Big Play Dallas Cowboys Deliver Lights-Out Blow In 33-20 Win Over NY Giants

The 'Boys are back!

At least for this one game at New Meadowlands Stadium, everything went right. Other than a delay of game caused by an electrical problem in which the lights were off, the Cowboys were all-illuminating.

It was big play after big play that led the Cowboys to produce 665 total yards in a 33-20 victory over the NY Giants in Jason Garrett's debut as head coach for Dallas.

Dez Bryant got it started with a 13-yard touchdown catch. He was a superstar with three catches for 104 yards.

Jon Kitna threw for 327 yards, three touchdowns on 13 of 22 passing in his third game back since 2007. Time after time, Kitna made big throws for big plays. But he had an interception and went zero-for-six to end the game.

The play of the game came when Bryan McCann left the Giants in his dust as he raced 101 yards on an interception return. The play put the Cowboys up 16-3 in the second.

Speedster Felix Jones outran the Giants defense on a 71-yard screen pass for a touchdown.

The last touchdown came on a third quarter 24-yard pass to Miles Austin, who had 68 receiving yards for the game.

The Cowboys defense wasn't perfect. They allowed Eli Manning to throw for 373 yards, but they also intercepted two of his passes and recovered a bad snap.

Ahmad Bradshaw was held to 73 yards on 20 carries as the Giants rushed for 107 yards on 28 carries as a team. 

The Cowboys record improves to 2-7. And in spite of the overwhelming odds, they're still in the playoff hunt.

It may seem that Jason Garrett was a huge contributor, and I think his aggressive coaching style made a difference. But there were some suspect coaching moves. Clock management wasn't perfect. And leaving Bryant in after he appeared to hurt his back in the fourth quarter left me concerned for the rookie.

Overall, I'd have to say Garrett has made positive strides in guiding this talented team.