The obvious answer is the terrible defense. However, that 4th ranked offense was bad about leaning on the kicker too much. And something that irritated me a bit about the offense throughout last season - all too often Dak was the only one getting the praise. He had a decent season, sure, but he didn't do it by himself. Take Pickens off the roster and how does the offense look in 2025? He carried the offense when Lamb was out. Pickens had a monster year but I rarely heard any of the usual suspects giving him any credit for making the offense move the ball like they did. It was nothing but Dak, Dak, Dak. Someone has to catch the damn ball, right?
The offense has to try and keep up, not the QB.
But in seasons past the offense got themselves into early holes because of constant 3 and outs, not being able to move the ball, etc. Take the GB disaster for example - the defense sucked butt that day, but the offense didn't do them any favors either. They looked like world beaters once GB took their foot off the gas, though, and the usual suspects spoke only of how their hero did his best to rally the team back. Please - GB went on cruise control.
What's the question here? Yes, Dak has struggled in the playoffs and in my opinion he has earned the choker label. And yes, since he's the highest paid more should be expected of him and he simply doesn't respond well in big games. Neither did Romo.
Which 49ers playoff game are you referring to? From what I remember of both recent games against them the defense did well enough to keep the games close, but the offense sputtered. Dallas' best chance was the game where Pollard got injured - after he went down the offense crumbled and the game was over. The consensus was that SF knew that putting the game in Dak's hands was going to work out in their favor and in the end it did.
About all the penalties - hell if I know. Just don't give up and throw in the towel. Remember the 5 turnover game Romo had against Buffalo? Dallas had no business winning that game, but they did. Hope you noticed I didn't give Romo the credit for that game. I have a stalker who attacks me every time I say that name.