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| Romo was sharp vs. NO. Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons/ USA Today Sports |
Tony Romo looked like his old self last night as he threw for three touchdowns and DeMarco Murray ran for two scores of his own as the Cowboys thumped the Saints 38-17 at AT&T Stadium. Dallas is now 3-1 for the first under head coach Jason Garrett.
By: Michael Hanley
The Cowboys controlled this game right from the start as Romo and the offense marched down the field 80 yards in 12 plays, capped it with a 13 yard Terrence Williams touchdown grab and gave Dallas a quick 7-0 lead. It displayed the efficacy and sharpness that the Cowboys offense has the potential to be at a consistent level.
Pass protection was excellent for Romo, the wide receivers ran crisp routes and the running backs were able to go through open lanes and get to the second level of the Saints defense. DeMarco Murray would have a field day against the New Orleans defense as he would total 149 yards rushing on 24 carries with the two rushing touchdowns.
Dallas would build a 24-0 lead after one half of football as the Saints looked like a team that was lost and had no spark to it. The defense was of particular concern as they could not generate any pass rush whatsoever on Romo. The Cowboys offensive line mashed the Saints defensive line badly as New Orleans lost all those battles up front, enabling Romo to have all the time in the world to scan the field and throw.
The secondary had no ability to play physical and knock the Cowboy wide receivers off their routes, instead they got railroaded and taken to school by the likes of Dez Bryant, Jason Witten and Terrence Williams, who would lead the Cowboys in receiving yards on the night with 77 yards on 6 receptions.
The second half would only get marginally better for the Saints as they were finally able to break through with a couple of scoring drives.
Drew Brees' 13 yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham would actually get the New Orleans to with 31-17, making it somewhat of a game midway through the forth quarter. That catch would be the highlight for the prolific pass catching tight end as he finished with 86 yards receiving on 8 catches, including his first lost fumble in years. Meanwhile Brees would finish 32/44 for 340 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception.
A failed fake punt attempt by the Saints sealed the win for the Cowboys, who would for good measure put another touchdown on the board as Dez Bryant caught an 18 yard touchdown pass from Romo to cap off the night. Tony Romo would have his best game of this early season as he finished 22/29 for 262 yards and three touchdown passes.
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