For the second consecutive week, the Dallas Cowboys went into the hostile home field of a division rival, and came away with an impressive victory.
Sunday's win came courtesy of the once-resurgent New York Giants, as the Cowboys turned a 17-17 halftime tie into a 31-20 victory, sweeping the season series from the Giants. The Cowboys have taken a three game lead in their division, and stand tied with the Packers for the NFC’s best record at 8-1.
The victory wasn’t as impressive as the Cowboys' win in Philly last week, as some of the players resorted to low-class, punk tactics, which helped the Giants put points on the board in the first half.
The Cowboys came out of the gates quickly, with Tony Romo hitting TE Tony Curtis for a 15-yard touchdown. The Giants answered with a drive that was highlighted by white-trash extraordinaire TE Jeremy Shockey catching a touchdown pass from Eli Manning.
During that drive, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs had some words for Cowboys linebacker Bradie James. In response, James shoved Jacobs, who proceeded to flop in a manner that would make Manu Ginobili proud.
James was assessed a personal foul that moved the Giants upfield.
Late in the second quarter, Cowboys linebacker Kevin Burnett taunted Jacobs. The ensuing penalty led to the Giants kicking a FG that tied it at halftime, 17-17.
Careful observers felt going into Sunday's matchup that the Cowboys' frequent penalties could come back to haunt them, but luckily the Giants would have their own penalty problems in the second half.
In contrast, in a testament to their coaching staff, the Cowboys once again came out a better, more disciplined team in the second half.
The Cowboys finished with 10 penalties for 84 yards—an inexcusable total. The Giants had 8 penalties for 70 yards, seven coming in the second half, among them three— count them, three—delay of game penalties assessed to Eli Manning, which derailed potential touchdown drives and forced the Giants to settle for field goals.
It’s embarrassing to see Manning sporting the “Duh” face of doom, not knowing where the play clock stood despite it's prominent display on either end of the stadium, big enough for God himself to see.
Manning finished his unimpressive day with 236 yards on 23 for 34 passing with one TD and two INTs.
The Cowboys' pass rush had their way with Manning, sacking him five times, including one by newly reinstated DT Tank Johnson. In comparison, the supposedly vaunted Giants' pass rush could only muster two sacks.
Romo continued his strong play with 247 yards on 20 for 28 passing, with four TDs and one INT. The offensive line also had a superb performance, using TE Jason Witten to help neutralize Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora’s pass rush.
Witten was clearly a focus of the Giants' defense, and had only two catches for 12 yards. That coverage, however, resulted in single coverage for the Cowboys' wide receivers.
Patrick Crayton had five catches for 66 yards—including a bush-league TD that should be an embarra
Dallas Cowboys Alone in First Place in NFC East
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About the Author Adnan Tezer (senior writer)
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1 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Roy MacB about 1 year ago
Very good Adnan,,,I think that Peyton put himself out of the running for the " Who's the best QB " in pro football award. Of course I couldn't be happier and can't wait to get back to some real football next week when Tom returns to the game. Even the comments on the Sunday nights game were,," we can't wait to get to N.E.,and some offensive action soon". Or something like that. It just seems a bit borring to me right now.
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