One lo s does not ruin the ' surprising first half of the season. But Monday night's to Washington showed this squad plays with a small margin for error, and there will be bumpy times ahead.Make no mistake: This was an ugly defeat that could come back to haunt the in late December. It's a division lo s at home to the NFC East's worst team, against the ' third-string quarterback. Forgetting the standings and tiebreak implications for a minute, the game showed off a few potentially fatal flaws for Dallas' title hopes.This is a top heavy team that is heavily dependent on a few offensive stars. has played fantastic this season, but he's a 34-year-old quarterback coming off two back surgeries in as many years. Owner Jerry Jones surely saw the season flash before his eyes when Romo .Romo admitted to taking Garrison Mathews Jersey a pain-killing injection in his effort to re-enter the game, the second straight week he's needed a shot. Romo has skipped Wednesday practice all season as he tries to manage his back i sues, and he's always going to be one hit away from bigger concern. His condition makes the ' season feel even more precarious than your average NFL team's campaign, so dependent on injuries and luck. This lo s, however, can't be pinned on Romo's injury. He struggled with Washington's blitzes from the first snap and the offense never seemed able to adjust. Romo actually left the game while trailing, and re-entered to a tie game. We saw on Monday night what happens when the offense doesn't carry the team. The Dallas defense has overachieved to be average this year, but it's not a talented unit overall. They entered Monday night as the fifth-worst defense in yards per play allowed, and that number got worse against 's crew. Washington flipped the script on Dallas, holding the ball for ten more minutes than the .Jones said the team for the season due to a torn biceps muscle. He would be the third linebacker the team has lost for the year, including their best defensive player, . Monday's lo s was also reminiscent of so many heartbreaking defeats in the era which included lack of adjustments and questionable late game play-calling. With two plays to get three yards in overtime, the did not lean on their vaunted offensive line or running back . Perhaps it's not fair to criticize Garrett during this impre sive season, but he has not earned the benefit of the doubt the last few years. To show this team is different, they will have to re-prove themselves anew each week. There will be no better time to do so than against the blitz-happy , the new owners of the NFC's best record.The latest Around The NFL Podcast . Find more Around The NFL content on . Troy Brown Jr. Jersey