NFL MVP Watch: Tom Brady, Rookie Lead Week 1 Edition

Sep 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback

(9) looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys won 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

8. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

There’s one word that best counters any criticism that may exist for a player’s statistics: redemption. For instance, Tony Romo threw two interceptions, but he redeemed himself by winning it for his team.

On top of completing 80 percent of his passes for over 350 yards and three touchdowns, Romo threw the game-winning pass with seven seconds on the clock.

Romo is a lot more clutch than the narrative suggests.

Romo finished with 356 passing yards and three touchdowns to two interceptions, which are very strong numbers. One would like to see the turnover total dip, but he was a remarkably efficient 36-of-45 on passing attempts.

There’s only so much more you can ask of a player.

With his performance, Romo pushed the Cowboys to 1-0 with an already vital victory over the New York Giants. Both are in the NFC East, which means every win or loss could decide a potential tiebreaker.

Romo will have an uphill battle without injured star wide receiver Dez Bryant, but a game-winning drive against a division rival is a great start to his MVP campaign.

Next: The Game Manager