Top 5 reasons why the Cowboys failed this year.

They were supposed to be the favorite to win the Super Bowl. They got the talent on paper. A proven quarterback, a strong running back, superior receivers and a solid defense.

They had the potential to be as good as the other preseason favorite, the New England Patriots.

However, when quarterback Tom Brady went down, it should've been clear sailing for the Cowboys. But the road was much rougher than expected.

Here's a top 5 rundown of why the Cowboys blew a huge opportunity.

5. Romo never has a Happy Holiday.

When Tony Romo took over for Drew Bledsoe as the starting quarterback during the 2006 season, Dallas fans praised and the target on Romo's back was set.

Look at all the mess he's been in since then.

He would be worthy of being the next great Dallas QB in the first three months of the season, but after Thanksgiving he would be a complete mess.

In the last three seasons, Romo has been 5-8 as a starter and after last night's nightmare, it still seems that the 28-year-old still plays like a rookie when it matters most.

4. The Media loves to drown in Dallas's drama

After their collapsing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Week 14, the media went nuts in pointing the finger at receiver Terrell Owens saying that most of the team is furious about the fact that Romo, supposedly, is thinking of passing plays to tight end Jason Witten with Witten.

The media went all kinds of crazy and began speculation that Owens was the problem for the Cowboys.

After pulling out a big win against the New York Giants the next week, it seemed that all was well with the boys in Big D, but alas it was not meant to be after the Cowboys fell flat against the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles to get eliminated from contention.

3. The entire team had no fight when they needed it most.

See the pitcure of Romo on the ground? That's exactly how the Cowboys played in the final two games in the season; FLAT.

Although no matter what, it's always Romo's fault to the fans and the media, it was the entire team that was a letdown against the Ravens and the Eagles.
Think about the two 70-plus yard touchdown runs the D-line gave up against Baltimore and think about how the ball just could not stay in their hands against Philadelphia.

The pressure got to them.

Everybody expects them to be really good, and they should be.

But it was like the white flag was already raised during the Baltimore game and halfway through the second quarter of the Eagle game.

If the team knows the game is on the line, then they should play their butts off instead of crying and thinking "Oh shucks we'll try again next year."

2. We had to rely on Brad Johnson when Romo got his pinkie broken.

Do I even need to explain this one for you?

1. Wade Phillips is the coach.

I'm not a big fan of blaming the coaches for the mistakes that the team makes on the field, but after seeing what kind of season Dallas had, this one is a no-brainer.

From the alleged locker room drama to the look of shame seen on his face, I think it's fair to say that Phillips probably doesn't give a damn. You know why owner Jerry Jones hasn't fired this man yet, becuase he'll do whatever Jones says.

That's right I said it!

Jones wants someone he can whip.

You look at former Dallas coaches like Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells who stood up, showed emotion and took no crap from anybody.

Now look at Phillips, he looks like a shy kid who is about to give his first oral speech to his class.
Phillips needs to show some cojones and emotion. Let us know that he actually cares about what's going on.

If he doesn't, you can guarantee some more disappointing seasons in the near future.