NFL Roundup: Mark Sanchez Battered, Tony Romo Shines, and John Skelton Rallies Cards

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson, left, sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) to force a fumbles in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (AP2011)

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) is hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Adrian Clayborn (94) as he throws an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. Defending for the Cowboys are offensive tackle Doug Free (68) and guard Montrae Holland (64). (AP Photo/Brian Blanco) (AP2011)

New York Giants' Victor Cruz dives for but misses a pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

GLENDALE, AZ – Greetings from the road. I'm technically on my vacation through the holiday season but the gridiron doesn't rest... and neither do I.

Cowboys Light it up Saturday Night

The Dallas Cowboys played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in this season's first scheduled Saturday game and crushed Bucs, 31-15, in what was for the most part a dominating performance against a team that has underachieved all season.

Quarterback Tony Romo and his team needed a confidence boost after blowing their last two games in the final minutes, including the the NFC East lead. Can the 'Boys hang on? Did some of the magic surrounding Tim Tebow – whose Denver Broncos, incidentally, lost on Sunday to the New England Patriots – sprinkle its way over to America's Team? I'd like to believe so.

Romo threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns, and even ran one in. He also lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, but we'll look past it because of what happened Sunday.

What happened Sunday?

Giants Lost to the Redskins

Did the New York Giants blow their chance to sow up NFC East? The answer is yes.

The Giants just got beat. Period. Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz was a non-factor with only five catches and 44 yards. The lowly Washington Redskins beat them, 23-10.

The Giants blew their chance, and the Cowboys are again back atop the division. It's probably going to come down to the final game of the season between the 'Boys and the G-Men.

Rivera's Panthers Beat the Texans

The Houston Texans amassed a 10-3 record after losing two quarterbacks to injuries. T.J. Yates, the latest one behind center, even helped them clinch a playoff birth last week.

The wheels came off this week, though, as the Carolina Panthers, led by outstanding rookie quarterback Cam Newton, handled Houston to drop their record to 10-4.

Yates had two interceptions while Newton had two touchdown passes.

Panthers won 28-13 and are now 5-9.

The Jets Are Not Going to the Playoffs

The Philadelphia Eagles are still alive and could win the NFC East – not happening! – and defensive coordinator Juan Castillo may end up saving his job after all.

For the New York Jets, however, this season can't get more unpredictable.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is becoming the face of mediocrity. He had two touchdown passes, two interceptions, lost a fumble and had a lousy 150 yards.

The Eagles won, 45-19. The Jets are 8-6 and the Eagles are 6-8.

Skelton Leads the Cardiac Cards to an OT Victory

In a game I witnessed in person – that I'm sure my bosses will expense, *wink, wink* – backup quarterback John Skelton led the Arizona Cardinals from behind to win, 20-17, in overtime over the Cleveland Browns (4-10).

The Cardinals are now 7-7 and have a small chance of getting into the playoffs if they keep winning.

Skelton had 313 yards passing and threw for one touchdown and an interception. In the end, he lead his team to 10 points in the fourth quarter to tie the game. Kicker Jay Feely won the game with a field goal in OT.

Victor Garcia is a Fox News Latino regular contributor from Fox News Channel and an avid Dallas Cowboys Fan.