The New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys for the second time in four weeks to earn the NFC East division title and a spot in the playoffs, knocking the Cowboys out of the playoffs completely. The Giants won on another strong performance by Eli Manning, who completed 24 of 33 passes for 346 yards and 3 TDs. Manning finished the season with 4,933 passing yards, just missing joining the 5,000-yard club along with Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford, who all exceeded 5,000 yards this season – a feat which had only been accomplished twice in NFL history prior to this year.
Victor Cruz had another excellent game, as he caught 6 balls for 178 yards and 1 TD – a 74-yarder in the first quarter that put the Giants up early, a lead which they never relinquished.
With rookie DeMarco Murray out for the Cowboys, they only managed to generate 49 rushing yards and feel behind 21-0 at the half. Quarterback Tony Romo threw for 289 yards and 2 TDs along with 1 INT, but he also lost a fumble as the Giants won the turnover battle 2-0.
The Giants face the Atlanta Falcons next weekend in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
