When coaches get a chance to look back on Dallas' 21-17 loss to New York on Sunday, they'll point to the Cowboys' offensive line not living up to its billing.

They'll point to Andre Gurode's particularly awkward play at center.

They'll point to ineffectiveness by big-play receivers in getting open and then catching the ball when they had the opportunity.

However, fans are going to point to Tony Romo.

Compared to a modern-day Broadway Joe by FOX announcers, Romo didn't manage this game well. He made poor decisions in the pocket and poor decisions downfield.

But many of us would say his worst decision was in being a major-league distraction for a team seeking its first playoff win in more than a decade. His little vacation to Mexico with Jessica Simpson and teammates Jason Witten, Marc Columbo and Bobby Carpenter allowed a team in desperate need of focus to take its eye off the ball.

And, now, Cowboys' fans will never know what might have been.

While I think it's important to allow athletes and team members in any construct to get some off time, I absolutely do not think it's appropriate when preparing for the pinnacle of your profession, particularly when that profession involves a one-and-done playoff.

What must Terrell Owens think? What must that offensive line think? What do you think Jerry Jones thinks about all this?

Fact is that New York could very likely be the NFC's Super Bowl rep. They're playing great ball, particularly on the road. However, the Giants brought nothing to the field that was unconquerable.

The Cowboys, however, brought a ton of talent, high expectations and distraction to Sunday's divisional playoff. If Tony Romo wants to be a rock star, then go be a rock star. If he happens to win a Super Bowl or two along the way, his legend in Big D will grow immensely.

But losing 21-17 opens him up to a ton of well-deserved tough questions.

We'll give Tony a pass on the botched snap last season.

This year's all on Romo.