Tony Romo threw 13 interceptions in the first seven games and has just two since. He was booed lustily in two mistake-filled home losses, then broke Troy Aikman's franchise record for touchdowns in the most efficient outing of his career.
    
Romo won't call this up-and-down grind tougher than any other in six years of trying to get the Cowboys deep in the playoffs for the first time since 1995. It sure looks like it, though.
    
The Dallas quarterback has used phrases such as "exhausting my brain" while the Cowboys have lived on the edge of the playoff chase. Their penchant for falling behind looked like it might wear out his right arm.
    
The Cowboys (6-6) can ill afford another loss as they head to Cincinnati (7-5) on Sunday.