Regular season results
Week 1: at Washington Redskins
| Game information |
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First quarter - WAS – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, Redskins 3–0, Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:26.
Second quarter - WAS – DeAngelo Hall 32 fumble return (Graham Gano kick), Redskins 10–0.
Third quarter Fourth quarter - WAS – Graham Gano 49-yard field goal, Redskins 13–7, Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 4:24.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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The Dallas Cowboys began their season at FedExField on Sunday night against their NFC East rival, the Washington Redskins. The Cowboys trailed early in the first quarter as Redskins kicker Graham Gano got a 29-yard field goal. Dallas would then trail in the second quarter as cornerback DeAngelo Hall returned a fumble 25 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, Dallas would finally get on the board as quarterback Tony Romo completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin. Washington would respond in the fourth quarter as Gano made a 49-yard field goal. Afterwards, Romo threw what would have been the game-winning 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roy Williams, but a holding call on offensive tackle Alex Barron effectively ended the game.
With the loss, the Cowboys began their season at 0–1.
Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears
| Game information |
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First quarter Second quarter - DAL – Chris Gronkowski 1-yard pass from Tony Romo (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 14–10, Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 7:53.
- CHI – Devin Hester 9-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 17–14, Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 4:38.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 40-yard field goal, Bears 20–14, Drive: 9 plays, 25 yards, 1:19.
Third quarter - DAL – David Buehler 28-yard field goal, Bears 20–17, Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:24.
Fourth quarter - CHI – Matt Forte 3-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 27–17, Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 2:07.
- DAL – David Buehler 48-yard field goal, Bears 27–20, Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 1:28.
| Top passers - CHI – Jay Cutler – 21/29, 277 yards, 3 touchdowns
- DAL – Tony Romo – 3451, 374 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Redskins the Cowboys played at home ground for an NFC duel with the Bears. In the first quarter Dallas trailed early as kicker Robbie Gould nailed a 38-yard field goal. Then they replied with wide receiver Dez Bryant returning a punt 62 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Bears got the lead back when quarterback Jay Cutler made a 39-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen. In the 2nd quarter the Cowboys replied again when quarterback Tony Romo made a 1-yard touchdown pass to running back Chris Gronkowski, but fell behind with Cutler making a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Devin Hester, followed by kicker Robbie Gould making a 40-yard field goal. In the third quarter Dallas would reply with kicker David Buehler nailing a 28-yard field goal. However, they continued to struggle in the fourth quarter when Cutler made a 3-yard touchdown pass to running back Matt Forte, but the Cowboys made the final score of the game when Buehler got a 48-yard field goal.
With the loss, Dallas fell to 0–2 for the first time since 2001 when they finished 5–11.
Week 3: at Houston Texans
Week 3: Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Cowboys | 0 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 27 |
| Texans | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 13 |
at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
| Game information |
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First quarter Second quarter - HOU – Neil Rackers 24-yard field goal, Texans 3–0, Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 6:19.
- DAL – Marion Barber 1-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 7–3, Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:30.
- DAL – David Buehler 49-yard field goal, Cowboys 10–3, Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 1:40.
Third quarter Fourth quarter - HOU – Neil Rackers 30-yard field goal, Cowboys 17–6, Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:31.
- DAL – Roy E. Williams 63-yard pass from Tony Romo (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 24–6, Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 2:10.
- DAL – David Buehler 40-yard field goal, Cowboys 27–6, Drive: 10 plays, 29 yards, 5:28.
- HOU – Kevin Walter 7-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Neil Rackers kick), Cowboys 27–13, Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 2:21.
| Top passers - DAL – Tony Romo – 23/30, 284 yards, 2 touchdowns
- HOU – Matt Schaub – 23/32, 241 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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Still looking for their first win, the Cowboys flew to Reliant Stadium for a Texas rivalry match against the Houston Texans. Dallas trailed early in the second quarter when kicker Neil Rackers hit a 24-yard field goal. Then they took the lead with running back Marion Barber getting a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker David Buehler's 49-yard field goal. The Cowboys increased their lead in the third quarter when quarterback Tony Romo completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roy E. Williams. Houston replied with Rackers nailing a 30-yard field goal, but Dallas continued to score when Romo found Williams again on a 63-yard touchdown pass. Then David Buehler made a 40-yard field goal. The Texans would finally score when quarterback Matt Schaub made a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kevin Walter; the Texans' onside kick attempt was good, but an interception made by Dallas safety Danny McCray ended any chances of a Texans comeback.
With the win, Dallas went into its bye week at 1–2.
Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans
| Game information |
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First quarter - TEN – Nate Washington 24-yard pass from Vince Young (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 7–0, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:20.
- TEN – Rob Bironas 52-yard field goal, Titans 10–0', Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:41.
- DAL – David Buehler 51-yard field goal, Titans 10–3, Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:25.
Second quarter - TEN – Kenny Britt 12-yard pass from Vince Young (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 17–3, Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:29.
- DAL – Roy E. Williams 12-yard pass from Tony Romo (David Buehler kick), Titans 17–10, Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 1:42.
Third quarter - DAL – Miles Austin 69-yard pass from Tony Romo (David Buehler kick), Tied 17–17, Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:26.
- TEN – Rob Bironas 40-yard field goal, Titans 20–17, Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 1:53.
Fourth quarter - DAL – David Buehler 26-yard field goal, Tied 20–20, Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 5:05.
- TEN – Chris Johnson 1-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 27–20, Drive: 1 plays, 1 yards, 0:04.
- DAL – Jason Witten 18-yard pass from Tony Romo (David Buehler kick), Tied 27–27, Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:56.
- TEN – Chris Johnson 1-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 34–27, Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 1:02.
| Top passers - TEN – Vince Young – 12/25, 173 yards, 2 touchdowns
- DAL – Tony Romo – 31/46, 406 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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Coming off their road win over the Texans, the Cowboys went home for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Tennessee Titans. Dallas trailed early in the first quarter as Titans quarterback Vince Young completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nate Washington, followed by kicker Rob Bironas making a 52-yard field goal. The Cowboys answered with a 51-yard field goal from kicker David Buehler. However, Tennessee came right back in the second quarter as Young found wide receiver Kenny Britt on a 12-yard touchdown pass. Dallas would strike back as quarterback Tony Romo hooked up with wide receiver Roy Williams on a 6-yard touchdown pass.
In the third quarter, the Cowboys tied the game as Romo found wide receiver Miles Austin on a 69-yard touchdown pass. However, the Titans would retake the lead on Bironas' 40-yard field goal. Dallas tied the game again in the fourth quarter as Buehler booted a 26-yard field goal, but Tennessee struck back as running back Chris Johnson got a 1-yard touchdown. Afterwards, the Cowboys would tie the game yet again as Romo found tight end Jason Witten on an 18-yard touchdown pass. However, the Titans continued to pound away as Johnson got another 1-yard touchdown run.
With the loss, Dallas fell to 1–3.
Week 6: at Minnesota Vikings
| Game information |
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First quarter Second quarter - DAL – Roy E. Williams 2-yard pass from Tony Romo (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 14–7, Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 7:05.
Third quarter - MIN – Percy Harvin 95-yard kickoff return (Ryan Longwell kick), Tied 14–14, Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12.
- MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), Vikings 21–14, Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 5:19.
Fourth quarter - DAL – Dez Bryant 31-yard pass from Tony Romo (David Buehler kick), Tied 21–21, Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:25.
- MIN – Ryan Longwell 38-yard field goal, Vikings 24–21, Drive: 7 plays, 10 yards, 3:30.
| Top passers - DAL – Tony Romo – 24/32, 220 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
- MIN – Brett Favre – 14/19, 118 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Titans, the Cowboys flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for a Week 6 duel with the Minnesota Vikings. Dallas delivered the opening punch in the first quarter as quarterback Tony Romo found wide receiver Roy Williams on a 15-yard touchdown pass. The Vikings answered with quarterback Brett Favre completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Camarillo. In the second quarter, the Cowboys regained the lead as Romo and Williams hooked up with each other again on a 2-yard touchdown pass.
Minnesota took the lead in the third quarter as wide receiver Percy Harvin returned the half's opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, followed by running back Adrian Peterson's 1-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, Dallas tied the game as Romo connected with rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant on a 31-yard touchdown pass. The Vikings responded with kicker Ryan Longwell making a 38-yard field goal.
With only 5 seconds left in the game, the Cowboys attempted a lateral play, in a fashion similar to The Play, River City Relay, and the Music City Miracle. However, Romo was then flagged for throwing a forward pass after crossing the line of scrimmage, ending the game.
With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 1–4.
Week 7: vs. New York Giants
| Game information |
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First quarter - DAL – Jason Witten 3-yard pass from Tony Romo (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 7–0, Drive: 2 plays, 5 yards, 0:49.
- DAL – David Buehler 26-yard field goal, Cowboys 10–0, Drive: 6 plays, 10 yards, 2:54.
- NYG – Hakeem Nicks 7-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), Cowboys 10–7, Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 6:10.
Second quarter - DAL – David Buehler 41-yard field goal, Cowboys 13–7, Drive: 5 plays, 20 yards, 2:10.
- DAL – Dez Bryant 93-yard punt return (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 20–7.
- NYG – Hakeem Nicks 8-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), Cowboys 20–14, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:31.
- NYG – Steve Smith 14-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), Giants 21–20, Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:01.
- NYG – Lawrence Tynes 53-yard field goal, Giants 24–20, Drive: 5 plays, 9 yards, 0:34.
Third quarter - NYG – Mario Manningham 25-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), Giants 31–20, Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:21.
- NYG – Brandon Jacobs 30-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), Giants 38–20, Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:49.
Fourth quarter - DAL – Dez Bryant 15-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Jon Kitna – Jason Witten pass), Giants 38–28, Drive: 1 plays, 15 yards, 0:05.
- NYG – Lawrence Tynes 26-yard field goal, Giants 41–28, Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 1:22.
- DAL – Dez Bryant 15-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Giants 41–35, Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 1:15.
| Top passers - NYG – Eli Manning – 25/35, 306 yards, 4 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
- DAL – Jon Kitna – 16/33, 187 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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Trying to snap a two-game losing streak, the Cowboys went home for a Week 7 NFC East duel with the New York Giants on Monday night. Dallas got the opening strike in the first quarter as quarterback Tony Romo found tight end Jason Witten on a 4-yard touchdown run, followed by a 26-yard field goal from kicker David Buehler. The Giants answered with quarterback Eli Manning completing a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks. The Cowboys would add onto their lead in the second quarter as Buehler booted a 41-yard field goal, followed by rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant returning a punt 93 yards for a touchdown. New York took the lead with Manning throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Nicks and a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Smith. Afterwards, the Giants closed out the half with kicker Lawrence Tynes getting a 53-yard field goal. During the half, Romo suffered a broken left clavicle on a completion from a blocking error.
Dallas' deficit increased in the third quarter as Manning completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mario Manningham, followed by running back Brandon Jacobs getting a 30-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys began to rally in the fourth quarter as quarterback Jon Kitna found Bryant on a 15-yard touchdown pass (with a successful two-point conversion pass to Witten), yet New York answered with a 26-yard field goal from Tynes. Dallas tried to rally as Kitna hooked up with Bryant again on a 15-yard touchdown pass. With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 1–5.
Week 8: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
| Game information |
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Scoring First quarter Second quarter - JAC – Marcedes Lewis 42-yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick), Jaguars 14–3, Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 1:53.
Third quarter - JAC – Mike Thomas 15-yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick), Jaguars 21–3, Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:46.
- JAC – Marcedes Lewis 9-yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick), Jaguars 28–3, Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 1:55.
Fourth quarter - DAL – Marion Barber 1-yard run (David Buehler kick), Jaguars 28–10, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:41.
- JAC – David Garrard 2-yard run (Josh Scobee kick), Jaguars 35–10, Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 1:27.
- DAL – Jason Witten 8-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Jaguars 35–17, Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 3:21.
| Top passers - JAC – David Garrard – 17/21, 260 yards, 4 touchdowns
- DAL – Jon Kitna – 34/49, 379 yards, 1 touchdown, 4 interceptions
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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Hoping to break their current losing streak the Cowboys played on home ground for an interconference duel with the Jaguars. In the first quarter the Cowboys took the lead as kicker David Buehler hit a 34-yard field goal. But they fell behind with quarterback David Garrard getting a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker. In the second quarter, the Cowboys struggled further with Garrard finding tight end Marcedes Lewis on a 42-yard touchdown pass, then in the third quarter he found wide receiver Mike Thomas on a 15-yard touchdown pass, and then he found Lewis again on a 9-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys responded in the 4th quarter with running back Marion Barber getting a 1-yard touchdown run. But the Jaguars scored again with Garrard scrambling 2 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Cowboys replied with quarterback Jon Kitna making an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten.
With the loss, Dallas fell to 1–6.
Week 9: at Green Bay Packers
| Game information |
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First quarter Second quarter - GB – Brandon Jackson 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 7–0, Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 3:20.
- GB – Brandon Jackson 2-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 14–0, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:52.
- GB – Greg Jennings 8-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 21–0, Drive: 10 plays, 93 yards, 4:56.
- GB – Nick Collins 26-yard fumble return (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 28–0.
- DAL – Dez Bryant 2-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Packers 28–7, Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 1:58.
Third quarter - GB – James Jones 10-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 35–7, Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 1:48.
Fourth quarter - GB – Mason Crosby 26-yard field goal, Packers 38–7, Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 9:13.
- GB – Clay Matthews 62-yard interception return (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 45–7.
| Top passers - DAL – Jon Kitna – 19/30, 183 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
- GB – Aaron Rodgers – 27/34, 289 yards, 3 touchdowns
Top rushers Top receivers - DAL – Dez Bryant – 9 receptions, 86 yards, 1 touchdown
- GB – James Jones – 8 receptions, 123 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
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Looking for their second win the Cowboys flew to Lambeau Field for an NFC duel with the Packers. The second quarter saw the Cowboys trail immediately after quarterback Aaron Rodgers got a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Brandon Jackson. This was followed by Jackson making a 2-yard touchdown run, and with Rodgers completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings. The Cowboys struggled further after free safety Nick Collins recovered a fumble and ran 26 yards for a touchdown. The Cowboys would make their only score of the game with quarterback Jon Kitna making a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dez Bryant. They fell further behind after Rodgers found wide receiver Jones on a 10-yard touchdown pass, and with Crosby hitting a 26-yard field goal. The Cowboys had more problems when Kitna's pass was intercepted by outside linebacker Clay Matthews and returned 62 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 1–7. After the game, head coach Wade Phillips was fired and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett became the interim head coach.
Week 10: at New York Giants
| Game information |
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First quarter - NYG – Lawrence Tynes 43-yard field goal, Giants 3–0, 'Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:11.
- DAL – Dez Bryant 13-yard pass from Jon Kitna (kick blocked), Cowboys 6–3, 'Drive: 3 plays, 71 yards, 1:36.
Second quarter - DAL – David Buehler 22-yard field goal, Cowboys 9–3, 'Drive: 3 plays, 71 yards, 1:36.
- DAL – Bryan McCann 101-yard interception return (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 16–3.
- DAL – David Buehler 23-yard field goal, Cowboys 19–3, 'Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 1:55.
- NYG – Lawrence Tynes 25-yard field goal, Cowboys 19–6, 'Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 1:40.
Third quarter - DAL – Felix Jones 71-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 26–6, 'Drive: 3 plays, 71 yards, 1:04.
- NYG – Mario Manningham 5-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), Cowboys 26–13, 'Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 5:00.
- DAL – Miles Austin 24-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 33–13, 'Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 2:29.
- NYG – Kevin Boss 35-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), Cowboys 33–20, 'Drive: 2 plays, 73 yards, 1:08.
Fourth quarter | Top passers - DAL – Jon Kitna – 13/22, 327 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
- NYG – Eli Manning – 33/48, 373 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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Trying to snap a five-game losing streak, the Cowboys flew to New Meadowlands Stadium for a Week 10 NFC East rematch with the New York Giants. Dallas trailed in the first quarter as Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes made a 43-yard field goal. The Cowboys answered with quarterback Jon Kitna connecting to rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant on a 13-yard touchdown pass (with a blocked extra point). Dallas added onto their lead in the second quarter with a 22-yard field goal from kicker David Buehler, followed by rookie cornerback Bryan McCann returning an interception 101 yards for a touchdown and Buehler's 23-yard field goal. New York answered with Tynes making a 25-yard field goal.
The Cowboys continued its dominating day in the third quarter as Kitna found running back Felix Jones on a 71-yard touchdown pass. The Giants responded with quarterback Eli Manning completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mario Manningham, yet Dallas rebounded with Kitna hooking up with wide receiver Miles Austin on a 24-yard touchdown pass. However, New York continued its persistent play with Manning completing a 35-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kevin Boss. Fortunately, the Cowboys' defense held its ground in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory.
The game was delayed in the third quarter for about fifteen minutes when the lights at the New Meadowlands Stadium went out. Since it was already dark outside in New Jersey by that time, it was totally dark in the stadium.
With the win, Dallas improved to 2–7.
Week 11: vs. Detroit Lions
| Game information |
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First quarter Second quarter - DET – Dave Rayner 47-yard field goal, Cowboys 7–3, 'Drive: 11 plays, 51 yards, 5:20.
- DET – Nate Burleson 9-yard pass from Shaun Hill (Dave Rayner kick), Lions 10–7, 'Drive: 3 plays, 14 yards, 0:19.
Third quarter - DET – Penalty on Leonard Davis enforced in endzone for a safety, Lions 12–7.
- DAL – Bryan McCann 97-yard punt return (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 14–12.
- DAL – Miles Austin 3-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 21–12, 'Drive: 4 plays, 19 yards, 2:07.
- DET – Calvin Johnson 14-yard pass from Shaun Hill (Dave Rayner kick), Cowboys 21–19, 'Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:23.
Fourth quarter - DAL – Miles Austin 4-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Dave Rayner kick), Cowboys 28–19, 'Drive: 16 plays, 71 yards, 7:55.
- DAL – Jon Kitna 29-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 35–19, 'Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:40.
| Top passers - DET – Shaun Hill – 32/47, 289 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
- DAL – Jon Kitna – 18/24, 147 yards, 3 touchdowns
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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The Cowboys' tenth game was an NFC duel with the Lions. In the first quarter the Cowboys pulled ahead with quarterback Jon Kitna making a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dez Bryant. The Lions replied with kicker Dave Rayner nailing a 47-yard field goal. The Cowboys trailed with quarterback Shaun Hill making a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nate Burleson, followed by a penalty on Leonard Davis which was enforced to the endzone for a safety. The Cowboys got the lead back with defensive back Bryan McCann returning a punt 97 yards for a touchdown, which was followed by Kitna making a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin. The lead was narrowed with Hill completing a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The Cowboys increased their lead with Kitna finding Austin again on a 4-yard touchdown pass, followed by Kitna's 29-yard scramble to the endzone for a touchdown, which was his longest run of his career.
Cowboys interim head coach Jason Garrett won his home debut and improved to 2–0 since taking over for Wade Phillips. It was the first time this season Dallas (3–7) had won consecutive games and the first time all season they won at home, having lost the first four. The Lions (2–8) lost their 26th straight on the road, extending a woeful NFL record that began in 2007, when Kitna was their quarterback. Detroit led 12–7 and was consistently stuffing the Cowboys' offense midway through the third quarter when John Wedling jumped over the goal line and tapped a punt back into the field of play. It hopped up waist-high and right to McCann, and the speedster turned it into the second-longest punt return in franchise history – a week after a 101-yard interception return that was the longest in club history. With the win the Cowboys improved to 3–7 on the season.
Week 12: vs. New Orleans Saints
Thanksgiving Day game
| Game information |
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First quarter - NO – Chris Ivory 3-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–0, 'Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:51.
- NO – Garrett Hartley 50-yard field goal, Saints 10–0, 'Drive: 4 plays, −1 yards, 1:31.
- NO – Chris Ivory 6-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 17–0, 'Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:59.
Second quarter - DAL – David Buehler 21-yard field goal, Saints 17–3, 'Drive: 14 plays, 79 yards, 7:41.
- NO – Garrett Hartley 45-yard field goal, Saints 20–3, 'Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 4:30.
- DAL – David Buehler 53-yard field goal, Saints 20–6, 'Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 0:43.
Third quarter - DAL – Miles Austin 60-yard run (David Buehler kick), Saints 20–13, 'Drive: 2 plays, 68 yards, 0:59.
- NO – Garrett Hartley 28-yard field goal, Saints 23–13, 'Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:31.
- DAL – Marion Barber 1-yard run (David Buehler kick), Saints 23–20, 'Drive: 6 plays, 15 yards, 2:55.
Fourth quarter - DAL – Tashard Choice 1-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 27–23, 'Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:08.
- NO – Lance Moore 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 30–27, 'Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:08.
| Top passers - NO – Drew Brees – 23/39, 352 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
- DAL – Jon Kitna – 30/42, 313 yards, 1 interception
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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The Cowboys hosted the Saints in their annual Thanksgiving Day game. The Cowboys trailed early with running back Chris Ivory getting a 3-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker Garrett Hartley getting a 50-yard field goal, and then by Ivory making a 6-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys cut the lead as kicker David Buehler got a 21-yard field goal, but the Saints replied as Hartley nailed a 45-yard field goal. The Cowboys tried to come back as Buehler hit a 53-yard field goal, followed by Miles Austin getting a 60-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys trailed further with Hartley making a 28-yard field goal, but took the lead with Marion Barber III and Tashard Choice getting a 1-yard touchdown run. They failed to maintain this lead when quarterback Drew Brees completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lance Moore.
With the loss, Dallas fell to 3–8.
Week 13: at Indianapolis Colts
| Game information |
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First quarter - DAL – Tashard Choice 20-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 7–0, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:45.
- DAL – David Buehler 30-yard field goal, Cowboys 10–0, Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 6:40.
Second quarter Third quarter - IND – Reggie Wayne 34-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Cowboys 17–14, Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:07.
- DAL – David Buehler 46-yard field goal, Cowboys 20–14, Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 3:45.
- DAL – Sean Lee 31-yard interception return (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 27–14.
Fourth quarter - IND – Javarris James 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Cowboys 27–21, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:57.
- IND – Taj Smith 2-yard return of blocked punt (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 28–27.
- DAL – Jason Witten 2-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Jon Kitna – Roy E. Williams pass), Cowboys 35–28, Drive: 18 plays, 81 yards, 10:18.
- IND – Javarris James 2-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Tied 35–35, Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 2:09.
Overtime - DAL – David Buehler 38-yard field goal, Cowboys 38–35,Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 3:16.
| Top passers - DAL – Jon Kitna – 18/26, 167 yards, 1 touchdown
- IND – Peyton Manning – 36/48, 365 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Super Bowl champion Saints, the Cowboys played against the Super Bowl runners-up Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Cowboys commanded the first quarter when Tashard Choice got a 20-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker David Buehler nailing a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead as cornerback Orlando Scandrick returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown. The lead was narrowed when quarterback Peyton Manning made a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Pierre Garçon, followed in the third quarter by Manning getting a 34-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne. The Cowboys extended their lead with Buehler hitting a 46-yard field goal, followed by Sean Lee returning an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. They trailed slightly as RB Javarris James got a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Mat McBriar's punt getting blocked and returned 2 yards for a touchdown by Taj Smith. They replied to get the lead back as quarterback Jon Kitna completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten (With a successful 2-point conversion as Kitna passed to wide receiver Roy E. Williams), but the game was tied when James got a 2-yard touchdown run. In overtime, Manning threw his fourth interception, (which totalled 11 interceptions in three consecutive games. [6] ) to linebacker Sean Lee, which soon converted into a successful 38-yard field goal attempt by Buehler, giving the Cowboys the win.
With the win, the Cowboys improved to 4–8.
Week 14: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
| Game information |
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First quarter Second quarter - PHI – Todd Herremans 2-yard pass from Michael Vick (David Akers kick), Eagles 14–7, Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 3:00.
- DAL – David Buehler 50-yard field goal, Eagles 14–10, Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 1:34.
Third quarter - DAL – David Buehler 43-yard field goal, Eagles 14–13, Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 4:42.
- DAL – Felix Jones 3-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 20–14, Drive: 3 plays, 37 yards, 1:34.
- PHI – David Akers 39-yard field goal, Cowboys 20–17, Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:38.
Fourth quarter - PHI – David Akers 50-yard field goal, Tied 20–20, Drive: 10 plays, 28 yards, 4:18.
- PHI – DeSean Jackson 91-yard pass from Michael Vick, Eagles 27–20, Drive: 1 plays, 91 yards, 0:19.
- PHI – David Akers 28-yard field goal, Eagles 30–20, Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:54.
- DAL – Jason Witten 22-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Eagles 30–27, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:55.
| Top passers - PHI – Michael Vick – 16/26, 270 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
- DAL – Jon Kitna – 24/35, 242 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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Coming off their win over the Colts, the Cowboys went home for a Week 14 NFC East duel with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. Dallas trailed early in the first quarter as Eagles quarterback Michael Vick got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys answered with quarterback Jon Kitna finding tight end Jason Witten on a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Eagles regained the lead in the second quarter with Vick completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to offensive guard Todd Herremans. Afterwards, Dallas closed out the half with a 50-yard field goal from kicker David Buehler.
The Cowboys took the lead in the third quarter with Buehler's 43-yard field goal, followed by a 3-yard touchdown run from running back Felix Jones. Philadelphia struck back with kicker David Akers getting a 39-yard field goal. The Eagles took the lead again in the fourth quarter with Akers booting a 50-yard field goal, followed by Vick completing a 91-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DeSean Jackson and Akers making a 28-yard field goal. Dallas tried to rally as Kitna hooked up with Witten again on a 22-yard touchdown pass, yet the Eagles held on for the win.
With the loss, the Cowboys clinched their first losing season since 2004 and fell to 4–9. Also with this loss, they were eliminated from playoff contention.
Week 15: vs. Washington Redskins
| Game information |
|---|
First quarter - DAL – David Buehler 42-yard field goal, Cowboys 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 4:14.
- DAL – Miles Austin 3-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 10–0, Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 1:34.
Second quarter - DAL – David Buehler 20-yard field goal, Cowboys 13–0, Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 4:27.
- WAS – Ryan Torain 19-yard pass from Rex Grossman (Graham Gano kick), Cowboys 13–7, Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:15.
- DAL – Jason Witten 14-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 20–7, Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 5:51.
Third quarter - DAL – Tashard Choice 3-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 27–7, Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 2:04.
- WAS – Santana Moss 10-yard pass from Rex Grossman (Graham Gano kick), Cowboys 27–14, Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 2:17.
- DAL – David Buehler 20-yard field goal, Cowboys 30–14, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:23.
Fourth quarter - WAS – Santana Moss 5-yard pass from Rex Grossman (Rex Grossman – Chris Cooley pass), Cowboys 30–22, Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 5:42.
- WAS – Chris Cooley 5-yard pass from Rex Grossman (Rex Grossman – Mike Sellers pass), Tied 30–30, Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:03.
- DAL – David Buehler 39-yard field goal, Cowboys 33–30, Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 2:21.
| Top passers - WAS – Rex Grossman – 25/43, 322 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
- DAL – Jon Kitna – 25/37, 305 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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The Cowboys' fourteenth game was an NFC East rivalry rematch against the Redskins at home. In the first quarter the Cowboys took the lead with kicker David Buehler hitting a 42-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Jon Kitna throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin; then Buehler made a 20-yard field goal to put Dallas up 13–0. The lead was narrowed when quarterback Rex Grossman completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to running back Ryan Torain, but the Cowboys increased their lead with Kitna making a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten, followed by running back Tashard Choice getting a 3-yard touchdown run. The Redskins replied with Grossman getting a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Santana Moss, but the Cowboys scored again with Buehler got a 20-yard field goal. Washington managed to tie the game with Grossman finding Moss on a 5-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys managed to get the win after Buehler made a 39-yard field goal, settling both records at 5–9.
Week 16: at Arizona Cardinals
| Game information |
|---|
First quarter Second quarter - DAL – David Buehler 42-yard field goal, Cardinals 14–3, Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards, 4:56.
- ARI – Andre Roberts 74-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 21–3, Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:52.
- DAL – Jason Witten 2-yard pass from Jon Kitna (David Buehler kick), Cardinals 21–10, Drive: 13 plays, 81 yards, 6:46.
Third quarter - DAL – David Buehler 53-yard field goal, Cardinals 21–13, Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 1:59.
- DAL – Marion Barber 24-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cardinals 21–20, Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 3:42.
Fourth quarter - ARI – Jay Feely 49-yard field goal, Cardinals 24–20, Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 5:05.
- DAL – Miles Austin 37-yard pass from Stephen McGee (David Buehler kick failed), Cowboys 26–24, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:04.
- ARI – Jay Feely 48-yard field goal, Cardinals 27–26, Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 1:36.
| Top passers - DAL – Jon Kitna – 12/20, 115 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
- ARI – John Skelton – 11/25, 183 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 5–10.
Week 17: at Philadelphia Eagles
| Game information |
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First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter | Top passers Top rushers Top receivers Top tacklers
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The Cowboys' final game was an NFC East rivalry rematch against the Eagles. In the 2nd quarter the Cowboys trailed early as quarterback Kevin Kolb threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chad Hall, but they tied the game after outside linebackrt DeMarcus Ware recovered a fumble 17 yards for a touchdown. They trailed slightly with kicker David Akers hitting a 43 and a 22-yard field goal, but the Cowboys fought back with quarterback Stephen McGee completing a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten (with the extra point good to take the lead and the win).
With the win, Dallas finished with a 6–10 record.
