Tony Romo returns, and the Cowboys' 7-game skid is over

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Tony Romo scrambled in the back of the end zone before improvising to throw his first pass in two months -- lefthanded for a short gain.

He did even better righthanded.

Romo pulled off his latest comeback victory yesterday, returning from a collarbone injury to throw for two touchdowns as the Cowboys beat the Dolphins, 24-14.

Dallas won for the first time since Romo was hurt in Week 2. The Cowboys (3-7) snapped a seven-game losing streak, their longest in a single season since 1989. They will host undefeated Carolina on Thanksgiving.

"Winning," Romo said, "is going to put a little more pep in everyone's step."

The Dolphins fell to 4-6.

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."

Since Week 2 of last season, the Cowboys are 16-3 when Romo starts and 0-8 when he doesn't. "We looked like our old selves in a lot of ways," tight end Jason Witten said.

Darren McFadden provided offensive balance by rushing for 129 yards.

Dallas' dominating defense added to Romo's comfort level, beginning when Rolando McClain scored the game's first points and his first career TD on a 12-yard interception return.

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," he said. "That's why it's the NFL. You almost take it as a challenge, and it makes it almost more enjoyable."

Dallas' first scoring threat ended when Romo was blitzed and his pass was intercepted. 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 lefthanded 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 lefthander," 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."