Tony Romo Guarantees Cowboys Can Win Nine Games and ‘Possibly’ Make Playoffs.

It’s been a busy off-season for Tony Romo. After signing a six-year, $108 million contract, the Cowboys' ever-criticized quarterback had surgery last week to have a cyst removed from his back. Despite missing OTAs, Romo has still managed to make headlines from the sidelines, declaring that his team has a chance of making a run at the Playoffs.

“I think this can definitely be a nine-win team,” said an enthusiastic Romo to a group of reporters outside the Cowboys' Valley Ranch training facility. “We’ve been able to win eight games in each of the last two seasons and I really think we are ready to take that next step.”

Romo’s comments come in the wake of being challenged by his coaching staff to take more of a leadership role with the team. After leading the NFL in smiles from 2006-2009, the Cowboys have failed to make the Playoffs in three straight years. Last season, Romo had 28 touchdowns while passing for a franchise-record 4,903 yards.  However, with the Cowboys in position to win a division title against the Washington Redskins, Romo checked the ball down to wide-open Redskins defender, Rob Jackson, for the easy interception.

“Last season is a distant memory,” said Romo. “I know it all starts with me playing better, and I think if I stop giving the ball away, it’s not crazy to think we can try to get second place in this division.”

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett was not quite as optimistic when meeting with the media earlier today. “I’m not really sure how many games we can win this season,” said Garrett. “Actually, I don't think I'm really allowed to say. To be perfectly honest, they don’t really let me do a whole lot around here anymore.  Part of me thinks Jerry [Jones] just keeps me around to laugh of at my red hair.”  

Dez Bryant was there to back up his quarterback when asked what he thought of Romo’s guarantee.  He told us that a lot of pieces still need to come together, but it all comes down to worrying about the things you can control. “Would help if RGIII missed a lot of time,” said Bryant.

Romo cited health as a big difference between this year and last year. “Things got so bad last year we were pulling guys off the street,” said Romo. “One of our teammates died, and the one that killed him went to jail.  We couldn’t seem to keep our guys on the field. I think it would be fair to say we had the shittiest training staff in the NFL.”

Later, when asked if he stood by his comments, Romo did not shy away. “I would go as far as guaranteeing nine wins this year,” said Romo. “I have a lot of confidence in this team to perform well in maybe half the games.”

And as for the Playoffs?

“Anything is possible,” Romo shouted as he grabbed his golf shoes from his locker. “If Christian Ponder can be the quarterback of a Playoff team, there’s no reason I can’t be.”