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Romo Passes Preseason Test Vs. Ravens

By Mike Fisher

ARLINGTON (105.3 THE FAN) -- The Cowboys' problems on defense are not evaporating. A problem on special teams needs to be plugged up now, too. But the potential problem that is Tony Romo -- and his healing back -- is alleviated following Saturday's 37-30 preseason loss to the Ravens at AT&T Stadium.

''He looked good,'' said Dez Bryant, who caught a 31-yard TD pass midway through the second quarter that ended Romo's night. ''He wanted to show the world he is '9' and he's a baller.''

Baltimore's defense and special teams each scored a touchdown, but this is the exhibition season, not a time for unit grades or broad judgments. This is a time for proven talents like Bryant to fine-tune, for kids and journeymen to earn jobs, and, in the case of Romo -- in his first game since December back surgery that ended last season -- to exhibit improved health.

"It felt good," said Romo, who was 4-of-5 for 80 yards in his preseason debut. "I thought it was great to get out there and help the football team and go through the checks and balances you have to do to get your team in a position to compete."

Romo was involved in a botched handoff exchange that fed a Baltimore defensive score from Courtney Upshaw -- but even that ended up being positive news for Dallas as Romo, not thinking about his back, attempted to make a tackle on Upshaw.

Deonte Thompson scored on a kickoff return to further Baltimore's cause. And Dallas' defense is full of holes, only in part because of the injuries to potential starters.

But if Romo is healthy, there is a foundation. A chance.

Said Romo: "You never know coming off an injury how you're going to feel, the progression it's going to take, the time frame, I guess you could say. You have an idea, but it's nice to see you can go out and play and your back holds up, your body holds up."

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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