2007 Dallas Cowboys season
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The 2007 season was the
Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divisi ...
' 48th in the
National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...
(NFL), their 19th under the ownership of
Jerry Jones Jerral Wayne Jones (born October 13, 1942) is an American businessman who has been the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL) since February 1989. Early life Jones was born in Los Ange ...
, their 36th playing their home games at
Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was an American football stadium located in Irving, Texas, a suburb west of Dallas. Opened on October 24, 1971, it was known for its distinctive hole in the roof, the result of abandoned plans to construct a retractable roof (Cowboy ...
, their first season under offensive coordinator
Jason Garrett Jason Calvin Garrett (born March 28, 1966) is a former American football player and coach and current broadcaster. He previously served as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for the 2010s from 2010-2019. Garrett has also been offensive coordi ...
and their first season under
head coach A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches. In some sports, the head coach is instead called the "manager", as in assoc ...
Wade Phillips Harold Wade Phillips (born June 21, 1947) is an American football coach who is currently the head coach of the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL. He has served as head coach of the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys. He has also ser ...
. The Cowboys finished the regular season tied for the best record in the NFC (13–3), and earned a first-round bye and
home field advantage In team sports, the term home advantage – also called home ground, home field, home-field advantage, home court, home-court advantage, defender's advantage or home-ice advantage – describes the benefit that the home team is said to gai ...
throughout the playoffs. However, they lost their first playoff game to the eventual
Super Bowl The Super Bowl is the annual final playoff game of the National Football League (NFL) to determine the league champion. It has served as the final game of every NFL season since 1966, replacing the NFL Championship Game. Since 2022, the game ...
champion
New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. ...
, a team that they had defeated in their two regular-season matchups, both by ten points or more. With the loss, it extended the Cowboys’ drought of playoff wins to eleven seasons and tied the NFL record of six consecutive playoff games lost. 13 players were named to the Pro Bowl, an NFL record (since tied by the
2019 Baltimore Ravens The 2019 Baltimore Ravens season was the franchise's 24th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 12th under head coach John Harbaugh. This was the team's first season under general manager Eric DeCosta following the retirement of Ozzie N ...
).


Offseason


Head coach

Wade Phillips Harold Wade Phillips (born June 21, 1947) is an American football coach who is currently the head coach of the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL. He has served as head coach of the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys. He has also ser ...
entered his first year of his contract with the Cowboys. He was hired on February 8, 2007 after former head coach
Bill Parcells Duane Charles "Bill" Parcells (born August 22, 1941) is an American former football coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 19 seasons. He rose to prominence as the head coach of the New York Giants from 1983 ...
decided to retire.


Signings

On March 5, the Cowboys signed tackle Leonard Davis, formerly with the Cardinals, to a 7-year, $50 million contract.
On March 6, the Cowboys signed quarterback Brad Johnson, formerly with the Vikings, to a 3-year, $7.5 million contract.
On March 23, the Cowboys signed safety
Ken Hamlin Ken Hamlin (born January 20, 1981) is a former American football safety in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft and also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens an ...
, formerly with the Seahawks, to a 1-year, $2.5 million contract.


Departures

On March 1, the Cowboys released quarterback
Drew Bledsoe Drew McQueen Bledsoe (born February 14, 1972) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons, primarily with the New England Patriots. He played college football at Washington State, whe ...
, center E.J. Whitley, and tight end
Ryan Hannam Ryan Hannam (born February 24, 1980) is a former American football tight end in the National Football League for the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Northern Iowa. Early years Hannam attended ...
.
On August 26, The Cowboys released
Jamel Richardson Jamel Richardson (born January 22, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a slotback in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He won two Grey Cup championships with the Montreal Alouettes, and was named the Grey Cup Most V ...


Free agents heading into the 2007 season

''RFA'': Restricted free-agent, ''UFA'': Unrestricted free-agent, ''ERFA'': Exclusive rights free agent


2007 draft class

Notes * The Cowboys traded their first-round (No. 22 overall) selection to the Cleveland Browns for 2007 second-round (No. 36 overall) and 2008 first-round (No. 22 overall) selections. * The Cowboys traded their second, (No. 36 overall) third (No. 87 overall) and fifth-round (No. 159 overall) selections in exchange for the Philadelphia Eagles' first-round (No. 26 overall) selection. * The Cowboys traded their second (No. 53 overall) and sixth-round (No. 195 overall) selections to the Browns in exchange for third, (No. 67 overall) fourth (No. 103 overall) and sixth-round (No. 178 overall) selections. * The Cowboys traded their sixth (No. 200 overall) and seventh-round (No. 234 overall) selections to the Browns in exchange for Dallas' original sixth-round (No. 195 overall) selection. * The Cowboys traded
tight end The tight end (TE) is a position in American football, arena football, and Canadian football, on the offense. The tight end is often a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like ...
Sean Ryan to the New York Jets for a seventh-round (No. 212 overall) selection. * The Cowboys traded
linebacker Linebacker (LB) is a playing position in gridiron football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage and the defensive linemen. They are the "middle ground" of defenders, p ...
Scott Shanle to the New Orleans Saints for a seventh-round (No. 237 overall) selection.


2007 Undrafted free agents


Rosters


Opening training camp roster


Week one roster


Final roster


Schedule


Preseason


Regular season


Standings


Regular season


Week 1: vs. New York Giants

The Cowboys began their 2007 campaign at home against their NFC East rival
New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. ...
. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as QB
Eli Manning Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son o ...
completed a 60-yard TD pass to WR
Plaxico Burress Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
to give New York an early 6–0 lead (botched hold on PAT). Afterwards, the Cowboys got on the board with rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
getting a 31-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Dallas took the lead with RB Marion Barber getting an 18-yard TD run, while QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completed an 18-yard TD pass to TE
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
. Afterwards, the Giants would end up trailing by one at halftime, as Manning & Burress hooked up with each other again on a 4-yard TD pass, while kicker
Lawrence Tynes Lawrence James Henry Tynes (born May 3, 1978) is a Scottish-born former American football placekicker. After playing soccer for Milton High School a coach suggested he try out for the football team as a kicker. He played college football at Troy ...
got a 44-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Dallas responded with Romo completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
. New York would climb back with Tynes kicking a 48-yard field goal, but the Cowboys answered with Romo running into the end zone from 9 yards out. In the fourth quarter, the Giants managed to try to come back with Tynes' 24-yard field goal, yet Dallas would reply with Romo & Owens hooking up with each other again on a 47-yard TD pass. Just when it looked like New York was drawing closer with Manning's 9-yard TD pass to RB
Derrick Ward Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
(with a failed 2-point conversion) and his 10-yard TD pass to Burress, the Cowboys sealed the win with Romo completing a 51-yard TD pass to WR
Sam Hurd Samuel George Hurd, III (born April 24, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver and convicted drug dealer. He was in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, and played college football at Northern I ...
. With the win, Dallas began its season at 1–0.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – NYG – 13:42 –60-yard TD pass from
Eli Manning Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son o ...
to
Plaxico Burress Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
(PAT failed) (NYG 6–0) * Q1 – DAL – 6:36 –
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
31-yard FG (NYG 6–3) * Q2 – DAL – 9:49 – Marion Barber 18-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 10–6) * Q2 – DAL – 4:01 – 18-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
to
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
(Folk kick) (DAL 17–6) * Q2 – NYG – 0:25 – 4-yard TD pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress (
Lawrence Tynes Lawrence James Henry Tynes (born May 3, 1978) is a Scottish-born former American football placekicker. After playing soccer for Milton High School a coach suggested he try out for the football team as a kicker. He played college football at Troy ...
kick) (DAL 17–13) * Q2 – NYG – 0:07 – Lawrence Tynes 44-yard FG (DAL 17–16) * Q3 – DAL – 12:07 – 22-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
(Folk kick) (DAL 24–16) * Q3 – NYG – 5:51 – Lawrence Tynes 48-yard FG (DAL 24–19) * Q3 – DAL – 1:18 – Tony Romo 9-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 31–19) * Q4 – NYG – 13:33 – Lawrence Tynes 24-yard FG (DAL 31–22) * Q4 – DAL – 11:52 – 47-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Terrell Owens (Folk kick) (DAL 38–22) * Q4 – NYG – 7:26 – 9-yard TD pass from Eli Manning to
Derrick Ward Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
(Conversion failed) (DAL 38–28) * Q4 – NYG – 4:15 – 10-yard TD pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress (Tynes kick) (DAL 38–35) * Q4 – DAL – 3:11 – 51-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to
Sam Hurd Samuel George Hurd, III (born April 24, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver and convicted drug dealer. He was in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, and played college football at Northern I ...
(Folk kick) (DAL 45–35)


Week 2: at Miami Dolphins

Coming off their divisional home win over the Giants, the Cowboys flew to
Dolphin Stadium Hard Rock Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Miami Gardens, Florida. The stadium is the home field for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL) and the Miami Hurricanes, the University of Miami's NCAA Division I college ...
for a Week 2 interconference fight with the Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early with Dolphins kicker
Jay Feely Thomas James "Jay" Feely (born May 23, 1976) is a former American football placekicker and current sportscaster. He started his career with the Florida Bobcats in the Arena Football League as a street free agent in 1999 before playing for sever ...
getting a 37-yard field goal. The Cowboys would tie the game with rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
getting a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Dallas took the lead with RB Marion Barber getting a 1-yard TD run. Miami would close out the first half with Feely getting a 45-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Cowboys trailed as Dolphins QB
Trent Green Trent Jason Green (born July 9, 1970) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fifteen seasons. He played college football for Indiana University. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in ...
completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR
Marty Booker Marty Montez Booker (born July 31, 1976) is a former American football wide receiver who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for Louisiana-Monroe, he was drafted by the Chicago Bear ...
. Dallas jumped back into the lead with QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE
Tony Curtis Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz; June 3, 1925September 29, 2010) was an American actor whose career spanned six decades, achieving the height of his popularity in the 1950s (Kansas Raiders, 1950) and early 1960s. He acted in more than 100 f ...
, along with Folk's 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys took control with Folk's 47-yard field goal and Romo's 34-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
. Miami's Green completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR
Derek Hagan Derek Steven Hagan Jr. (born September 21, 1984) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State University. Hagan has also pr ...
, but Dallas responded with Barber's 40-yard TD run. On defense, they managed to force 5 turnovers, 4 of which came from intercepting Trent Green passes. With the win, the Cowboys improved to 2–0.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – MIA – 7:03 –
Jay Feely Thomas James "Jay" Feely (born May 23, 1976) is a former American football placekicker and current sportscaster. He started his career with the Florida Bobcats in the Arena Football League as a street free agent in 1999 before playing for sever ...
37-yard FG (MIA 3–0) * Q1 – DAL – 0:03 –
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
26-yard FG (3–3) * Q2 – DAL – 1:54 – Marion Barber 1-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 10–3) * Q2 – MIA – 0:05 – Jay Feely 45-yard FG (DAL 10–6) * Q3 – MIA – 9:41 – 18-yard TD pass from
Trent Green Trent Jason Green (born July 9, 1970) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fifteen seasons. He played college football for Indiana University. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in ...
to
Marty Booker Marty Montez Booker (born July 31, 1976) is a former American football wide receiver who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for Louisiana-Monroe, he was drafted by the Chicago Bear ...
(Feely kick) (MIA 13–10) * Q3 – DAL – 4:41 – 2-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
to
Tony Curtis Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz; June 3, 1925September 29, 2010) was an American actor whose career spanned six decades, achieving the height of his popularity in the 1950s (Kansas Raiders, 1950) and early 1960s. He acted in more than 100 f ...
(Folk kick) (DAL 17–13) * Q3 – DAL – 2:10 – Nick Folk 28-yard FG (DAL 20–13) * Q4 – DAL – 11:00 – Nick Folk 47-yard FG (DAL 23–13) * Q4 – DAL – 4:01 – 34-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
(Folk kick) (DAL 30–13) * Q4 – MIA – 3:26 – 21-yard TD pass from Trent Green to
Derek Hagan Derek Steven Hagan Jr. (born September 21, 1984) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State University. Hagan has also pr ...
(Feely kick) (DAL 30–20) * Q4 – DAL – 3:17 – Marion Barber 40-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 37–20)


Week 3: at Chicago Bears

Following their road win over the Dolphins, the Cowboys traveled to
Soldier Field Soldier Field is a multi-purpose stadium on the Near South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1924 and reconstructed in 2003, the stadium has served as the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) since 1 ...
to play a Sunday night match with the defending NFC Champion
Bears Bears are carnivoran mammals of the family Ursidae. They are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans. Although only eight species of bears are extant, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the North ...
. The game was close early as the Bears'
Robbie Gould Robert Paul Gould III (; born December 6, 1982) is an American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played with the Chicago Bears from 2005 to 2015, during which he became the franchise's all ...
and the Cowboys'
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
each hit field goals respectively to make it a 3–3 tie at halftime. The Cowboys took the opening drive of the third quarter and ended it with a
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
to
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
touchdown pass. The Bears responded on the ensuing drive with a
Cedric Benson Cedric Myron Benson (December 28, 1982 – August 17, 2019) was an American professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns and was recognized as a co ...
goal line plunge. The Cowboys struck again before the end of the third quarter, Romo connecting on his second touchdown pass, this time to running back Marion Barber. Folk converted a 44-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, and on the next play from scrimmage, Bears quarterback
Rex Grossman Rex Daniel Grossman III (born August 23, 1980) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons, most notably with the Chicago Bears. He played college football at Florida, where he rece ...
threw an interception to Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry, who ran it back for the score. The Cowboys proceeded to kill the clock, with Barber, who capped the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run. Barber ended the night with over 100 yards rushing, and Cowboys wide receiver
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
caught eight passes for 145 yards. The Cowboys improved to 3–0, while the Bears dropped to 1–2.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – CHI – 3:09 –
Robbie Gould Robert Paul Gould III (; born December 6, 1982) is an American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played with the Chicago Bears from 2005 to 2015, during which he became the franchise's all ...
20-yard FG (CHI 3–0) * Q2 – DAL – 8:49 –
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
30-yard FG (3–3) * Q3 – DAL – 10:14 – 3-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
to
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
(Folk kick) (DAL 10–3) * Q3 – CHI – 7:14 –
Cedric Benson Cedric Myron Benson (December 28, 1982 – August 17, 2019) was an American professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns and was recognized as a co ...
1-yard TD run (Gould kick) (10–10) * Q3 – DAL – 1:18 – 10-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Marion Barber (Folk kick) (DAL 17–10) * Q4 – DAL – 12:10 – Nick Folk 44-yard FG (DAL 20–10) * Q4 – DAL – 11:49 – Anthony Henry 28-yard interception return TD (Folk kick) (DAL 27–10) * Q4 – DAL – 3:10 – Marion Barber 1-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 34–10)


Week 4: vs. St. Louis Rams

The Dallas Cowboys returned home to Texas Stadium to take on the 0–3 St. Louis Rams. Both teams remained scoreless in the 1st quarter. Also, starting cornerback Anthony Henry left with a sprained right ankle late in the first quarter. He'd return to the sidelines later in the game after x-rays were negative, but would not return to game. Early in the 2nd quarter, the Rams' Jeff Wilkins attempted a 28-yard field goal and missed. On the next possession, the Cowboys would cap an 80-yard drive down the field with a hand-off to Julius Jones for 2 yards and the first touchdown of the game. On the next Dallas possession, the Cowboys would punt after failing to convert on a 3rd down. Mat McBriar punt went 56 yards to the St. Louis 15 and Dante Hall returned it 86 yards for a Rams TD, tying the game. Late in the 2nd quarter, Tony Romo turned a bad snap from center Andre Gurode, 33-yards behind the line of scrimmage, into a 4-yard gain for a 3rd-down conversion. It kept the drive alive and enabled the Cowboys to regain the lead with 11 seconds left before halftime when Romo again ran with the ball for 15 yards and the second Cowboy touchdown of the game. In the second half, the Cowboys scored three more times as Romo connected twice with Patrick Crayton for 59- and 37-yard TDs, and with Jason Witten for a 17-yard TD. The Rams would get another chance to score, but QB Marc Bulger (playing with two broken ribs) would throw an interception in the end zone to Dallas' Ken Hamlin. Gus Frerotte would come in for Bulger in the 3rd quarter. The 35–7 victory marked the Cowboys' first 4–0 start since 1995, and left the Rams 0–4.


Scoring summary

* Q2 – DAL – 7:15 – Julius Jones 2-yard TD run (Nick Folk kick)(DAL 7–0) * Q2 – STL – 2:11 –
Dante Hall Damieon Dante Hall (born September 20, 1978) is an American former football wide receiver and return specialist who played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He is nicknamed the "Human Joystick" and the "X-Factor". Hall was a ...
punt return 85 yards TD (Jeff Wilkins kick) (7–7) * Q2 – DAL – 00:11 –
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
15-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 14–7) * Q3 – DAL – 12:41 – Romo to Patrick Crayton 59-yard pass TD (Folk kick) (DAL 21–7) * Q3 – DAL – 9:40 – Romo to Crayton 37-yard pass TD (Folk kick) (DAL 28–7) * Q3 – DAL – 2:22 – Romo to
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
17-yard pass TD (Folk kick) (DAL 35–7)


Week 5: at Buffalo Bills

After the Bills offense failed to score on the opening drive, a Brian Moorman punt pinned the Dallas Cowboys at the 2-yard line. Tony Romo's first pass attempt of the night was intercepted by George Wilson, who ran it back 25 yards for a Bills TD. On the ensuing possession, Romo threw his second interception to Angelo Crowell. However, Buffalo was unable to capitalize on the turnover. In the second quarter, Romo completed a 23-yard touchdown pass to TE Jason Witten, tying the game at 7. But Buffalo's Rian Lindell kicked a field goal soon after to retake the lead at 10–7. On the next drive, Romo was again pinned inside the Dallas 5-yard line when Bills' defensive lineman Chris Kelsay blocked a pass and caught his own deflection in the end zone. The TD extended the Bills' lead 17–7. The Bills kicked off. Dallas began to drive until yet another Romo pass was intercepted, this time by Jabari Greer. It marked Romo's fourth interception of the night and, after a missed 54-yard field goal attempt, the second time the Bills offense would fail to score after a turnover. On the final Dallas drive of the half, Romo completed a 29-yard pass with 3 seconds left to set up a 47-yard field goal by Nick Folk. Halftime: Buffalo 17, Dallas 10. Down by one touchdown, Dallas' first drive of the second half resulted in a second Folk field goal of 29 yards. But on the ensuing kickoff, Buffalo's T. McGee returned the ball 103 yards for a TD, giving the Bills an 11-point lead (24–13). Early in the fourth quarter, Folk added 3 more points to Dallas' score. The following drives were marred by turnovers with Romo fumbling the ball, which Buffalo recovered. The Bills drove down field until Dallas' Terrence Newman intercepted an Edwards' pass, the first of the game for the rookie Bills QB. Then, with Dallas in scoring range, Romo was picked off for the franchise record-tying 5th time. So neither team was able to score as a result of the turnovers. Then, with 3:45 left in the fourth quarter, Dallas' offense drove 80 yards for a touchdown on a pass from Romo to Patrick Crayton. A two-point conversion to tie the game failed. With 20 seconds remaining, Folk executed an on-side kick, which was recovered by Tony Curtis for Dallas. With no timeouts and 18 seconds remaining, Romo passed twice toward the sidelines for 4-yard and 8-yard gains – enough to set up a long field goal attempt to win the game. Folk kicked. It was good, but the Bills had called a timeout. Dallas again set up to kick, and again the rookie kicker split the uprights for a career-high, 53-yard field goal and his first game-winning field goal in the NFL. The 12 unanswered points in the 4th helped Dallas improve to 5–0 and dropped the Bills to 1–4. The Cowboys improved to 5–0, along with becoming the very first team to win a game with a −5 turnover margin.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – BUF TD – George Wilson, 25 yd interception return (
Rian Lindell Rian David Lindell (born January 20, 1977) is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football at Washington State. Early years ...
kick is good), 9:20. (BUF 7–0) * Q2 – DAL TD –
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
, 22 yd pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
(
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
kick is good), 12:09. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards in 4:00 (7–7 tie game) * Q2 – BUF FG – Lindell, 24 yd field goal, 3:26. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards in 8:43 (BUF 10–7) * Q2 – BUF TD –
Chris Kelsay Christopher Kelsay (born October 31, 1979) is a former American football defensive end who played for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL) for his entire professional career. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round (48t ...
, 0 yd interception return (Lindell kick is good), 3:15. (BUF 17–7) * Q2 – DAL FG – Folk, 47 yd field goal, 0:00. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards in 0:36 (BUF 17–10) * Q3 – DAL FG – Folk, 29 yd field goal, 9:02. Drive: 14 plays, 72 yards in 5:58 (BUF 17–13) * Q3 – BUF TD –
Terrence McGee Terrence Dewayne McGee (born October 14, 1980) is a former American football cornerback and kick returner in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by Buffalo Bills in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He playe ...
, 103 yd kick return (Lindell kick is good), 8:48. (BUF 24–13) * Q4 – DAL FG – Folk, 37 yd field goal, 14:47. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards in 3:46 (BUF 24–16) * Q4 – DAL TD – Patrick Crayton, 4 yd pass from Romo (2-pt Conv. pass failed), 0:20. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards in 3:25 (BUF 24–22) * Q4 – DAL FG – Folk, 53 yd field goal, 0:00. Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards in 0:20 (DAL 25–24)


Week 6 vs. New England Patriots

Coming off a last-second road win over the Bills, the Cowboys came home and played the undefeated
New England Patriots The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East divisio ...
, with both teams putting their perfect seasons on the line. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as QB
Tom Brady Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. (born August 3, 1977) is an American football quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He spent his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots organization, with which ...
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR
Randy Moss Randy Gene Moss (born February 13, 1977) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee ...
, along with a 35-yard TD pass to WR
Wes Welker Wesley Carter Welker (born May 1, 1981) is an American football coach and former wide receiver who is the wide receivers coach for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as an assistant coach for the San ...
. In the second quarter, the Cowboys got on the board with rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
getting a 38-yard field goal, along with DE
Jason Hatcher Jason Dewayne Hatcher (born July 13, 1982) is a former American football American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players o ...
returning a fumble 29 yards for a touchdown. New England would respond with Brady and Welker hooking up with each other again on a 12-yard TD pass. Dallas would end the half with QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
. In the third quarter, the Cowboys took the lead with Romo completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton. The Patriots regained the lead with Tom Brady completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE
Kyle Brady Kyle or Kyles may refer to: Places Canada * Kyle, Saskatchewan, Canada Ireland * Kyle, County Laois * Kyle, County Wexford Scotland * Kyle, Ayrshire, area of Scotland which stretched across parts of modern-day East Ayrshire and South Ayrshir ...
, along with kicker
Stephen Gostkowski Stephen Carroll Gostkowski ( ; born January 28, 1984) is an American football former placekicker who played for 15 years in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New England Patriots. He was selected in the fourth round of th ...
getting a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Brady completing a 69-yard TD pass to WR
Donté Stallworth Donté Lamar Stallworth (born November 10, 1980) is a former American football wide receiver who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tennessee and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the ...
. Dallas' Folk kicked a 23-yard field goal, and the Patriots' Gostkowski made a 22-yard field goal, along with RB Kyle Eckel getting a 1-yard TD run. With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 5–1. At the time, this game was the most-watched NFL regular season game in history.


Week 7: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Patriots, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Week 7 intraconference game against the Minnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, Dallas scored first as QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
. The Vikings would respond with RB
Adrian Peterson Adrian Lewis Peterson (born March 21, 1985) is an American football running back who is a free agent. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest running backs in football history. He played college football at Oklahoma, where he set the ...
getting a 20-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Minnesota took the lead after a turnover. WR Patrick Crayton fumbled a pass, which was picked up LB
Ben Leber Ben Leber (born December 7, 1978) is a retired American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft and later played for the Minnesota Vikings. Earl ...
, who later lateraled the ball to CB
Cedric Griffin Cedric Leonard Griffin (born November 11, 1982) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at the ...
, who would eventually fumble and recover the ball at the Cowboys 28-yard line and run it into the end zone for a touchdown. In the third quarter, RB Marion Barber got a 1-yard TD run, while safety
Pat Watkins Patrick Watkins (born December 18, 1982) is a former American football safety in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers. He also was a member of the Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Foo ...
returned a blocked field goal by Chris Canty 68 yards for a touchdown. It would mark the first time that a Cowboy player returned a blocked field goal since
Ed "Too Tall" Jones Edward Lee Jones (born February 23, 1951), commonly known as Ed "Too Tall" Jones due to his height, is a former American football player who played 15 seasons (1974–1978, 1980–1989) in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys ...
in 1983 against the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 1983. In the fourth quarter, Dallas sealed the victory with rookie
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
getting a 45-yard field goal. With the win, the Cowboys entered their bye week at 6–1.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – DAL TD –
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
, 5 yd pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
(
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
kick), 6:36. (DAL 7–0) * Q1 – MIN TD –
Adrian Peterson Adrian Lewis Peterson (born March 21, 1985) is an American football running back who is a free agent. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest running backs in football history. He played college football at Oklahoma, where he set the ...
, 20 yd run (
Ryan Longwell Ryan Walker Longwell (born August 16, 1974Ryan Longwell
NFLPA.com. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
kick), 0:43. (7–7) * Q2 – MIN TD –
Cedric Griffin Cedric Leonard Griffin (born November 11, 1982) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at the ...
, 28 yd fumble return (Longwell kick), 1:39. (MIN 14–7) * Q3 – DAL TD – Marion Barber, 1 yd run (Folk kick), 6:55. (14–14) * Q3 – DAL TD –
Pat Watkins Patrick Watkins (born December 18, 1982) is a former American football safety in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers. He also was a member of the Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Foo ...
, 68 yd blocked FG return (Folk kick), 2:52. (DAL 21–14) * Q4 – DAL FG –
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
, 45 yd field goal, 10:34. (DAL 24–14)


Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

Coming off their bye week, the Cowboys flew to
Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is an American football stadium located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It serves as the home stadium of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) and the Temple Owls football team of Temple University. ...
for Week 9 Sunday night divisional game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the first quarter, Dallas took the early lead as they turned a first-play Philly fumble into RB Julius Jones' 2-yard TD run. The Eagles would respond with RB
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is a former American football running back who played for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft af ...
getting a 3-yard TD run. Afterwards, the 'Boys regained the lead with QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE
Tony Curtis Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz; June 3, 1925September 29, 2010) was an American actor whose career spanned six decades, achieving the height of his popularity in the 1950s (Kansas Raiders, 1950) and early 1960s. He acted in more than 100 f ...
. In the second quarter, the Cowboys increased its lead with RB Marion Barber getting a 5-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Dallas began to pull away as Romo completed a 45-yard TD pass to former Eagles WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
. Philadelphia would reply with kicker
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Washington Reds ...
getting a 36-yard field goal. Afterwards, the 'Boys went back to work with Romo completing a 20-yard TD pass to TE
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
. In the fourth quarter, Dallas sealed the win with rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
getting a 22-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Eagles' only response was QB
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, he played football and b ...
completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR
Hank Baskett Henry Randall Baskett III (born September 4, 1982) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. A native of Clovis, New Mexico, Ba ...
. With the win, the Cowboys improved to 7–1.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – DAL – 11:13 – Julius Jones 2-yard TD run (
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
kick) (DAL 7–0) * Q1 – PHI – 7:38 –
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is a former American football running back who played for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft af ...
3-yard TD run (
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Washington Reds ...
kick) (7–7) * Q1 – DAL – 2:14 – 1-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
to
Tony Curtis Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz; June 3, 1925September 29, 2010) was an American actor whose career spanned six decades, achieving the height of his popularity in the 1950s (Kansas Raiders, 1950) and early 1960s. He acted in more than 100 f ...
(Folk kick) (DAL 14–7) * Q2 – DAL – 0:44 – Marion Barber 5-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 21–7) * Q3 – DAL – 12:44 – 45-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
(Folk kick) (DAL 28–7) * Q3 – PHI – 7:43 – David Akers 36-yard FG (DAL 28–10) * Q3 – DAL – 4:28 – 20-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
to
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
(Folk kick) (DAL 35–10) * Q4 – DAL – 9:57 – Nick Folk 22-yard FG (DAL 38–10) * Q4 – PHI – 5:51 – 10-yard TD pass from
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, he played football and b ...
to
Hank Baskett Henry Randall Baskett III (born September 4, 1982) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. A native of Clovis, New Mexico, Ba ...
(Akers kick) (DAL 38–17)


Week 10: at New York Giants

Coming off their Sunday night divisional road win over the Eagles, the Cowboys flew to
Giants Stadium Giants Stadium (sometimes referred to as Giants Stadium at the Meadowlands or The Swamp) was a stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The venue was open from 1976 to 2010, and it primarily hosted sp ...
for an NFC East rematch with
the New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East ...
. In the first quarter, Dallas shot first as QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completed a 15-yard TD pass to TE
Tony Curtis Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz; June 3, 1925September 29, 2010) was an American actor whose career spanned six decades, achieving the height of his popularity in the 1950s (Kansas Raiders, 1950) and early 1960s. He acted in more than 100 f ...
. Afterwards, the Giants responded with QB
Eli Manning Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son o ...
completing an 8-yard TD pass to TE
Jeremy Shockey Jeremy Charles Shockey (born August 18, 1980) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at the University of Miami and was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. The winner of the fir ...
. In the second quarter, the Cowboys retook the lead as rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
got a 44-yard field goal, yet New York answered with RB
Reuben Droughns Reuben Droughns (; born August 21, 1978) is a retired American football running back. After playing college football at the University of Oregon, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. During his nine years ...
getting a 1-yard TD run. Dallas reclaimed the lead with Romo completing a 20-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton. However, due to a taunting penalty on LB
Kevin Burnett Kevin Bradley Burnett (born December 24, 1982) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. He played college football at the Universit ...
, the Giants were given great field position to get some points prior to halftime. The Cowboys held New York to a 40-yard
Lawrence Tynes Lawrence James Henry Tynes (born May 3, 1978) is a Scottish-born former American football placekicker. After playing soccer for Milton High School a coach suggested he try out for the football team as a kicker. He played college football at Troy ...
field goal. In the third quarter, Dallas regained the lead with Romo completing a 25-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Giants only got a 26-yard field goal from Tynes. Afterwards, the Cowboys completed the season-sweep with Romo and Owens hooking up again on a 50-yard TD pass. With the win, the Cowboys improved to 8–1. This would mark the first time since their Super Bowl year of 1995 that the Cowboys began a season at 8–1, and only the fourth time in franchise history that Dallas began at 8–1; the other times were during the 1977 season, and the 1983 season. The Cowboys won the Super Bowl in 1977 and 1995, but lost the wildcard game to the Los Angeles Rams in 1983. For their season-sweep over New York, Dallas had scored a total of 76 points in the two meetings. DT
Tank Johnson Terry "Tank" Johnson (born December 7, 1981) is a former American professional American football, football defensive tackle in the NFL for the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second ...
, in his first game with the Cowboys (along with the first game off of his suspension), recorded 3 tackles and a sack.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – DAL – 11:10 –
Tony Curtis Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz; June 3, 1925September 29, 2010) was an American actor whose career spanned six decades, achieving the height of his popularity in the 1950s (Kansas Raiders, 1950) and early 1960s. He acted in more than 100 f ...
, 15-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
(
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
kick) (DAL 7–0) * Q1 – NYG – 6:13 –
Jeremy Shockey Jeremy Charles Shockey (born August 18, 1980) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at the University of Miami and was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. The winner of the fir ...
, 8-yard TD pass from
Eli Manning Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son o ...
(
Lawrence Tynes Lawrence James Henry Tynes (born May 3, 1978) is a Scottish-born former American football placekicker. After playing soccer for Milton High School a coach suggested he try out for the football team as a kicker. He played college football at Troy ...
kick) (7–7) * Q2 – DAL – 14:56 – Nick Folk 44-yard FG (DAL 10–7) * Q2 – NYG – 4:33 –
Reuben Droughns Reuben Droughns (; born August 21, 1978) is a retired American football running back. After playing college football at the University of Oregon, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. During his nine years ...
1-yard TD run (Tynes kick) (NYG 14–10) * Q2 – DAL – 0:27 – Patrick Crayton, 20-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 17–14) * Q2 – NYG – 0:01 – Lawrence Tynes 40-yard FG (17–17) * Q3 – DAL – 7:14 –
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
, 25-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to (Folk kick) (DAL 24–17) * Q4 – NYG – 13:18 – Lawrence Tynes 26-yard FG (DAL 24–20) * Q4 – DAL – 10:43 – Terrell Owens, 50-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 31–20)


Week 11: vs. Washington Redskins

Coming off their season-sweeping road win over the Giants, the Cowboys went home for a Week 11 NFC East duel with the Washington Redskins, a longtime rival of the Cowboys. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Redskins QB
Jason Campbell Jason S. Campbell (born December 31, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college footbal ...
completed a 19-yard TD pass to TE
Chris Cooley Christopher Ken Cooley (born July 11, 1982) is a former American football tight end who played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Utah State University, and was drafted by the Redski ...
for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 'Boys got on the board as QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
. Washington would take the lead into halftime as kicker
Shaun Suisham Shaun Christopher Suisham (; born December 29, 1981) is a Canadian-born former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was signed b ...
managed to get a 45-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Cowboys took the lead with Romo and Owens hooking up with each other again on a 31-yard TD pass. The Redskins got close as Suisham kicked a 39-yard field goal. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, the 'Boys started to run away with the lead as Romo and Owens hooked up with each other for a third time on a 46-yard TD pass. Washington tried to come back as Suisham nailed a 44-yard field goal, yet Dallas continued to roll as Romo hooked up with Owens for the fourth time on a 52-yard TD pass. The Redskins tried to come back as Campbell completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR
Santana Moss Santana Terrell Moss (born June 1, 1979) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fourteen seasons. He played college football for the University of Miami, where he earned All-American hon ...
. Fortunately, the Dallas defense held on for the victory. With the win, the Cowboys improved to 9–1. Terrell Owens, with his four touchdown receptions, tied
Bob Hayes Robert Lee Hayes (December 20, 1942 – September 18, 2002), nicknamed "Bullet Bob", was an Olympic gold medalist sprinter who then became an American football split end in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys (for 11 seasons). ...
for the most touchdown receptions by a Cowboys receiver in one game.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – WSH – 7:52 –
Chris Cooley Christopher Ken Cooley (born July 11, 1982) is a former American football tight end who played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Utah State University, and was drafted by the Redski ...
, 19-yard TD pass from
Jason Campbell Jason S. Campbell (born December 31, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college footbal ...
(
Shaun Suisham Shaun Christopher Suisham (; born December 29, 1981) is a Canadian-born former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was signed b ...
kick) (WSH 7–0) * Q2 – DAL – 1:16 –
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
, 4-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
(
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
kick) (7–7) * Q2 – WSH – 0:00 – Shaun Suisham, 45-yard FG (WSH 10–7) * Q3 – DAL – 2:09 – Terrell Owens, 31-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 14–10) * Q3 – WSH – 0:00 – Shaun Suisham, 39-yard FG (DAL 14–13) * Q4 – DAL – 11:32 – Terrell Owens, 46-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 21–13) * Q4 – WSH – 9:58 – Shaun Suisham, 44-yard FG (DAL 21–16) * Q4 – DAL – 7:50 – Terrell Owens, 52-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 28–16) * Q4 – WSH – 3:45 –
Santana Moss Santana Terrell Moss (born June 1, 1979) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fourteen seasons. He played college football for the University of Miami, where he earned All-American hon ...
, 5-yard TD pass from Jason Campbell (Suisham kick) (DAL 28–23)


Week 12: vs. New York Jets

Coming off their divisional home win over the Redskins, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Week 12 Thanksgiving interconference showdown with the New York Jets. In the first quarter, Dallas shot first with RB Marion Barber getting a 7-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 'Boys increased their lead with QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completing a 25-yard TD pass to TE
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
, along with CB
Terence Newman Terence Newman (born September 4, 1978) is a former American football cornerback. He played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Vikings. He played college football at Kansas State Wildc ...
returning an interception 50 yards for a touchdown, the first of his career. Afterwards, the Jets got their only score of the game as kicker
Mike Nugent Michael Nugent (born March 2, 1982) is a former American football placekicker. He played college football for Ohio State University, and was twice recognized as a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round o ...
got a 40-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead with rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
getting a 46-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas pulled away with Folk getting a 27-yard field goal & Romo completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
. With the win, the Cowboys improved to 10–1. This also remains their most recent victory over the Jets. QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
(21/28 for 195 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception), DE Chris Canty (2 tackles, 1 assist, and 1 sack), LB
DeMarcus Ware DeMarcus Omar Ware (born July 31, 1982) is an American former football outside linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Troy University and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the 11th overall pick in th ...
(1 tackle and 3 assists), CB
Terence Newman Terence Newman (born September 4, 1978) is a former American football cornerback. He played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Vikings. He played college football at Kansas State Wildc ...
(1 tackle and 1 interception), and LB Greg Ellis (4 tackles and 2 sacks) all ended up getting CBS's All-Iron Award for their performances. Singer
Kelly Clarkson Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, author, and television personality. She rose to fame after winning the first season of ''American Idol'' in 2002, which earned her a record deal with RCA. Her debu ...
performed in the game's halftime concert.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – DAL – 10:16 – Marion Barber, 7-yard run (
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
kick) (DAL 7–0) * Q2 – DAL – 12:09-
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
, 25-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
(Nick Folk kick) (DAL 14–0) * Q2 – DAL – 6:18 –
Terence Newman Terence Newman (born September 4, 1978) is a former American football cornerback. He played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Vikings. He played college football at Kansas State Wildc ...
, 50-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 21–0) * Q2 – NYJ – 0:39 –
Mike Nugent Michael Nugent (born March 2, 1982) is a former American football placekicker. He played college football for Ohio State University, and was twice recognized as a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round o ...
40-yard field goal (DAL 21–3) * Q3 – DAL – 5:30 – Nick Folk 46-yard field goal (DAL 24–3) * Q4 – DAL – 11:23 – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal (DAL 27–3) * Q4 – DAL – 6:12 – Terrell Owens, 22-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 34–3)


Week 13: vs. Green Bay Packers

Coming off their Thanksgiving home win over the Jets, the Cowboys stayed at home, donned their throwbacks, and played a Week 13 Thursday night intraconference duel with the Green Bay Packers. This match-up would be the first time since 1990 (Giants & 49ers) that two 10–1 teams would meet each other. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Packers kicker
Mason Crosby Mason Walker Crosby (born September 3, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Colorado, and earned unanimous All-American honors. The Packers chos ...
made a 47-yard field goal. Afterwards, the 'Boys took the lead as rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
made a 26-yarder and a 51-yard field goal, along with QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton. Later, Green Bay would reply with RB Ryan Grant getting a 62-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Cowboys responded with Romo completing a 26-yard TD pass to TE
Anthony Fasano Anthony Joseph Fasano (born April 20, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame. Fasano also played for the Kansas City ...
, along with a 10-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
. The Packers would end the half with QB
Aaron Rodgers Aaron Charles Rodgers (born December 2, 1983) is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). Rodgers began his college football career at Butte College in 2002 before transferring to the ...
completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR
Greg Jennings Gregory Jennings Jr. (born September 21, 1983) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons, primarily with the Green Bay Packers. He played college football at Western Michigan an ...
. In the third quarter, Green Bay got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas' Romo linked up with Crayton again on a 4-yard TD pass. The Packers' Crosby kicked a 52-yard field goal, and the 'Boys' Folk made a 25-yard field goal. With the win, the Cowboys improved to 11–1 (continuing to be their best start in franchise history) and also clinched a playoff berth. Hall of Fame/Former Cowboy QBs
Roger Staubach Roger Thomas Staubach (, -; , -; born February 5, 1942), nicknamed "Roger the Dodger", "Captain America", and "Captain Comeback", is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for ...
and
Troy Aikman Troy Kenneth Aikman (born November 21, 1966) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. After transferring from Oklahoma, he played college football at UCLA, ...
were in attendance as honorary captains, along with the commemoration of the Super Bowl anniversaries of the '77 Cowboys & the '92 Cowboys. The Cowboys won the 10–1 duel with the win and improved to 11–1 while the Packers fell to 10–2. This is the last time to date that the Cowboys have beaten have the Packers at home, as the two teams would not meet in Dallas again until
2013 File:2013 Events Collage V2.png, From left, clockwise: Edward Snowden becomes internationally famous for leaking classified NSA wiretapping information; Typhoon Haiyan kills over 6,000 in the Philippines and Southeast Asia; The Dhaka garment fact ...
, and the Packers have won four straight in Dallas as of
2019 File:2019 collage v1.png, From top left, clockwise: Hong Kong protests turn to widespread riots and civil disobedience; House of Representatives votes to adopt articles of impeachment against Donald Trump; CRISPR gene editing first used to experim ...
. For Tony Romo, he ended this part of the season with a franchise-best 33 touchdown passes.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – GB – 11:32 –
Mason Crosby Mason Walker Crosby (born September 3, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Colorado, and earned unanimous All-American honors. The Packers chos ...
47-yard field goal (GB 3–0) * Q1 – DAL – 8:23 –
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
26-yard field goal (3–3) * Q1 – DAL – 3:15 – Nick Folk 51-yard field goal (DAL 6–3) * Q1 – DAL – 1:14 – Patrick Crayton, 3-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
(Nick Folk kick) (DAL 13–3) * Q1 – GB – 0:01 – Ryan Grant, 62-yard run (Mason Crosby kick) (DAL 13–10) * Q2 – DAL – 13:20 –
Anthony Fasano Anthony Joseph Fasano (born April 20, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame. Fasano also played for the Kansas City ...
, 26-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 20–10) * Q2 – DAL – 9:53 –
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
, 10-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 27–10) * Q2 – GB – 0:31 –
Greg Jennings Gregory Jennings Jr. (born September 21, 1983) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons, primarily with the Green Bay Packers. He played college football at Western Michigan an ...
, 11-yard TD pass from
Aaron Rodgers Aaron Charles Rodgers (born December 2, 1983) is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). Rodgers began his college football career at Butte College in 2002 before transferring to the ...
(Mason Crosby kick) (DAL 27–17) * Q3 – GB – 5:15 – Ryan Grant, 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick) (DAL 27–24) * Q4 – DAL – 7:51 – Patrick Crayton, 4-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 34–24) * Q4 – GB – 5:03 – Mason Crosby 52-yard field goal (DAL 34–27) * Q4 – DAL – 1:03 – Nick Folk 25-yard field goal (DAL 37–27)


Week 14: at Detroit Lions

Coming off their Thursday night home win over the Packers, the Cowboys flew to
Ford Field Ford Field is a domed American football stadium located in Downtown Detroit. It primarily serves as the home of the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL), as well as the annual Quick Lane Bowl college football bowl game, state champ ...
for a Week 14 interconference duel with the Detroit Lions. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Lions RB T.J. Duckett getting a 32-yard TD run, along with kicker
Jason Hanson Jason Hanson (born June 17, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker who spent his entire 21-year career with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football with the Washi ...
getting a 19-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys got on the board with RB Marion Barber getting a 20-yard TD run. Detroit would answer with Hanson kicking a 36-yard field goal, while RB Kevin Jones getting a 2-yard TD run. The Cowboys ended the half with QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completing an 8-yard TD pass to Barber. In the third quarter, the Lions replied with Jones getting a 3-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas came back and took the lead with Barber getting a 1-yard TD run and Romo completing a 16-yard TD pass to TE
Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
. With the win, the Cowboys improved to 12–1 and clinched the NFC East crown for the first time since 1998.


Week 15: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Coming off their road win over the Lions, the Cowboys went home for a Week 15 NFC East rematch with their hated rival
Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team plays ...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Dallas shot first with rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
getting a 33-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Eagles responded with QB
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, he played football and b ...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR
Reggie Brown Reggie Brown may refer to: *Reggie Brown (American football coach) (1876–1961), American college football coach at Boston University from 1926–1929 *Reginald J. Brown (1940–2005), U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affa ...
. In the third quarter, the 'Boys tried to catch up as Folk kicked a 23-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, Philadelphia extended their lead with kicker
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Washington Reds ...
nailing a 21-yard field goal. With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 12–2, but clinched a first round bye with Seattle's loss earlier in the day. In Dallas Cowboys lore, the game became known as "The Jessica Simpson Game," due to the attendance of famous pop star Jessica Simpson, who was dating Cowboys QB Tony Romo at the time. Simpson wore a pink version of Romo's jersey and was frequently shown on camera cheering for her boyfriend. Critics of the Cowboys' performance that day would later suggest, perhaps somewhat facetiously, that the reason for Romo and the team's immense struggles was due to the distraction caused by the famous pop star's presence. This game has also been generally marked as the start of the decline of the Super Bowl caliber team the Cowboys fielded that year, due to the celebrity status the players enjoyed that season, as well as the lack of discipline enforced by head coach, Wade Phillips. File:Philadelphia Eagles sideline during pregame flag ceremony.jpg, Pregame flag raising ceremony File:Flag raising before Eagles vs Cowboys Dec 2007.jpg, Pregame ceremony cont'd File:Eagles v cowboys 2007.jpg, Game action with the Cowboys on offense File:Marcus Spears in Cowboys vs Eagles Dec 2007.jpg, A Philadelphia offensive play File:Eagles vs Cowboys 2007 - McNabb calls play to Schobel.jpg,
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, he played football and b ...
(#5) calls plays to
Matt Schobel Matthew Thomas Schobel (; born November 4, 1978) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian University (TCU). Schobel ...
(#89). File:Donovan McNabb handoff to Brian Westbrook.jpg,
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, he played football and b ...
hands off to
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is a former American football running back who played for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft af ...


Week 16: at Carolina Panthers

Hoping to rebound from a divisional home loss to the Eagles, the Cowboys flew to
Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 74,867-seat football stadium located on in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is the home facility and headquarters of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League and Charlotte FC of Major ...
for a Week 16 Saturday night duel with the Carolina Panthers. In the first quarter, Dallas shot first with QB
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 'Boys continued their assault as RB Marion Barber got a 5-yard TD run. The Panthers would get on the board with QB Matt Moore completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR
Steve Smith Stephen, Steve, Stevie, or Steven Smith may refer to: Academics * Steve Smith (political scientist) (born 1952), British international relations theorist and senior university manager * Stephen Smith (journalist) (born 1956), American journalist, ...
. The Cowboys end the half with rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
getting a 42-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Carolina started to try a comeback as kicker
John Kasay John David Kasay (born October 27, 1969) is a former American football kicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 21 seasons, primarily with the Carolina Panthers. He played college football at Georgia and was selected by the Se ...
getting a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas would respond with Folk kicking a 23-yard field goal. The Panthers tried to rally as Kasay nailing a 25-yard field goal, yet the 'Boys were able to hold off every possible attempt. With the win, the Cowboys improved to 13–2 and clinched homefield through NFC Playoffs with Green Bay's loss to Chicago on Sunday. Terrell Owens (5 receptions for 48 yards and 1 touchdown) left the game in the second quarter with a high left ankle sprain.


Week 17: at Washington Redskins

Coming off their road win over the Panthers, the Cowboys closed out the regular season at
FedExField FedExField (originally Jack Kent Cooke Stadium) is an American football stadium located in Summerfield, Maryland, east of Washington, D.C. The stadium is the home of the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). From 2004 un ...
in a Week 17 NFC East rematch with the Washington Redskins. With the #1 seed already wrapped up, the Cowboys had little to play for and rested many of their starters in the 2nd half. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early with Redskins RB
Clinton Portis Clinton Earl Portis (born September 1, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. He was drafted b ...
getting a 23-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Washington increased its lead with kicker
Shaun Suisham Shaun Christopher Suisham (; born December 29, 1981) is a Canadian-born former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was signed b ...
getting a 46-yard field goal. The Cowboys would respond with rookie kicker
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
getting a 37-yard field goal, but the Redskins replied with Suisham kicking a 21-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Washington continued to lead as Portis got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins pulled away as QB Todd Collins completed a 42-yard TD pass to WR
Santana Moss Santana Terrell Moss (born June 1, 1979) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fourteen seasons. He played college football for the University of Miami, where he earned All-American hon ...
. Dallas would end the game with Folk nailing a 30-yard field goal. With the loss, the Cowboys ended the regular season at 13–3, along with the NFC's #1 seed.


Postseason schedule


Postseason

The Cowboys secured a bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs with an NFC best 13–3 regular season record.


NFC Divisional Playoffs: New York Giants

Fresh off a bye week, the #1 seed Cowboys hosted the #5 seed New York Giants in the Divisional round of the playoffs. The Giants had beaten the #4 seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round. It was the third time the NFC East division rivals faced off against each other that season, with the Cowboys winning the previous two matchups. The Giants took the opening kickoff and came out firing, hitting the Cowboys with a quick 52-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Amani Toomer. The Cowboys and Giants exchanged punts on the next 2 series before the Cowboy marched 96 yards down the field, scoring on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Terrell Owens (which was reviewed and upheld), tying the score at 7–7. The Cowboys never faced a 3rd down on the drive. With the 2nd quarter underway, the Giants punted on the next series, giving the ball to the Cowboys at their own 10-yard line with 11:21 left in the 2nd quarter. The Cowboys marched methodically down the field in small chunks, burning up all but 61 seconds of the clock before Marion Barber bulled into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run, making it 14–7 in the Cowboys' favor (the play was reviewed but upheld). With just 61 seconds left in the half, the Giants seemed to catch the Cowboys' defense napping as they quickly moved down the field from their own 29-yard line, stunning the Cowboys with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Toomer with 11 seconds left in the half. It was Manning and Toomer's 2nd touchdown connection of the first half. The game went into halftime with the score tied at 14–14. The Cowboys took the opening kickoff, and much like their last drive in the first half, marched very slowly down the field, gaining yards in small increments. After a drop by tight end Anthony Fasano in the end zone, the Cowboys' long drive stalled out and they settled for a 34-yard FG from kicker Nick Folk, to make it 17–14 for the Cowboys. The drive took up over 8 minutes of the 3rd quarter. The next 2 series of the game resulted in punts. After a 25-yard punt return, the Giants had excellent field position at the Dallas 37-yard line. The drive went into the start of the 4th quarter, where Brandon Jacobs rumbled into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown, to make it 21–17 for the Giants. As the 4th quarter ticked on, both teams exchanged punts on the next 4 series. With 1:50 left in the game, the Cowboys took over on the Giants' 48-yard line after a short punt return. They marched down to the Giants' 22-yard line with 31 seconds left, still trailing 21–17. On 3rd and 11, with 21 seconds left, Romo lofted a pass into the corner of the end zone that dropped just in front of receiver Patrick Crayton, who had a couple of steps on his defender. Replays showed that Crayton hesitated at the top of his route instead of running straight into the end zone, which is where Romo expected him. The pass fell incomplete as a result. Now on 4th down and 11, with just 16 seconds left, Romo heaved a desperation pass into the back of the end zone, into double coverage, which was intercepted by Giants cornerback R.W. McQuarters, effectively ending the game, 21–17 Giants. The 2007 Dallas Cowboys became the first #1 seeded NFC team to be eliminated in the divisional round since the San Francisco 49ers in 1987 and the first time it had happened since the then-current playoff format was instituted in 1990. The Giants went on to beat the
Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. It ...
the next week in the
NFC Championship Game The NFC Championship Game is the annual championship game of the National Football Conference (NFC) and one of the two semi-final playoff games of the National Football League (NFL), the largest professional American football league in the world. ...
, then shocked the undefeated
New England Patriots The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East divisio ...
in
Super Bowl XLII Super Bowl XLII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion ...
.


Scoring summary

* Q1 – 11:50 – 52-yard TD pass from
Eli Manning Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son o ...
to
Amani Toomer Amani Askari Toomer (born September 8, 1974) is a former American football wide receiver and punt returner who played his entire career for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He registered over 1,000 receiving yards each ...
,
Lawrence Tynes Lawrence James Henry Tynes (born May 3, 1978) is a Scottish-born former American football placekicker. After playing soccer for Milton High School a coach suggested he try out for the football team as a kicker. He played college football at Troy ...
extra point is good (7–0 NYG) * Q2 – 14:56 – 5-yard TD pass from
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
to
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
,
Nick Folk Nicholas Alexander Folk (born Niklaus Aleksandre Faulke, November 5, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona, where he received first-tea ...
extra point is good (7–7) * Q2 – 0:53 – 1-yard TD run by Marion Barber, Folk extra point is good (14–7 DAL) * Q2 – 0:07 – 4-yard TD pass from Manning to Toomer, Tynes extra point is good (14–14) * Q3 – 6:53 – 34-yard FG by Nick Folk (17–14 DAL) * Q4 – 13:29 – 1-yard TD run by
Brandon Jacobs Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
, Tynes kick is good (21–17 NYG)


Notes


References


External links


2007 Dallas Cowboys

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Dallas Cowboys Official Site
{{DEFAULTSORT:2007 Dallas Cowboys Season
Dallas Dallas () is the List of municipalities in Texas, third largest city in Texas and the largest city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of metropolitan statistical areas, fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States at 7.5 ...
NFC East championship seasons Dallas Cowboys seasons
Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divisi ...