Romo’s Rumble is an epic
October 2nd, 2007 | by Kevin Morris |
By
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
In Dallas, quarterback Tony Romo is being called the Magic Man and the second
coming of Roger Staubach.
Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis called it the greatest play in NFL history.
Cowboys coach Wade Phillips called it a miracle play.
Monday in St. Louis, they still were shaking their heads over Romo’s Ramble,
that improbable 70-yard scramble — for a net 4-yard gain — that turned the
momentum Dallas’ way late in the first half Sunday at Texas Stadium.
Rams coach Scott Linehan said he’s never seen a play quite like that.
“I saw (Daunte) Culpepper do some pretty good things when he played for me (in
Minnesota), that kind of stuff,” Linehan said. “In that situation right there,
the game is pretty much in balance. You can change the course of a game by
making plays like that.”
Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, with a wry smile, could only add: “We
didn’t practice that play. So put it on me.”
Imagine Haslett blowing a whistle and barking out instructions to the defense
during a Rams practice:
“All right, guys. Shotgun snap, 20 yards over the quarterback’s head. Let’s
go!”
So what could the Rams have done differently on the play?
“We could’ve got him down,” Linehan said. “(James) Hall actually knocked
Leonard (Little) off. I think the (pursuit) angles could have been different,
no different than containing a punt returner.”
Little and Hall were in hot pursuit of Romo as the errant snap bounded all the
way from the 50 to the Dallas 17-yard line.
Unfortunately for the Rams, Hall knocked Little off course.
Cynics might say it was the best “block” of the day by St. Louis. It helped
spring Romo on a scramble that resulted in a first down, and ultimately, the
go-ahead touchdown.
“Whether he was going for the ball or not, I haven’t asked James (Hall) to
relive that one,” Linehan said. “But that was critical.”
BYRD LEFT HOME
After missing a special teams meeting last week, tight end Dominique Byrd was
left in St. Louis and did not accompany the squad to Dallas.
According to team sources, Byrd also was fined. He was among the Rams’
designated inactive players for the Dallas game. Before last week’s
transgression, Byrd had shown up late for several team meetings.
INJURYUPDATE
— WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring) probably will be a game-time decision Sunday
against Arizona.
— SS Corey Chavous (pectoral) has not been ruled out for Arizona, but could be
sidelined two to three weeks.
— OT Adam Goldberg (knee) is out at least a month because of a torn medial
collateral ligament.
— DE James Hall (pectoral muscle) is scheduled to undergo an MRI today.
— CB Tye Hill (back, ribs) probably will be out another week.
— RG Richie Incognito (ankle) is questionable for Arizona.
— RB Steven Jackson (groin) has been ruled out for Arizona.
— DE Leonard Little (knee) is expected to play against Arizona.
— WR Dane Looker (thigh bruise) has been ruled out for Arizona.
— DE Raonall Smith (knee) has not been ruled out for Arizona but could be
sidelined two to three weeks.
THE STAT
The Rams plummeted from seventh to 24th in the NFL in total defense after
yielding 502 yards against Dallas.
QUOTABLE
“We’re the walking wounded right now. We’ve got a lot of guys injured. The
second-team guys have got to step up and make plays, just like they’re on the
first team.”
— Rams defensive end Leonard Little
LOOKING AHEAD
Bill Bidwill, Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals visit the Edward Jones Dome
in the only home game for the Rams over a five-game stretch. The Big Red have
won the last two games in St. Louis, including a 34-20 triumph last Dec. 3.
