The Cowboys still have one preseason game to play before the focus can shift to the Giants and the Sept. 5 season opener. But Tony Romo said his mind is already on the defending champs, and he can afford to look ahead since he won’t play a snap in Wednesday’s preseason finale against the Dolphins.
Romo had a nice showing in the final preseason game against the Rams, throwing for a pair of first-quarter touchdowns -- and doing so without key starters Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Phil Costa.
But having the starting receivers out has given Romo and the Cowboys a chance to check out the youngsters vying for backup spots.
What are your overall thoughts on the depth at wide receiver?
Romo: I just think that guys have been working hard and doing a good job of competing … I think some of the young guys stepped up and made some plays (against the Rams). I think we needed that. We need to have some depth at that position. Obviously, without Dez and Miles, you’re never going to get everything the exact way you want. When they come back, that’s going to be an incredible boost for us. It’s good to know we have some depth and the guys can do some things.”
Would you say you’re comfortable right now with the young receivers?
Romo: You get a feeling you think is good, but what happens then is you’ve got to be able to go out and prove it. You’ve got to go out to the game and you’ve got to execute well. I thought our team did that (in the preseason games). Our young guys knew what they were doing and it showed. They did a good job.
How much can it help to have young receivers working with the first-team offense?
Romo: Sometimes, it can help your football team depth-wise for some young guys to get in the first group to play and get a chance to see what it’s like with the talent level and the competition you have to go against. It can be a bonus. You never want your (starters) to be out. But when they come back, it’ll provide us with an incredible boost we’re looking forward to.
Do you have a plan for the rest of the preseason?
Romo: I’ll probably keep preparing for New York. If Jason says I’m playing Wednesday, I know in the past he’s held us out, so we’ll see what takes shape there. I do know I’ve been preparing for New York for a while too. We’ll just get back to studying them and take it from there.
What are your overall thoughts on the team as we stand right now?
Romo: There’s no feeling or basis on anything. We just have to keep improving and getting better. We’re going to go through tough times this year. We’re going to have good times. We just have to keep getting better and keep improving both individually and as a team.
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