When out with a broken pinkie Tony Romo's team went 1-2 sputtering out of control with backup Brad Johnson at the helm. The appalling embarrassment of a 34-14 defeat to the lowly Rams was the true low point of the season. The defense looked abysmal in two double digit losses and with the offense performing at an equally poor level they became a forgotten team. This unit clearly needed its leader to return as quickly as possible.
Alas, upon Romo's return came the reinvention of Terrell Owens and the reclamation of the high octane offense Dallas fans have become accustomed to. With the offense putting up points it was on the field longer giving the much maligned defense needed rest. The return of the all pro quarterback infused his team with confidence and with a sense of urgency a three game winning streak was born.
Today Tony Romo once again proved he is not a big game quarterback. By losing the single most important game of the season the Dallas leader has now dismantled what his presence alone had restored.This week's game ending pick six against the Steelers will not rival Romo's greatest blunder of all time, however it certainly puts a damper on the Cowboys playoff aspirations. The Dallas QB began to build his resume as a big game failure in his rookie season (as a starter) by fumbling a snap as the place kick holder for a would be playoff game winning field goal. This, a task he had performed all year, yet in the moment of truth:...snap, fumble, desperation run, and game over. Perhaps the name "Fumbellina" was over zealous based only on the man's first year playing significant time in the NFL, but more often than not #9 is good for a crucial mistake in the clutch.
After a dramatic goal line stand accompanied by a grandiose celebration run off the field (by the defense) America's Team had the clear momentum. How then does a team this talented who needed a win so desperately manage to blow a 13-3 lead in the fourth quarter? A win without their workhorse halfback Marion Barber would have been a momentous statement to all the NFL. This victory without your second most important player does more than establishing team depth and fuel a repairing swagger, it propels you to Super Bowls. With 166 all purpose yards from your third string running back and a great performance from your suspect defense this is an inexcusable loss.
This preseason Super Bowl favorite in the eyes of many unraveled in one fourth quarter, as they hopelessly watched 17 unanswered points. The Steelers only two touchdowns came 24 seconds apart and in less than thirty seconds the 2008 Cowboys went from remarkable to forgettable once again. Romo's three interceptions and fumble were devastating contributors to his team's season high five turnovers, with none more costly than the last interception returned for the game winning score.
Now the supposed NFC representative of Super Bowl XLIII will watch the February spectacle from their perspective homes as their season has already come to an end. To even make the playoffs they would have to win out their brutal schedule against the Giants, Ravens, and the resurrect Eagles. Even if the return of another fallen star (Barber) ignited a three game winning streak, their chances are beyond narrow in the seven team hunt for the NFC wild card. Will this happen? The Cutter would say not a chance.
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