing, huh? OK, Terry, you keep believing that. Totally unfair.
THE HOT SEAT
Who: New England coach Bill Belichick.
When: Sunday in the AFC championship game against the visiting San Diego Chargers.
Why: A lot of people are playing with house money this Sunday with little to lose. With Dallas and Indianapolis out of the way, all attention is on Belichick’s Patriots, who are two victories from achieving a perfect 19-0 record. Things are getting tight. If Belichick’s team loses to the heavy underdog Chargers, Belichick will be known as a choker. Of course, he doesn’t care. The guy is a robot who goes one game at a time.
ROOKIE WATCH
Who: Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby.
When: Sunday in the NFC championship game against the visiting New York Giants.
Why: The former Colorado standout has done a nice job this season, and the country wants to see Brett Favre in the Super Bowl again. Whether Favre makes it could be up to the strong-legged Crosby. Pressure? Yes, but that’s the life of an NFL kicker. So far, Crosby has handled the life well and has been become a fan favorite in Green Bay. In a title game that will be played in bitter cold weather, points will be at a premium. Crosby can further endear himself in the Frozen Tundra by making key field goals.
