By Art Garcia
ARLINGTON, Texas—It's down to a winner-take-all showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants next week in the Meadowlands.
The Cowboys just hope to have Tony Romo ready to go.
Dallas heads into Sunday's regular-season finale to decide the NFC East title with Romo's status in doubt due to a bruised right (throwing) hand. The quarterback was hurt in the Cowboys' 20-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in what was essentially a meaningless game Saturday afternoon at Cowboys Stadium.
Dallas and New York will hook up on New Year's Day just three weeks removed from the last meeting between the longtime rivals. The Cowboys (8-7) could have locked up the NFC East had they beaten the Giants at home on Dec. 11, but New York rallied from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to stay in the playoff race.
As much as the 37-34 loss to New York hurt, the Cowboys have a chance to make amends and return to the playoffs for the first time under coach Jason Garrett. Dallas did beat the Giants at MetLife Stadium last season under Garrett.
"It's a great opportunity for us to try to win the division in Week 17," Garrett said. "We put ourselves in a position to do this, and for the most part, we feel we're relatively healthy."
The health of Romo is going to be question during the buildup. Romo left in the first quarter Saturday and didn't return. He had swelling on the back of his hand after the game.
"The biggest issue is gripping the ball, taking the snap and those things that come with playing the position," Garrett said. "We just have to see how it responds."
The Eagles (7-8) came into Saturday mathematically alive to win the NFC East with some help. That help didn't come, as the Giants beat the New York Jets to eliminate Philadelphia.
The Eagles were leading 7-0 when they learned their fate with about three minutes left in the first quarter, as the Giants' game victory went final. Philadelphia heads into the offseason as one of the NFL's biggest disappointments.
"It's a reality check," Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson said. "Look in the mirror. Everybody has to check themselves."
The Eagles were expected to contend for more than just a division title with an offense built around Michael Vick and a high-priced defensive secondary. Instead, Philadelphia started 1-4, and its late-season, three-game winning streak proved too little, too late.
"I've watched this team grow as the weeks have went on," Vick said. "The last three or four weeks, we've come together as a team."
Garrett elected to play it safe Saturday, especially after Romo was injured on Dallas' first series. Romo went into the locker room for X-rays, which were negative, and he came back out with his hand heavily wrapped.
Romo's favorite target expects the quarterback to be on the field for the game against the Giants.
"I feel confident that he will," tight end Jason Witten said. "I don't want to speak for him, but I've been with him a long time. I know what he's about. He lives to be in these opportunities."
Dallas kept it close to the vest with Stephen McGee at the controls. Romo's backup came into the season as the third-stringer, but he moved up the depth chart with Jon Kitna on the injured list.
McGee didn't try to do too much, despite showing flashes of mobility and making a few nice throws on the run. For the most part, Dallas was content to run the ball and punt. McGee finished 24 of 38 for 182 yards and one late touchdown.
Garrett also eased back on running back Felix Jones, who didn't practice all week with an iffy hamstring. Jones was active and started against Philadelphia, but most of the carries went to recent pickup Sammy Morris, who going 29 yards on 13 attempts. Jones had four carries for 24 yards.
The Cowboys are thin in the backfield with rookie DeMarco Murray done for the season, so there was no sense in pushing Jones with next week's showdown looming.
The Cowboys are thin in the backfield with rookie DeMarco Murray done for the season, so there was no sense in pushing Jones with next week's showdown looming.
Vick threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first half as the Eagles took a 14-0 lead into the locker room. The first scoring toss covered 13 yards to Brent Celek on the opening drive. Vick also found Jeremy Maclin from 5 yards out with 10 seconds remaining before halftime.
Vick finished with 293 yards on 18-of-32 passing.
GAME NOTES: The Eagles were without cornerback Asante Samuel due to a hamstring injury. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie started in his place. … Dallas added running back Chauncey Washington to the roster and cut guard Daniel Loper. … Cowboys tight end Jason Witten moved into third place on the club's all-time list for receiving yards. He finished with four catches for 24 yards. … Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware had two sacks to push his season total to 18.
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