In Philly, Dallas' Romo back to face demons from humiliating loss

Tony Romo left Philadelphia last December having difficulty breathing, the result of a cracked rib. It was so painful that he collapsed in the shower and needed help stepping off the podium after his news conference.

It was symbolic in a way as the Cowboys' 2008 season came crashing to an end with a 44-6 humiliation against the Eagles.

After the game Romo drew criticism for saying, "If this is the worst thing that ever happens to me, then I'll have lived a pretty good life."

Tonight, Romo returns to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since that deflating loss. First place in the NFC East is on the line, and the Cowboys are riding a three-game winning streak.

"I don't know what I'm going to be thinking or anything like that," Romo said. "I know right now I'm thinking about how to go out there and execute this plan and win this football game."

For the first time as a starter, he has gone three straight games without an interception, a streak of 120 passes. He has eight touchdown passes in the last three wins and has put up passer ratings of 113.7, 141.6 and 108.1 in wins against Kansas City, Atlanta and the Seahawks.

He recently watched tape of last year's game in Philadelphia — an ugly task, but necessary.

"You have to figure out a way to improve," Romo said. "It's disappointing when you set about on a path to try to obtain something and it isn't there at that specific moment. But you wake up and go back to work and you try to improve and get better. You learn from those experiences. If you're good enough, you'll be better the next time from it."

Notes

• Pittsburgh won't announce whether S Ryan Clark will play in Denver until Monday night, although he is not expected to be in uniform. Clark nearly died following a game in Denver two years ago because of a rare blood disorder that is aggravated by playing in high altitude.

• New Orleans placed DT Kendrick Clancy (knee) on injured reserve and signed DT DeMario Pressley from the practice squad.

• Green Bay placed OL Jason Spitz (back) on IR.

• Jacksonville was awarded S Anthony Smith off waivers from St. Louis. To make room for Smith, the Jaguars placed CB Scott Starks (hamstring) on IR.

• LB Channing Crowder (shoulder) and NT Jason Ferguson (elbow) will miss Miami's game at New England.