Julius Jones had 109 yards by halftime, thanks to a 77-yard scoring run on Dallas' first drive. With the score out of hand early in the third quarter, Jones was effectively taken out of the game. Marion Barber had just one carry through three quarters. On the TD, Flozell Adams and Terrell Owens had key blocks, and once Jones got by Omar Stoutmire, he scored untouched.
RUN DEFENSE
F
Deuce McAllister joined the Giants' Tiki Barber as the only backs to go over 100 yards vs. the Cowboys this season. McAllister had 107 yards on 20 carries, but he wasn't needed much because of how the Cowboys were torched through the air. About the only positive was containing Reggie Bush on the ground; the Cowboys did not do that through the air.
PASS OFFENSE
B
Forget the numbers; Tony Romo came back to Earth. For the first time as a starter, he threw interceptions in back-to-back games and seemed rattled at times. Even when he wasn't hurried, his throws were off. His TD pass to Terrell Owens was mainly luck; it went through Fred Thomas' hands. Jason Witten should have had a third-quarter TD reception.
PASS DEFENSE
D
Drew Brees' return to Texas Stadium was as good as his last trip, when he led Austin Westlake to a state title as a high school senior. His five TD passes were the most vs. the Cowboys since Daunte Culpepper threw five on Sept. 12, 2004 for Minnesota. The Cowboys saw the full effect of Reggie Bush. He scored an electrifying 61-yard touchdown on a simple swing pass.
SPECIAL TEAMS
D
Miles Austin put the Cowboys in good positions on kickoff returns. His 37-yarder after the Saints went up 21-7 helped them get in position for a field goal try, which Martin Gramatica missed from 43 yards. Austin also dragged down Reggie Bush on a punt return, with the help of a face mask penalty that was not called. Ex-Cowboy Billy Cundiff had a perfectly executed onside kick.
COACHING
F
The Cowboys rode emotion on their first two drives and forced back-to- back punts on defense, but then defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer had no answer for Sean Payton's offense. The Saints scored on five of their net six drives, excluding when they took a knee before the half. The Saints exploited the Cowboys in the flat and were able to come up with plays of 25, 27, 61, 50 and 42 yards.
OVERALL
F
With so much on the line, the Cowboys played their worst game of the season. The defense was as porous at it had been since Bill Parcells became coach. The offense made its share of mistakes, as well. It was so bad, Parcells was called for a penalty uct for throwing the red challenge flag when he wasn't allowed to.
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