BRIEFS

Rocky McIntosh Eagles knock off rival Cowboys

Donovan McNabb flexed his muscles, seemingly mocking Terrell Owens. The always stoic Andy Reid played cheerleader, encouraging the crowd to make noise. Many fans may not want the quarterback or coach back for another season. But they'll be here for at least one more game — a playoff game.

The Philadelphia Eagles overcame daunting odds to capture an NFC wild-card spot with a dominating 44-6 victory over the Cowboys on Sunday. So much for all that preseason Super Bowl hype in Dallas — America's Team can start its vacation plans early.

The Eagles (9-6-1) will play at NFC North champion Minnesota (10-6) next weekend.

"A lot of people counted us out and said it was over," McNabb said. "We continued to stay focused on what the plan was. We knew we had to come out and play a tough team that was hungry, just like we were. Today was a total team effort. Things worked out well and we're playing next week."

Surely, it'll be a drama-filled offseason for the Cowboys, as owner Jerry Jones has to answer more questions about coach Wade Phillips' job and perhaps consider a major overhaul.

Sidney Rice "There will not be a new head coach," Jones repeated several times in a somber Cowboys locker room. In a game that became door die for both teams shortly before kickoff, the Eagles thoroughly outplayed the error-prone Cowboys (9-7) in every facet.

McIntosh has three tackles

Washington Redskin linebacker and former Gaffney High star Rocky McIntosh had three tackles in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Another former Gaffney High standout, Sidney Rice, was held without a reception in Minnesota's playoff-clinching victory over the New York Giants on Sunday.

Vikings qualify for playoffs

The New York Giants were already comfortably in the playoffs. The Minnesota Vikings? There was nothing comfortable about their situation, let alone their entire season.

With plenty of practice in dealing with drama, the Vikings rallied past the resting Giants for a 20-19 victory on Sunday afternoon to qualify for the postseason for the first time in four years.

"They had to earn it, as it should be, and that makes it that much sweeter," coach Brad Childress said.

Ryan Longwell's 50-yard field goal as time expired gave Minnesota its first division title since 2000, rendering Chicago's game at Houston moot. The Bears lost to the Texans 31-24 anyway, but this was the way the Vikings (10-6) were determined to go in. They didn't want to back into their first NFC North crown since the league realigned six years ago.

"It wouldn't have felt the same if we won the division by default," Pro Bowl left guard Steve Hutchinson said.

Minnesota will host a first-round game next Sunday, against Philadelphia.

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was benched after two losses to open the season, the offense struggled into October, and the Vikings took a 3-4 record into their bye week.