A quick observation of quarterback Tony Romo and how he played in the Dallas Cowboys' 31-28 win in Week 12 against the New York Giants:

The Romo who played Sunday against the Giants looked a lot different from the Romo who played Nov. 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Romo moved much more freely against the Giants than he did against the Jaguars, which was his first game playing through two transverse process fractures in his back.

The Cowboys also felt more comfortable with him moving out of the pocket on designed plays. Romo said he feels better and expects to be back closer to normal in a week or two.

The challenge Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles is the quick turnaround. He has been limited in his practice work since the second week of the season as he rested and rehabbed his surgically repaired back, but there is no time for rest this week.

Romo has excelled in Thanksgiving games in the past. He has posted a 6-1 record with 2,033 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. His only defeat came in 2012 when he lost to Washington 38-31 while throwing for 441 yards on 37-of-62 passing with three touchdowns and two interceptions. These Cowboys are not as pass-happy with their focus on the running game, so the burden is not as heavy on Romo to do everything.