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Monday, Dec 31, 2012 2:15 AM UTC

Romo’s 2 INTs leave Cowboys, Skins 0-0 after 1st

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Topics: From the Wires,

Romo's 2 INTs leave Cowboys, Skins 0-0 after 1stDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reacts to fans before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)(Credit: AP)

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — With the NFC East title on the line, Tony Romo threw interceptions on each of Dallas’ first two possessions Sunday night, and Washington kicker Kai Forbath missed a field-goal try for the first time in his NFL career, leaving the Cowboys and Redskins tied 0-0 after the first quarter.

It was a win-or-go-home game moved into prime time to mark the end of the NFL’s regular season: Whichever team lost would miss the playoffs, and the winner would host the wild-card Seattle Seahawks in a first-round game next weekend.

Washington and rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III won the coin toss, got the ball first and went three-and-out, with Dwayne Harris’ 28-yard punt return setting up Dallas at the Washington 27.

But on Dallas’ third play on offense, Romo’s pass was picked off by Redskins rookie Richard Crawford. Walking to the sideline, Romo gave intended receiver Kevin Ogletree a talking-to.

The Redskins then drove into field-goal range, before Forbath sent his 37-yard attempt off the right upright, ending his NFL-record streak of 17 consecutive makes to begin a career. Forbath made two field goals last week to surpass Saints kicker Garrett Hartley’s old mark of 16 in a row.

Dallas’ second drive also ended with Romo’s pass getting picked off, this time by cornerback Josh Wilson at Washington’s 13. The Redskins again did not capitalize, needing to punt the ball back.

The Cowboys were seeking the first division title and playoff berth since 2009. The Redskins, meanwhile, sought their first trip to the postseason since 2007 — and first NFC East championship since 1999. Washington finished in last place each of the past four seasons.

Washington entered the day on a six-game winning streak and with a 9-6 record, while Dallas came in 8-7.

A victory over Dallas would make Washington the first club since the 1996 Jacksonville Jaguars to get to the playoffs after opening 3-6.

___

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

More By Howard Fendrich.

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