Romo, Cowboys reach playoffs in 42-7 rout of Colts


              Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, left, laughs as he talks with teammate Brandon Carr (39) on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, left, laughs as he talks with teammate Brandon Carr (39) on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Dallas ended a four-year playoff drought Sunday in a dominating 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, with Tony Romo throwing four touchdown passes and breaking Troy Aikman's franchise record for yards passing.

The Cowboys (11-4) emphatically ended a three-game home losing streak, scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions to take the NFC East.

Dallas had an opening for its first division title and postseason berth since 2009 because of Philadelphia's 27-24 loss at Washington on Saturday. The Eagles were eliminated with the Cowboys' win.

The Colts (10-5) didn't have much to play for with the AFC South title secured, and looked like it while barely avoiding their first shutout loss in 21 years.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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