Dallas Cowboys

For the second consecutive week, second-year QB Stephen McGee had an opportunity to rally the team in the fourth quarter. And for the second time, he did it. This time, the defense made his late touchdown drive hold up. McGee showed nice development in six quarters this season. On a Philadelphia blitz, he showed good poise by completing a hot route to TE Jason Witten on second-and-10. Though he was 11-of-27 for 127, his touchdown pass — a four-yarder to Witten — also showed maturity. Witten ran a simple out, but McGee waited just long enough for Witten to uncover before leading him with the ball. …

OLB DeMarcus Ware finished strong with three sacks, giving him a league-leading 17.5, and returned a fumble for a touchdown. Ware was at his disruptive best at season’s end, creating havoc with his disruptive play. He has gotten almost as good with his inside bull-rush as his speed rush.

New York Giants
Co-owner John Mara said after the victory over Washington that Tom Coughlin will return next season. The Giants finished 10-6 but failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year, leading to speculation that Coughlin’s job might be in danger. Mara said he believes in Coughlin and that continuity and stability are important factors for the organization. Unlike the end of last season, Mara said he believes the Giants played hard to the end. Coughlin has one year remaining on his contract, but Mara said talk of an extension will wait for another day. …

The Giants will have an interesting decision regarding OL Shawn Andrews. Andrews impressed the coaches with his work at left tackle, which is where he lined up in the finale, with David Diehl moving to left guard. The problem with relying on Andrews is that his back is a question. He needed an injection of painkillers to get on the field Sunday. With his weight down to 316 pounds, Andrews is an exceptional athlete and the Giants are confident he has the skill set to play left tackle.

Philadelphia Eagles
The team got exactly what it needed in Sunday’s 14-13 loss to Dallas in the season finale — rest for its best players. Most of coach Andy Reid’s starters and prominent subs took a seat for the game and rested up for Sunday’s first-round playoff game against Green Bay — none more important than QB Michael Vick. A thigh bruise from Tuesday’s game left Vick with a noticeable limp and kept him out of practice. A meaningless game allowed him to relax after a season of punishment. Vick took a lot of hits, which were starting to take a toll on his play. The Vikings sacked him six times Tuesday and he had three turnovers. Other banged-up starters to get rest: CB Asante Samuel (knee), WR DeSean Jackson (foot), RT Winston Justice (knee). …

Reid opted to rest nickel CB Joselio Hanson and play RCB Dimitri Patterson, which could indicate that Hanson will replace Patterson for the postseason. Patterson had struggled going into the Dallas game.

Washington Redskins
Players exit the season with a much different feeling than a year ago. The record was two games better, but the players insist they have the right coach in Mike Shanahan, pointing to his much-needed discipline as a reason for optimism. However, the reality is that the team hasn’t solved its problems at quarterback and must improve the 32nd-ranked defense by adding a pass-rushing linebacker and another starter up front — whether at end or nose tackle. The Redskins also must tweak the offensive line by getting stronger in the interior, and they find a kicker and a punter. Expect the Redskins to attack free agency and try to add more picks. …

QB Rex Grossman finished with seven touchdowns and four interceptions in his three starts. He also lost three fumbles. Grossman is a pending free agent. The coaches like his knowledge of the offense, but his penchant for turnovers is troublesome. It’s hard to imagine QB Donovan McNabb, who signed an extension in November, returning.