ROMO RETURNS, COWBOYS SNAP SEVEN-GAME SKID
Tony Romo scrambled in the back of the end zone before improvising to throw his first pass in two months — left-handed for a short gain.
He did even better right-handed.
Romo pulled off his latest comeback victory Sunday, returning from a collarbone injury to throw for two scores, and the Dallas Cowboys won for the first time since he was hurt in Week 2, beating the Miami Dolphins 24-14.
The Cowboys (3-7) snapped a seven-game losing streak, their longest in a single season since 1989. They play host to undefeated Carolina on Thanksgiving.
“Winning,” Romo said, “is going to put a little more pep in everyone’s step.”
Romo went 18 for 28 for 227 yards and overcame two interceptions by throwing touchdown passes of 31 yards to Terrance Williams and 16 yards to Dez Bryant.
“I got more comfortable as the game went on,” Romo said.
“Him being back just gives everybody that much more juice,” Bryant said. “We all know who our leader is.”
Dallas’ dominating defense added to his comfort level, beginning when linebacker Rolando McClain scored the game’s first points and his first career touchdown on a 12-yard interception return. He stepped in front of a pass by Ryan Tannehill intended for Greg Jennings.
Romo looked rusty at times, and heavy rain and gusty wind early in the game didn’t help.
“That’s the way it’s supposed to be,” Romo said. “That’s why it’s the NFL. You almost take it as a challenge, and it makes it almost more enjoyable.”
The Cowboys’ first scoring threat ended when he was blitzed and his pass was intercepted by Brent Grimes. A frustrated Romo yelled at intended receiver Bryant as they headed for the bench.
“I love that kid,” Romo said.
Romo soon settled down and showed his characteristic creativity. The left-handed desperation lob allowed him to avoid a safety on the Cowboys’ opening possession.
“I didn’t envision after my two-month layoff coming back with a left-hander,” he said. “I did practice that about seven or eight years ago, so I was ready for it.”
“It gave me a shiver,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, “and I know it inspired the team.”
As expected, Romo sparked a team tied for next to last in the NFL in points. Since Week 2 of 2014, the Cowboys are 16-3 when he starts and 0-8 when he doesn’t.
“He’s a damned good player,” coach Jason Garrett said. “He has been for a long time.”
Tannehill threw touchdown passes of 12 yards to Jordan Cameron and 29 yards to Kenny Stills. But Romo directed a late 51/2-minute drive that sealed Dallas’ win.
