Tony Romo’s Storybook Ending Was Not to Be

Tony Romo had his moment to be the hero. It was late in the final quarter, the Dallas Cowboys trailing by five and fourth down and two from the 32 of Green Bay.

Romo delivered the perfect pass to Dez Bryant down the sideline for a gain of 31 yards.

It took intestinal fortitude to even attempt that kind of pass in that particular situation.

However, Romo went for it all even though he has been criticized often for his gunslinger chances.

For a brief moment it looked as if the storyline had been written, Romo returns to home state to defeat Green Bay and move on to face Seattle in NFC Championship.

It appeared to be what legends were made of.

Then the catch by Bryant was overturned by Gene Steratore and Romo and his offense would not enter the game again.

Dallas lost the game 26-21. Their quarterback after starting for nine seasons, was left to ponder if he would every again have a better opportunity than on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Romo said just losing is disappointing. He added that he had played long enough to know the kind of team he was playing with does not come around often and you must take advantage when they do.

Romo was 15 for 19 for just 191 yards on the day. He had two touchdown passes on the day. He threw no interceptions, but was sacked on four occasions.

His moment was there, until it wasn’t.

On the fourth down call, Dallas had three of its wide receivers on the field and tight end Jason Witten.

Prior to the snap, Bryant saw the coverage was man to man and he knew the pass would be thrown to him.

Bryant and Romo were tuned in all season including on that fourth down play Sunday. The opportunity came to hurt Green Bay and Romo could not pass it up.

Following the game, Romo limped slightly walking to the Dallas bus. He was unable to straighten a finger on his left hand which is thinks it due to ligament damage.

His and his teammates’ season was done.

However, his play during the entire season was instrumental in Dallas reaching the divisional playoffs. He played with torn rib cartilage and two transverse fractures in his back.

Jason Garrett, the head coach for Dallas said that all greats have traits of mental and physical toughness and Romo is no exception.

Garrett added that Romo kept being hit and hurt, but kept battling back.

The Dallas coach said Romo made critical plays all game and gave the club a chance to win the game late.

However, the storybook ending was short lived and reality of another playoff loss will be with Romo all winter.