Healing Romo responds to Redskins’ Hall

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Tony Romo has a message for DeAngelo Hall: He'll be coming after him, too.

Despite a cracked rib that led to a punctured lung on Sept. 18, Romo seems to have healed enough to start for the Dallas Cowboys when they play host to Hall and the Washington Redskins tonight.

The injury is no secret, nor is the notion a foe will try hitting him where it hurts to see just how well his protective vest and painkilling medication really work. Usually, though, that goes without saying. Hall went ahead and said it, declaring, "I want to get a chance to put my helmet on whatever's hurt."

He added: "I'm going to be asking for some corner blitzes."

Tough talk from a guy who has a total of one sack in 103 games, and it wasn't even his own doing. He got a half-sack as a rookie in 2004, and another half in 2008.

Romo actually wouldn't mind seeing No. 23 coming his way.

"If he's blitzing, that means he's not covering," Romo said. "So we'll attack his guy he's covering."

Romo vs. Hall has a long way to go before joining the pantheon of great subplots in the Cowboys-Redskins series, but it's the best going into this game.

The main plot is pretty good, too.

Washington (2-0) and Dallas (1-1) are vying for a spot atop the NFC East, a status handed to Philadelphia after its offseason spending spree. The Eagles remain a solid threat, but they're off to a 1-2 start after losing to the Giants (2-1) on Sunday, and the Redskins and Cowboys could put up a fight, too.

The Cowboys' chances are more tenuous, especially because they are so banged up.

Even if Romo plays, he will be without receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) and could be without receiver Dez Bryant (thigh). Running back Felix Jones will play with a shoulder that was dislocated last week, and two of Dallas' inexperienced linemen are trying to play through knee injuries. Seven players who've started games missed at least one practice last week, plus they could be without kickoff specialist David Buehler.

Coach Jason Garrett preaches that injuries are opportunities for others, and former reality TV star Jesse Holley took advantage in Week 2 at San Francisco. He replaced Austin in overtime and caught a 77-yard pass to set up the winning field goal. His first career catch came on the drive that tied the game near the end of the fourth quarter. The secondary should get a boost, too, with the return of cornerback Terence Newman. He has been out since early August with a groin problem.

Although Dallas' injury list is long, Romo said the club is somewhat lucky because none of the injuries is long term. Players had an extra day to heal before playing Washington, this is the first of two straight at home, and the Cowboys then have a bye week.

It all adds up to this game marking an early crossroad.

Beating either the Redskins or the Lions next week would keep Dallas' season afloat. Winning both would really be something. Losing both could leave the Cowboys staring at 1-4 -- they go to New England after the bye -- and would draw all sorts of comparisons to last year's 1-7 start.

"It's a big week for us," tight end Jason Witten said.

Washington is 2-0 for the first time in four years and enjoying the rare treat of being in first place in the NFC East, even if it is early. It's still the first big indication that coach Mike Shanahan is spending Dan Snyder's money wisely and perhaps putting together a contender.

Beating the Giants and Cardinals at home doesn't stamp a team for greatness. How they did it is what stands out. They're following the Shanahan blueprint on offense and might be even more improved on defense. History is on their side, too: five of the six previous Washington teams that started 2-0 ended up in the playoffs.

"Guys are a lot more relaxed," said outside linebacker Brian Orakpo, who has become tougher to stop with offenses also trying to slow rookie linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. "Our abilities in everything we're (doing) so far, from preseason to the first two games, has been through the roof. We couldn't ask for anything more. I really feel like guys are playing well, playing hard and playing fast."