ESPN John Clayton Blog

Although it was totally predictable and expected the Cowboys would start Tony Romo at quarterback Sunday at Carolina, here are some of the pitfalls. First, the starting offensive line remains a problem, but no one is getting benched. Second, despite Drew Bledsoe's numerous sacks and interceptions, he ran an offense that is averaging 28 points a game. To think Romo can help the offense score 28 points a game is a lot to ask of a quarterback who has never started an NFL game. To ask him to do it in three consecutive games on the road is even more of a reach.

T.O. didn't help Bledsoe's cause: One of the things that did help Bledsoe's cause in keeping his starting job until the second half of Monday night's 36-22 loss to the Giants was his completion percentage. Bledsoe completed only 53.3 percent of his 169 pass attempts. Part of his downfall was Terrell Owens. Even though Owens creates more single coverage for Terry Glenn and tight end Jason Witten, Bledsoe watched his average drop throwing the ball to T.O. Only 28 of the 56 attempts toward Owens were completed, according to Stats Inc., and only eight of those passes were considered bad throws. He had four drops, including two Monday night. He also slipped on a play against the Giants and was on the ground as the ball sailed by him. Owens keeps talking about how he's always ready when his number is called, but his stats and play haven't backed that up this season.

Chiefs sort through mess of a line: The Chiefs continue to make desperation moves to strengthen their offensive line. They signed Kyle Turley, which seemed like a good move at the time, but he hasn't played because of a back injury. Kansas City was willing to take back John Welbourn, who is coming off a six-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. On Wednesday, KC signed former Panther/former Seahawk Chris Terry, who is coming off a one-year suspension. Welbourn, who is practicing with the team, could be active this week.