2008 Dallas Cowboys season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Dallas Cowboys
season was the 49th season for the team in the National Football League
. The season was most noted for week 17, when the Cowboys were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles
44–6, their worst loss since the 1985 Chicago Bears
came to Texas Stadium
and beat the Cowboys 44–0. It was the last season that the Cowboys played at Texas Stadium; they moved to Cowboys Stadium in 2009. Despite entering the last month of the season three games above .500, they failed to make the playoffs, finishing with a 9–7 record.
for training camp on July 24. HBO and NFL Films
filmed the Cowboys for the fourth season of Hard Knocks which premiered on August 6. The Cowboys began camp with all but three players: Felix Jones
, Mike Jenkins
, and Terry Glenn
. Jones and Jenkins both signed contracts the next day, and flew out to California to report.
Soon afterward, Terry Glenn was released to waivers. Owner Jerry Jones
explained that, "I think at the end of the day, it had more to do with where we are right now, the managing of how he got to the field, the aspect of concentrating on the what ifs and how it might've impacted how we give our young players a chance, and how we evaluate that position." The main story lines in camp have revolved around the new addition of Adam "Pacman" Jones, and the injury to Terence Newman. Jones was proving daily in camp that he is still worthy of being named one of the top cornerbacks in the league, but was not fully reinstated to the NFL until August 28. Newman injured his groin on July 28, and is expected to be out for three weeks.
The Cowboys cut the roster from 80 to 75 immediately after training camp, then waived more players following the final pre-season game to drop the roster count to league limit of 53, one of which was 6th-round draft pick Eric Walden. Walden was picked up on waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs. The following players made it through waivers to land spots on the practice squad: Danny Amendola, Alonzo Coleman, Tearrius George, Rodney Hannah, Mike Jefferson, Marcus Dixon and Julius Crosslin. Then, in a surprising turn of events, Dallas CB Evan Ogelsby was released to make room on the roster for Special Teams Ace, Keith Davis who returned to the Cowboys after being cut from the Dolphins.
. In the first quarter, Dallas got the first shot as RB Marion Barber
got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Browns would respond with QB Derek Anderson
completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
. Afterwards, the Cowboys responded with QB Tony Romo
completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
, along with another 1-yard TD run from Barber. In the third quarter, Dallas pulled away with rookie RB Felix Jones
getting an 11-yard TD run, which was his first carry in the NFL. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland's only response would be kicker Phil Dawson
's 34-yard field goal.
, Dallas would duel with their NFC East foe, the Philadelphia Eagles
. In the first quarter, the Cowboys trailed early as Eagles kicker David Akers
got a 34-yard field goal. Dallas would answer in their first possession with QB Tony Romo
completing a 72-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
. Philadelphia replied with Akers kicking a 44-yard field goal, yet the 'Boys immediately added to their lead with rookie RB Felix Jones
returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. The Eagles would take the lead with QB Donovan McNabb
completing a 6-yard TD pass to RB Brian Westbrook
, along with LB Chris Gocong
recovering a Romo fumble in the Cowboys' endzone for a touchdown. Dallas immediately responded with Romo and Owens hooking up with each other again on a 4-yard TD pass.
On Philadelphia's next drive, the referees made two suspect decisions. The first was a non-call on a very obvious facemask on Brian Westbrook
that would have given the Eagles a first down. The next call in question was a 40 yard passing interference penalty on Anthony Henry. Replays showed that it was Greg Lewis who grabbed Henry's jersey and pulled him down, not the other way around. With that decision, the Eagles were awarded a first down on the 1 yard line. Westbrook immediately ran it in for a 1-yard TD. On their next possession, Akers' hit a 22-yard field goal. To make the game the highest scoring half ever on MNF, the Cowboys ended the half with kicker Nick Folk
getting a 51-yard field goal, bringing the total points for both teams to 54.
In the third quarter, the 'Boys regained the lead with Romo's 17-yard TD pass to RB Marion Barber
. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles once again took the lead with Westbrook's 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Cowboys rallied with Folk nailing a 47-yard field goal and Barber getting a 1-yard TD run. The Eagles had a chance for a game winning drive, but Dallas' defense stiffened for the victory, sacking the very elusive McNabb twice.
In a game that had 9 lead changes, it also set different point records, including most first half points in MNF history (54) and most combined points in the rivalry's history (78).
Also, Terrell Owens (3 receptions for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns) reached 132 career touchdown catches, placing him 2nd on the NFL's all-time touchdown receptions list (behind only Jerry Rice
's record of 197).
for a Week 3 Sunday Night duel with the Green Bay Packers
. Dallas had never won in Lambeau Field
heading into the game, going 0–5 (although Green Bay did play several home games in Milwaukee where the Cowboys won a few times against the Packers).
In the first quarter, Dallas got the first shot as kicker Nick Folk
got a 25-yard field goal. The Packers responded with kicker Mason Crosby
getting a 36-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Green Bay took the lead with Crosby kicking a 38-yard field goal. The 'Boys replied with rookie RB Felix Jones
getting a 60-yard TD run, becoming the first player in franchise history to have a touchdown in each of his first three games with Dallas. In the third quarter, the Packers tried to rally as Crosby got a 33-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys responded with RB Marion Barber
getting a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Dallas managed to put the game out of reach as QB Tony Romo
completed a 52-yard TD pass to WR Miles Austin
. Green Bay tried to rally as QB Aaron Rodgers
got a 1-yard TD run, yet the Big D's defense held.
With the win, not only did the Cowboys get a second-straight 3–0 start for the first time since 1976–77, but they also picked up their first-ever win at Lambeau Field
.
. In the first quarter, the 'Boys shot first as QB Tony Romo
completed a 21-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten
. In the second quarter, the Redskins took the lead as QB Jason Campbell
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR James Thrash
and a 2-yard TD pass to WR Antwaan Randle El
, along with kicker Shaun Suisham
getting a 20-yard field goal. Dallas closed out the half with kicker Nick Folk
getting a 36-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Cowboys tied the game with Romo completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
. Washington would respond with Suisham kicking a 33-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins increased their lead with Suisham nailing a 33-yard and a 29-yard field goal. The 'Boys tried to rally as Romo completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Miles Austin
. However, Dallas' onside kick attempt failed, preserving the Redskins' win.
. In the first quarter, the 'Boys shot first as kicker Nick Folk
got a 30-yard field goal, along with rookie RB Felix Jones
getting a 33-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Dallas increased its lead with QB Tony Romo
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten
. The Bengals closed out the half as kicker Shayne Graham
got a 41-yard and a 31-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati crept closer as QB Carson Palmer
completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals got within one point as Graham nailed a 40-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys responded with Romo completing a 57-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
. The Bengals tried to come back as Palmer completed a 10-yard TD pass to Houshmandzadeh (with a failed two-point conversion), but Dallas pulled away as Romo completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
.
for a Week 6 showdown with the Arizona Cardinals
. In the first quarter, Dallas immediately trailed as Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington returned the game's opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the 'Boys responded with QB Tony Romo
completing a 55-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
. In the third quarter, the Cowboys took the lead as Romo completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Miles Austin
. Arizona would tie the game with QB Kurt Warner
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
. In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals took the lead as Warner completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Steve Breaston
, along with kicker Neil Rackers
getting a 41-yard field goal. Afterwards, the 'Boys tied the game with Romo completing a 70-yard TD pass to RB Marion Barber
, along with kicker Nick Folk
nailing a 52-yard field goal. However, in overtime, Arizona emergered as WR Sean Morey blocked a punt attempt, allowing LB Monty Beisel
to return it 3 yards for the game-ending touchdown.
In the week following the game Tony Romo was listed as questionable with a broken right pinkie finger. In addition, Matt McBriar and Sam Hurd were placed in injured reserve, and Felix Jones was listed as out for 2–3 weeks with a hamstring injury. Furthermore, Adam (Pacman) Jones was suspended by the NFL for a minimum of 4 weeks after an altercation with his bodyguard.
The Cowboys traded for WR Roy Williams
with the Detroit Lions, in exchange for their first, third, and sixth-round picks.
for a Week 7 duel with the St. Louis Rams
. With Tony Romo
recovering from his injured pinkie, he was demoted to back-up for the game, allowing veteran QB Brad Johnson
to get the start.
In the first quarter, the 'Boys shot first as RB Marion Barber
got a 1-yard TD run. The Rams would go on to score 34 unanswered points with QB Marc Bulger
completing a 42-yard TD pass to WR Donnie Avery
, along with RB Steven Jackson
getting an 8-yard and a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, St. Louis increased their lead as kicker Josh Brown got a 52-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Dallas continued to struggle as Jackson got a 56-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Rams ended their domination with Brown nailing a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, the 'Boys got their only response as Johnson completed a 34-yard TD pass to rookie TE Martellus Bennett
.
. With QB Tony Romo
still nursing an injured pinkie, QB Brad Johnson
got the start against the team that he helped win Super Bowl XXXVII
.
In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant
got a pair of 36-yard field goals. In the second quarter, the 'Boys took the lead as kicker Nick Folk
got a 38-yard field goal, along with Johnson completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
. In the third quarter, Dallas increased its lead with Folk making a 45-yard field goal. Tampa Bay responded with Bryant nailing a 41-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Big D's defense held on for the victory.
for a Week 9 NFC East duel with the New York Giants
. With QB Tony Romo
nursing an injured pinkie, QB Brad Johnson
once again the start.
In the first quarter, the 'Boys trailed early as Giants QB Eli Manning
completed a 13-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss
and a 5-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith
. In the second quarter, Dallas responded with rookie CB Mike Jenkins
returning an interception 23 yards for a touchdown. New York would answer with Manning completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer
. After the half, Johnson (5/11 for 71 yards and 2 interceptions) was benched for QB Brooks Bollinger
.
In the third quarter, the Giants increased their lead as RB Brandon Jacobs
got a 12-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the 'Boys tried to rally as Bollinger completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
. However, New York pulled away as RB Derrick Ward
got a 17-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Cowboys entered their bye week 5–4.
on Sunday Night Football.
In the first quarter, the 'Boys trailed early as Redskins QB Jason Campbell
completed a 2-yard TD pass to FB Mike Sellers. In the second quarter, Dallas responded with RB Marion Barber
getting a 2-yard TD run. Washington would close out the half with kicker Shaun Suisham
getting a 41-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Cowboys took a fourth quarter lead as QB Tony Romo
completed a 25-yard TD pass to rookie TE Martellus Bennett
. Afterwards, Dallas' defense kept the Redskins' offense from making any kind of a comeback.
With the win, the Cowboys improved to 6–4.
. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as 49ers kicker Joe Nedney
made a 23-yard and a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the 'Boys took a huge lead as QB Tony Romo
completed a 75-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
, LB Carlos Polk
blocked an Andy Lee
punt into the back of the 49ers' endzone for a safety, kicker Nick Folk
making a 48-yard and a 41-yard field goal, and Romo throwing a 45 yard pass to T.O., Then completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Martellus Bennett
.
In the third quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead as Romo completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
. San Francisco would answer with Nedney getting a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the 'Boys replied with Folk getting a 47-yard field goal. The 49ers would try to stay in pace as QB Shaun Hill
completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
, yet Dallas pulled away as Folk nailed a 42-yard field goal. The 49ers tried to comeback as Hill completed a 9-yard TD pass to RB DeShaun Foster
, yet Big D's defense held from there on out.
With the win, the Cowboys improved to 7–4.
Terrell Owens, having going through 14-straight games without having a 100-yard receiving day, snapped his futuility streak by having 7 catches for 213 yards and a touchdown. His 213 receiving yards would be his 2nd-highest single game total in his career. Tony Romo finish with another 300 yard game giving him 13 300 yard games.
. This effort marked the first time the Cowboys scored on their first drive since the last St. Louis game, and the sixth time to do so all season. On the ensuing drive, the Dallas defense forced a Seahawk fumble that was recovered by cornerback Anthony Henry. Dallas was able to drive deep into Seattle territory, and eventually gave the ball to running back Marion Barber
for a 1-yard touchdown run. Following the Dallas drive, the Seahawks had to settle for a 44-yard field goal.
Once the second quarter began, the Cowboys successfully used their passing game to move to the endzone; tight end Jason Witten
scored the touchdown on a 7-yard catch. The touchdown followed by the extra point extended Dallas' lead to 21–3. On the next drive, the Cowboys defense limited the Seahawks offense to a punt. Starting a fresh drive at the Cowboy 20, quarterback Tony Romo
threw a 38-yard strike to Roy E. Williams. Three consecutive incompletions by Romo led the Cowboys to send in kicker Nick Folk
to hit a 41-yard field goal through the uprights. After an unsuccessful offensive drive by the Seahawks, the Dallas offense returned to the field, though were forced to their first three-and-out. Once Seattle got the ball back, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck
found two of his receivers who both combined for a gain of 47 yards. The Seahawks, however, lost nine of those yards on two quarterback sacks. They had to settle again for another field goal to cut Dallas' lead to 24–6. Both of the team's offenses each had one three-and-out during the 1:31 left in the half. The Cowboys got the ball back, though did not have much time to engineer a successful drive. Romo kneeled to end the half. Overall, Dallas' four scoring drives in the first half consisted of 26 plays, 17 of which occurred on a first down; just three came on third down.
Once the third quarter commenced, the Seahawks took the time to move the ball deep into the Dallas red zone. They were stopped on third down at the Dallas 7, and elected to go for their third field goal. This drive took 5:23, the longest drive thus far in the game. On Dallas' next possession, cornerback Marcus Trufant
intercepted an endzone pass that was intended for wideout Terrell Owens
. The Seahawks offense was unable to capitalize on the turnover, as they were unable to convert for the first down. Dallas followed with an unsuccessful drive that ended on their second punt of the game. The Seahawks faced their second three-and-out of the quarter on their ensuing possession; their punt led Dallas to field their offense at the Dallas 44. After two plays, Romo threw to Owens for a 33-yard gain. Owens scored a touchdown off a 19-yard catch on the next play, extending the Cowboys' lead to 31–9. Seattle failed again to produce a score during the two minutes left in the third quarter.
Dallas had the ball in possession once the fourth quarter began. The Cowboys gave the ball to rookie running back Tashard Choice
to drain the clock. Choice contributed a total of 62 rushing yards to the drive, including long gain of 27. Despite Choice's help, Dallas had to score a field goal to complete the 6-minute drive. Trailing 34–9, the Seahawks still aimed to score a touchdown. Their effort was cut short when Cowboys cornerback Terrence Newman compiled an interception at the Dallas 2 on the Seahawks' third play of the drive. With 7:51 remaining in the game, Dallas was not able to convert for the first down and punted the ball, which the Seahawks retrieved at their 43. During the final six minutes of the game, the Seahawks pulled another three-and-out. Dallas then continued to run out the clock but had to give the ball back to Seattle. The Seahawks still had a chance to score in the final two minutes, but fell short again. The Cowboys won 34–9.
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware
finished with 4 tackles and 3 sacks, which earned him the NFL on Fox
's 2008 Galloping Gobbler Award.
The Jonas Brothers
performed during halftime (one of the members, Nick Jonas
, was born in Dallas), while Demi Lovato
(also a Dallas native) performed the national anthem.
In a defensive battle, neither team managed to score in the 1st quarter. In the second quarter, the only scores were a 44 yard field goal by Nick Folk
for Dallas and a 24 yard field by Jeff Reed for Pittsburgh. The teams went into halftime tied at 3.
In the 3rd, Tony Romo
found Terrell Owens
for a 12 yard touchdown pass that broke the tie. Then, a 33 yard field goal by Nick Folk sent the Cowboys into the 4th quarter with a 13–3 lead. Midway through the 4th, Jeff Reed connected on a 41 yard field goal to cut the Cowboys' lead to 13–6. Then, Ben Rothlisberger and Tight End Heath Miller
hooked up for a 6 yard Steelers touchdown that tied the game at 13. On the ensuing Dallas possession, Tony Romo was intercepted by Deshea Townsend
who returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, and Pittsburgh led 20–13. After the kickoff, the Cowboys failed to convert on a 4th-and-10 and the Steelers got the ball back. They were then able to run the clock out and seal the victory.
With the Cowboys falling to 8–5, the New York Giants
clinched the NFC East
(despite losing to the Eagles).
As New York tried to get a drive going they contended with the a Dallas defence that leads the league in sacks. Quarterback Eli Manning was brought down eight times during the game. In the fourth quarter Dallas extended its small lead with a 1 yard touchdown pass to full back Deon Anderson. After a mistake by the Dallas offensive line the Giants scored a safety. Later John Carney nailed a 47 yard field goal to make the score 14–8 for Dallas. With 2:24 left on the clock Dallas sealed the win with a 38 yard touchdown run by Tashard Choice
. The two-point conversion failed.
With the win, Dallas improved to 9–5. This would be the last Cowboys win at Texas Stadium and for the 2008 NFL Season.
, in what would be the final game at Texas Stadium
.
In the first quarter, Dallas struck first as rookie running back Tashard Choice
got a 2-yard touchdown run. The Ravens would respond with a 26-yard field goal from kicker Matt Stover
. Baltimore would take the lead in the second quarter as Stover got a 29-yard and a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Ravens increased their lead as quarterback Joe Flacco
completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Derrick Mason
. The Cowboys would answer in the fourth quarter as kicker Nick Folk
got a 35-yard field goal, but Baltimore answered right back with Stover's 35-yard field goal. Dallas would try to rally as quarterback Tony Romo
completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terrell Owens
, but the Ravens struck right back as running back Willis McGahee
got a 77-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys tried to comeback as Romo completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten
, but the Ravens would pull away with fullback Le'Ron McClain
's 82-yard touchdown run (the longest TD run that the Cowboys would ever give up during their tenure at Texas Stadium).
With the loss, Dallas fell to 9–6.
in a crucial Week 17 NFC East rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles
, with a playoff berth on the line. Dallas trailed early in the first quarter as Eagles David Akers
got a 40-yard field goal. Dallas would respond with kicker Nick Folk
getting a 37-yard field goal. However, in the second quarter, Philadelphia would take a huge lead as quarterback Donovan McNabb
would get a 1-yard touchdown run and complete a 4-yard touchdown pass to running back Correll Buckhalter
, along with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek
. Afterwards, the Eagles would close out the half with a 50-yard field goal from Akers.
In the third quarter, the Cowboys' playoff hopes continued to take a beating as defensive end Chris Clemons returned a fumble 73 yards for a touchdown, while cornerback Joselio Hanson
returned another fumble 96 yards for a touchdown. Philadelphia would close out the period with Akers' 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Dallas tried to rally but only managed to score a 42-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Cowboys' season ended at 9–7.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
season was the 49th season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. The season was most noted for week 17, when the Cowboys were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
44–6, their worst loss since the 1985 Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
came to Texas Stadium
Texas Stadium
Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675...
and beat the Cowboys 44–0. It was the last season that the Cowboys played at Texas Stadium; they moved to Cowboys Stadium in 2009. Despite entering the last month of the season three games above .500, they failed to make the playoffs, finishing with a 9–7 record.
Signings
- Re-signed long snapperLong snapperIn American football and Canadian football, the term long snapper refers to a player who is a specialized center during punts, field goals, and extra point attempts. His job is to snap the ball as quickly and accurately as possible....
L. P. Ladouceur to a five-year contract extension.
- Re-signed pro-bowl left offensive tackle Flozell AdamsFlozell AdamsFlozell "The Hotel" Adams is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State....
.
- Signed veteran linebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Zach ThomasZach ThomasZachary Michael Thomas is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Tech....
to one-year, $3 million deal.
- Placed the franchise tagFranchise TagIn the National Football League, the franchise tag is a designation a team may apply to a player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The tag binds the player to the team for one year if certain conditions are met. Each team has access each year to only one franchise tag and one...
on pro-bowl free safety Ken HamlinKen HamlinKen Hamlin an American football safety, who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas....
.
- Traded for Ex-Titan defensive backDefensive backIn American football and Canadian football, defensive backs are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of...
Adam "Pacman" Jones.
Departures
- Released Wide Receiver Terry GlennTerry GlennTerry Tyree Glenn is a retired American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the New England Patriots seventh overall in the 1996 NFL Draft...
- Released fullbackFullback (American football)A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
Oliver HoyteOliver HoyteOliver Hoyte is an American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
who has signed with the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
.
- CornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Jacques ReevesJacques ReevesJacques Dimitri Reeves is a free agent American football cornerback of the National Football League. Reeves most recently played for the Houston Texans. He was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
joined the Houston TexansHouston TexansThe Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
- Running back Julius JonesJulius JonesJulius Andre Maurice Jones is an American football running back who played college football at the University of Notre Dame and is currently a member of the Free Agent Class of the National Football League. Before signing with the Saints on October 12, 2010, Julius had stints with the Dallas...
signed a four-year deal with the Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
.
- Safety Keith DavisKeith DavisKeith Lamont Davis is an American football safety for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
signed with the Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, but resigned with the Cowboys after his subsequent release from Miami.
- Defensive tackle Jason FergusonJason FergusonJason O. Ferguson is a former American football defensive tackle who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League, for the New York Jets—who originally selected in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft—, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins...
, linebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Akin AyodeleAkin AyodeleAkinola James "Akin" Ayodele is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
and tight endTight endThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Anthony FasanoAnthony FasanoAnthony Joseph Fasano is an American football tight end for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame...
traded to the Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
2008 NFL Draft
| Draft order | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Choice | |||||
| 1 | 22 | Felix Jones Felix Jones Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Running back Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
6'0 | 207 | Arkansas Arkansas Razorbacks football The Arkansas Razorbacks football program is a college football team that represents the University of Arkansas. The team is a member of the Southeastern Conference's Western Division, which is in Division I's Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
| 1 | 25 | Mike Jenkins Mike Jenkins Mike Patrick Jenkins is an American football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
6'0 | 197 | South Florida South Florida Bulls football The South Florida Bulls are a Division I FBS college football program that plays its home games in Tampa, Florida. The team began playing in 1997, holding its first team meeting under a shade tree as the school had no proper football facilities on campus... |
| 2 | 61 | Martellus Bennett Martellus Bennett Martellus Demond Bennett is an American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Texas A&M.-Early years:... |
Tight end Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
6'6 | 259 | Texas A&M Texas A&M Aggies football The Texas A&M Aggies football team represents Texas A&M University in college football. The Aggies have competed in the Big 12 Conference since the conference's inception in 1996. They will join the Southeastern Conference in July 2012. Texas A&M football has earned one national title and 18... |
| 4 | 122 | Tashard Choice Tashard Choice Tashard J. Choice , is an American football running back for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He played collegiately at Georgia Tech. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.Choice began his collegiate career at The University of Oklahoma but... |
Running back | 6'1 | 205 | Georgia Tech Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team represents the Georgia Institute of Technology in collegiate level football. While the team is officially designated as the Yellow Jackets, it is also referred to as the Ramblin' Wreck. The Yellow Jackets are a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
| 5 | 143 | Orlando Scandrick Orlando Scandrick Orlando Scandrick is an American football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Cornerback | 5'11 | 198 | Boise State Boise State Broncos football This page discusses the Boise State football program. For more Boise State athletics, see Boise State Broncos.The Boise State Broncos football program represents Boise State University in college football and compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I as a member of the Mountain West... |
| 6 | 167 | Erik Walden Erik Walden Erik Lashawn Walden is an American football linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Defensive end Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
6'2 | 243 | Middle Tennessee Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team represents Middle Tennessee State University in NCAA Division I FBS football competition. The Blue Raiders, a member of the Sun Belt Conference, play their home games at Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.Rick Stockstill has... |
Training camp
The Cowboys arrived in Oxnard, CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
for training camp on July 24. HBO and NFL Films
NFL Films
NFL Films is a Mount Laurel, New Jersey-based company devoted to producing commercials, television programs, feature films, and documentaries on the National Football League, as well as other unrelated major events and awards shows...
filmed the Cowboys for the fourth season of Hard Knocks which premiered on August 6. The Cowboys began camp with all but three players: Felix Jones
Felix Jones
Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
, Mike Jenkins
Mike Jenkins
Mike Patrick Jenkins is an American football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League...
, and Terry Glenn
Terry Glenn
Terry Tyree Glenn is a retired American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the New England Patriots seventh overall in the 1996 NFL Draft...
. Jones and Jenkins both signed contracts the next day, and flew out to California to report.
Soon afterward, Terry Glenn was released to waivers. Owner Jerry Jones
Jerry Jones
Jerral "Jerry" Wayne Jones is the owner and general manager of the NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys.-Early life:Jones was born in Los Angeles, California. His family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas when he was an infant. Jones was a star running back at North Little Rock High School...
explained that, "I think at the end of the day, it had more to do with where we are right now, the managing of how he got to the field, the aspect of concentrating on the what ifs and how it might've impacted how we give our young players a chance, and how we evaluate that position." The main story lines in camp have revolved around the new addition of Adam "Pacman" Jones, and the injury to Terence Newman. Jones was proving daily in camp that he is still worthy of being named one of the top cornerbacks in the league, but was not fully reinstated to the NFL until August 28. Newman injured his groin on July 28, and is expected to be out for three weeks.
The Cowboys cut the roster from 80 to 75 immediately after training camp, then waived more players following the final pre-season game to drop the roster count to league limit of 53, one of which was 6th-round draft pick Eric Walden. Walden was picked up on waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs. The following players made it through waivers to land spots on the practice squad: Danny Amendola, Alonzo Coleman, Tearrius George, Rodney Hannah, Mike Jefferson, Marcus Dixon and Julius Crosslin. Then, in a surprising turn of events, Dallas CB Evan Ogelsby was released to make room on the roster for Special Teams Ace, Keith Davis who returned to the Cowboys after being cut from the Dolphins.
Preseason schedule
| Week | Date | Time | Opponent | Result | Game site | Record | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 9, 2008 | 8:00 p.m. | at San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L, 31–17 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
0–1 | Recap |
| 2 | August 16, 2008 | 7:00 p.m. | at Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L, 23–13 | INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
0–2 | Recap |
| 3 | August 22, 2008 | 6:00 p.m. | Houston Texans Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W, 23–22 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
1–2 | Recap |
| 4 | August 28, 2008 | 6:00 p.m. | Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
W, 16–10 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
2–2 | Recap |
Schedule
| Week | Date | Time (CST) | Opponent | Result | Game site | Record | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7, 2008 | 3:15 p.m. | at Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W, 28–10 | Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland Browns Stadium -See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity... |
1–0 | Recap |
| 2 | September 15, 2008 | 7:15 p.m. | Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W, 41–37 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
2–0 | Recap |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | 7:15 p.m. | at Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
W, 27–16 | Lambeau Field Lambeau Field Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field... |
3–0 | Recap |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | 3:15 p.m. | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
L, 26–24 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
3–1 | Recap |
| 5 | October 5, 2008 | 3:15 p.m. | Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
W, 31–22 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
4–1 | Recap |
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | 3:15 p.m. | at Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L, 30–24OT | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
4–2 | Recap |
| 7 | October 19, 2008 | 12:00 p.m. | at St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
L, 14–34 | Edward Jones Dome Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was... |
4–3 | Recap |
| 8 | October 26, 2008 | 12:00 p.m. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
W, 13–9 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
5–3 | Recap |
| 9 | November 2, 2008 | 3:15 p.m. | at New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L, 14–35 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
5–4 | Recap |
| 10 | Bye week | ||||||
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | 7:15 p.m. | at Washington Redskins | W, 14–10 | FedExField FedExField FedExField is a football stadium located in an unincorporated area near the Capital Beltway in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, near the site of the old Capital Centre . FedExField is the home of the Washington Redskins football team... |
6–4 | Recap |
| 12 | November 23, 2008 | 12:00 p.m. | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
W, 35–22 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
7–4 | Recap |
| 13 | November 27, 2008 | 3:15 p.m. | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
W, 34–9 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
8–4 | Recap |
| 14 | December 7, 2008 | 3:15 p.m. | at Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
L, 13–20 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
8–5 | Recap |
| 15 | December 14, 2008 | 7:15 p.m. | New York Giants | W, 20–8 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
9–5 | Recap |
| 16 | December 20, 2008 | 7:15 p.m. | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
L, 33–24 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
9–6 | Recap |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | 3:15 p.m. | at Philadelphia Eagles | L, 44–6 | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
9–7 | Recap |
Week 1: at Cleveland Browns
The Cowboys began their 2008 campaign on the road against the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Dallas got the first shot as RB Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Browns would respond with QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. Afterwards, the Cowboys responded with QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
, along with another 1-yard TD run from Barber. In the third quarter, Dallas pulled away with rookie RB Felix Jones
Felix Jones
Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting an 11-yard TD run, which was his first carry in the NFL. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland's only response would be kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
's 34-yard field goal.
Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off their commanding road win over the Browns, the Cowboys played their Week 2 home opener under the MNF spotlight. In the last MNF game at Texas StadiumTexas Stadium
Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675...
, Dallas would duel with their NFC East foe, the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Cowboys trailed early as Eagles kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
got a 34-yard field goal. Dallas would answer in their first possession with QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completing a 72-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
. Philadelphia replied with Akers kicking a 44-yard field goal, yet the 'Boys immediately added to their lead with rookie RB Felix Jones
Felix Jones
Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. The Eagles would take the lead with QB Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
completing a 6-yard TD pass to RB Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
, along with LB Chris Gocong
Chris Gocong
-Philadelphia Eagles:Gocong was drafted in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, but missed the entire 2006 season due to an injury suffered before the preseason. He made his NFL debut on September 9, 2007, where he started at the "Sam" linebacker position...
recovering a Romo fumble in the Cowboys' endzone for a touchdown. Dallas immediately responded with Romo and Owens hooking up with each other again on a 4-yard TD pass.
On Philadelphia's next drive, the referees made two suspect decisions. The first was a non-call on a very obvious facemask on Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
that would have given the Eagles a first down. The next call in question was a 40 yard passing interference penalty on Anthony Henry. Replays showed that it was Greg Lewis who grabbed Henry's jersey and pulled him down, not the other way around. With that decision, the Eagles were awarded a first down on the 1 yard line. Westbrook immediately ran it in for a 1-yard TD. On their next possession, Akers' hit a 22-yard field goal. To make the game the highest scoring half ever on MNF, the Cowboys ended the half with kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
getting a 51-yard field goal, bringing the total points for both teams to 54.
In the third quarter, the 'Boys regained the lead with Romo's 17-yard TD pass to RB Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles once again took the lead with Westbrook's 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Cowboys rallied with Folk nailing a 47-yard field goal and Barber getting a 1-yard TD run. The Eagles had a chance for a game winning drive, but Dallas' defense stiffened for the victory, sacking the very elusive McNabb twice.
In a game that had 9 lead changes, it also set different point records, including most first half points in MNF history (54) and most combined points in the rivalry's history (78).
Also, Terrell Owens (3 receptions for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns) reached 132 career touchdown catches, placing him 2nd on the NFL's all-time touchdown receptions list (behind only Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice
Jerry Lee Rice is a retired American football wide receiver. He is generally regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time and one of the greatest players in National Football League history...
's record of 197).
Week 3: at Green Bay Packers
Coming off the MNF divisional home win over the Eagles, the Cowboys flew to Lambeau FieldLambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
for a Week 3 Sunday Night duel with the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. Dallas had never won in Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
heading into the game, going 0–5 (although Green Bay did play several home games in Milwaukee where the Cowboys won a few times against the Packers).
In the first quarter, Dallas got the first shot as kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
got a 25-yard field goal. The Packers responded with kicker Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
getting a 36-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Green Bay took the lead with Crosby kicking a 38-yard field goal. The 'Boys replied with rookie RB Felix Jones
Felix Jones
Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 60-yard TD run, becoming the first player in franchise history to have a touchdown in each of his first three games with Dallas. In the third quarter, the Packers tried to rally as Crosby got a 33-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys responded with RB Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
getting a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Dallas managed to put the game out of reach as QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completed a 52-yard TD pass to WR Miles Austin
Miles Austin
Miles Jonathon Austin III is an American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
. Green Bay tried to rally as QB Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
got a 1-yard TD run, yet the Big D's defense held.
With the win, not only did the Cowboys get a second-straight 3–0 start for the first time since 1976–77, but they also picked up their first-ever win at Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
.
Week 4: vs. Washington Redskins
Coming off their Sunday night road win over the Packers, the Cowboys went home for a Week 4 NFC East showdown with the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
. In the first quarter, the 'Boys shot first as QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completed a 21-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....
. In the second quarter, the Redskins took the lead as QB Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR James Thrash
James Thrash
James Thrash is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 1997. He played college football at Missouri Southern State....
and a 2-yard TD pass to WR Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He attended Indiana University, after turning down a Major League Baseball draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1997...
, along with kicker Shaun Suisham
Shaun Suisham
Shaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
getting a 20-yard field goal. Dallas closed out the half with kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
getting a 36-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Cowboys tied the game with Romo completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
. Washington would respond with Suisham kicking a 33-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins increased their lead with Suisham nailing a 33-yard and a 29-yard field goal. The 'Boys tried to rally as Romo completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Miles Austin
Miles Austin
Miles Jonathon Austin III is an American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
. However, Dallas' onside kick attempt failed, preserving the Redskins' win.
Week 5: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Hoping to rebound from their divisional home loss to the Redskins, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
. In the first quarter, the 'Boys shot first as kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
got a 30-yard field goal, along with rookie RB Felix Jones
Felix Jones
Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 33-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Dallas increased its lead with QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....
. The Bengals closed out the half as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
got a 41-yard and a 31-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati crept closer as QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals got within one point as Graham nailed a 40-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys responded with Romo completing a 57-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
. The Bengals tried to come back as Palmer completed a 10-yard TD pass to Houshmandzadeh (with a failed two-point conversion), but Dallas pulled away as Romo completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
Patrick Crayton
Patrick Jamel Crayton is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was a originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys...
.
Week 6: at Arizona Cardinals
Coming off their home win over the Bengals, the Cowboys flew to the University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
for a Week 6 showdown with the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Dallas immediately trailed as Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington returned the game's opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the 'Boys responded with QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completing a 55-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
Patrick Crayton
Patrick Jamel Crayton is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was a originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys...
. In the third quarter, the Cowboys took the lead as Romo completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Miles Austin
Miles Austin
Miles Jonathon Austin III is an American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
. Arizona would tie the game with QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
. In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals took the lead as Warner completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Steve Breaston
Steve Breaston
Steven William Breaston is an American football wide receiver and punt returner for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, along with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 41-yard field goal. Afterwards, the 'Boys tied the game with Romo completing a 70-yard TD pass to RB Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
, along with kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
nailing a 52-yard field goal. However, in overtime, Arizona emergered as WR Sean Morey blocked a punt attempt, allowing LB Monty Beisel
Monty Beisel
Monty Beisel is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
to return it 3 yards for the game-ending touchdown.
In the week following the game Tony Romo was listed as questionable with a broken right pinkie finger. In addition, Matt McBriar and Sam Hurd were placed in injured reserve, and Felix Jones was listed as out for 2–3 weeks with a hamstring injury. Furthermore, Adam (Pacman) Jones was suspended by the NFL for a minimum of 4 weeks after an altercation with his bodyguard.
The Cowboys traded for WR Roy Williams
Roy Williams (wide receiver)
Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
with the Detroit Lions, in exchange for their first, third, and sixth-round picks.
Week 7: at St. Louis Rams
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Cardinals, and missing several key starters, the Cowboys flew to the Edward Jones DomeEdward Jones Dome
The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...
for a Week 7 duel with the St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. With Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
recovering from his injured pinkie, he was demoted to back-up for the game, allowing veteran QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
to get the start.
In the first quarter, the 'Boys shot first as RB Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
got a 1-yard TD run. The Rams would go on to score 34 unanswered points with QB Marc Bulger
Marc Bulger
Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
completing a 42-yard TD pass to WR Donnie Avery
Donnie Avery
Donnie D. Avery is a wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Houston.-Early years:...
, along with RB Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
getting an 8-yard and a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, St. Louis increased their lead as kicker Josh Brown got a 52-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Dallas continued to struggle as Jackson got a 56-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Rams ended their domination with Brown nailing a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, the 'Boys got their only response as Johnson completed a 34-yard TD pass to rookie TE Martellus Bennett
Martellus Bennett
Martellus Demond Bennett is an American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Texas A&M.-Early years:...
.
Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hoping to rebound from their embarrassing road loss to the Rams, the Cowboys went home for a Week 8 duel with the Tampa Bay BuccaneersTampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
. With QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
still nursing an injured pinkie, QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
got the start against the team that he helped win Super Bowl XXXVII
Super Bowl XXXVII
Super Bowl XXXVII was an American football game played on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 2002 regular season...
.
In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
got a pair of 36-yard field goals. In the second quarter, the 'Boys took the lead as kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
got a 38-yard field goal, along with Johnson completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
Roy Williams (wide receiver)
Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In the third quarter, Dallas increased its lead with Folk making a 45-yard field goal. Tampa Bay responded with Bryant nailing a 41-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Big D's defense held on for the victory.
Week 9: at New York Giants
Coming off their home win over the Buccaneers, the Cowboys flew to Giants StadiumGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for a Week 9 NFC East duel with the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. With QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
nursing an injured pinkie, QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
once again the start.
In the first quarter, the 'Boys trailed early as Giants QB Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
completed a 13-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss is an American football tight end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League...
and a 5-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith
Steve Smith (New York Giants)
Steve Smith is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, Dallas responded with rookie CB Mike Jenkins
Mike Jenkins
Mike Patrick Jenkins is an American football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League...
returning an interception 23 yards for a touchdown. New York would answer with Manning completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer
Amani Toomer
Amani Toomer is a retired American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan, where he was a fan favorite.Toomer has also been a member of the Kansas...
. After the half, Johnson (5/11 for 71 yards and 2 interceptions) was benched for QB Brooks Bollinger
Brooks Bollinger
Brooks Bollinger is a retired American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, the Giants increased their lead as RB Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Jacobs
-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
got a 12-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the 'Boys tried to rally as Bollinger completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
. However, New York pulled away as RB Derrick Ward
Derrick Ward
Derrick LaRon Ward is an American football running back for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State University and Ottawa University...
got a 17-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Cowboys entered their bye week 5–4.
Week 11: at Washington Redskins
Coming off their bye week, the Cowboys flew to Fedex Field for a Week 11 NFC East rematch with the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
on Sunday Night Football.
In the first quarter, the 'Boys trailed early as Redskins QB Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to FB Mike Sellers. In the second quarter, Dallas responded with RB Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
getting a 2-yard TD run. Washington would close out the half with kicker Shaun Suisham
Shaun Suisham
Shaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
getting a 41-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Cowboys took a fourth quarter lead as QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completed a 25-yard TD pass to rookie TE Martellus Bennett
Martellus Bennett
Martellus Demond Bennett is an American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Texas A&M.-Early years:...
. Afterwards, Dallas' defense kept the Redskins' offense from making any kind of a comeback.
With the win, the Cowboys improved to 6–4.
Week 12: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Coming off their divisional road win over the Redskins, the Cowboys went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a Week 12 game with the San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as 49ers kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
made a 23-yard and a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the 'Boys took a huge lead as QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completed a 75-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
, LB Carlos Polk
Carlos Polk
Carlos Devonn Polk is a retired American football linebacker. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska. He has also played for the Dallas Cowboys...
blocked an Andy Lee
Andy Lee (American football)
Andrew Paul Lee is a punter in the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 6th round in the 2004 NFL Draft and is currently serving a 6 year, $7.1 million contract that runs through 2012. The contract also included a $1.66 million signing bonus...
punt into the back of the 49ers' endzone for a safety, kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
making a 48-yard and a 41-yard field goal, and Romo throwing a 45 yard pass to T.O., Then completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Martellus Bennett
Martellus Bennett
Martellus Demond Bennett is an American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Texas A&M.-Early years:...
.
In the third quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead as Romo completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
Patrick Crayton
Patrick Jamel Crayton is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was a originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys...
. San Francisco would answer with Nedney getting a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the 'Boys replied with Folk getting a 47-yard field goal. The 49ers would try to stay in pace as QB Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
, yet Dallas pulled away as Folk nailed a 42-yard field goal. The 49ers tried to comeback as Hill completed a 9-yard TD pass to RB DeShaun Foster
DeShaun Foster
DeShaun Xavier Foster is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCLA.-Early years:...
, yet Big D's defense held from there on out.
With the win, the Cowboys improved to 7–4.
Terrell Owens, having going through 14-straight games without having a 100-yard receiving day, snapped his futuility streak by having 7 catches for 213 yards and a touchdown. His 213 receiving yards would be his 2nd-highest single game total in his career. Tony Romo finish with another 300 yard game giving him 13 300 yard games.
Week 13: vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Cowboys opened the game with a 5-play 71-yard drive that ended on a touchdown reception by rookie tight end Martellus BennettMartellus Bennett
Martellus Demond Bennett is an American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Texas A&M.-Early years:...
. This effort marked the first time the Cowboys scored on their first drive since the last St. Louis game, and the sixth time to do so all season. On the ensuing drive, the Dallas defense forced a Seahawk fumble that was recovered by cornerback Anthony Henry. Dallas was able to drive deep into Seattle territory, and eventually gave the ball to running back Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
for a 1-yard touchdown run. Following the Dallas drive, the Seahawks had to settle for a 44-yard field goal.
Once the second quarter began, the Cowboys successfully used their passing game to move to the endzone; tight end Jason Witten
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....
scored the touchdown on a 7-yard catch. The touchdown followed by the extra point extended Dallas' lead to 21–3. On the next drive, the Cowboys defense limited the Seahawks offense to a punt. Starting a fresh drive at the Cowboy 20, quarterback Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
threw a 38-yard strike to Roy E. Williams. Three consecutive incompletions by Romo led the Cowboys to send in kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
to hit a 41-yard field goal through the uprights. After an unsuccessful offensive drive by the Seahawks, the Dallas offense returned to the field, though were forced to their first three-and-out. Once Seattle got the ball back, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
found two of his receivers who both combined for a gain of 47 yards. The Seahawks, however, lost nine of those yards on two quarterback sacks. They had to settle again for another field goal to cut Dallas' lead to 24–6. Both of the team's offenses each had one three-and-out during the 1:31 left in the half. The Cowboys got the ball back, though did not have much time to engineer a successful drive. Romo kneeled to end the half. Overall, Dallas' four scoring drives in the first half consisted of 26 plays, 17 of which occurred on a first down; just three came on third down.
Once the third quarter commenced, the Seahawks took the time to move the ball deep into the Dallas red zone. They were stopped on third down at the Dallas 7, and elected to go for their third field goal. This drive took 5:23, the longest drive thus far in the game. On Dallas' next possession, cornerback Marcus Trufant
Marcus Trufant
Marcus Lavon Trufant is an American football cornerback who plays for the Seattle Seahawks. He was originally drafted by the Seahawks 11th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington State.-Early years:...
intercepted an endzone pass that was intended for wideout Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
. The Seahawks offense was unable to capitalize on the turnover, as they were unable to convert for the first down. Dallas followed with an unsuccessful drive that ended on their second punt of the game. The Seahawks faced their second three-and-out of the quarter on their ensuing possession; their punt led Dallas to field their offense at the Dallas 44. After two plays, Romo threw to Owens for a 33-yard gain. Owens scored a touchdown off a 19-yard catch on the next play, extending the Cowboys' lead to 31–9. Seattle failed again to produce a score during the two minutes left in the third quarter.
Dallas had the ball in possession once the fourth quarter began. The Cowboys gave the ball to rookie running back Tashard Choice
Tashard Choice
Tashard J. Choice , is an American football running back for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He played collegiately at Georgia Tech. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.Choice began his collegiate career at The University of Oklahoma but...
to drain the clock. Choice contributed a total of 62 rushing yards to the drive, including long gain of 27. Despite Choice's help, Dallas had to score a field goal to complete the 6-minute drive. Trailing 34–9, the Seahawks still aimed to score a touchdown. Their effort was cut short when Cowboys cornerback Terrence Newman compiled an interception at the Dallas 2 on the Seahawks' third play of the drive. With 7:51 remaining in the game, Dallas was not able to convert for the first down and punted the ball, which the Seahawks retrieved at their 43. During the final six minutes of the game, the Seahawks pulled another three-and-out. Dallas then continued to run out the clock but had to give the ball back to Seattle. The Seahawks still had a chance to score in the final two minutes, but fell short again. The Cowboys won 34–9.
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware
Demarcus Ware
DeMarcus Ware is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Troy University...
finished with 4 tackles and 3 sacks, which earned him the NFL on Fox
NFL on FOX
NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports...
's 2008 Galloping Gobbler Award.
The Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers are an American boy band. The band gained its popularity from the Disney Channel children's television network. From the shore region of New Jersey, the band consists of three brothers: Paul Kevin Jonas II , Joseph Adam Jonas , and Nicholas Jerry Jonas...
performed during halftime (one of the members, Nick Jonas
Nick Jonas
Nicholas Jerry "Nick" Jonas is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actor best known as one of the Jonas Brothers, a pop-rock band he formed with his brothers Joe and Kevin. The Jonas Brothers originally started as an attempted solo singing career for Nick, but the record producer liked the...
, was born in Dallas), while Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato
"She’s got the range, the full emotional spectrum, incredible control… Vocally, she’s the best thing Disney’s had since Christina Aguilera."—Producer Toby Gad on Demi Lovato's vocals...
(also a Dallas native) performed the national anthem.
Week 14: at Pittsburgh Steelers
This was the Cowboys and Steelers' 30th all time meetingIn a defensive battle, neither team managed to score in the 1st quarter. In the second quarter, the only scores were a 44 yard field goal by Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
for Dallas and a 24 yard field by Jeff Reed for Pittsburgh. The teams went into halftime tied at 3.
In the 3rd, Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
found Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
for a 12 yard touchdown pass that broke the tie. Then, a 33 yard field goal by Nick Folk sent the Cowboys into the 4th quarter with a 13–3 lead. Midway through the 4th, Jeff Reed connected on a 41 yard field goal to cut the Cowboys' lead to 13–6. Then, Ben Rothlisberger and Tight End Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
hooked up for a 6 yard Steelers touchdown that tied the game at 13. On the ensuing Dallas possession, Tony Romo was intercepted by Deshea Townsend
Deshea Townsend
Trevor Deshea Townsend is a former defensive back in the National Football League, and is currently a defensive backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals and most recently a player for the Indianapolis Colts...
who returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, and Pittsburgh led 20–13. After the kickoff, the Cowboys failed to convert on a 4th-and-10 and the Steelers got the ball back. They were then able to run the clock out and seal the victory.
With the Cowboys falling to 8–5, the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
clinched the NFC East
NFC East
The NFC East is a division of the National Football League's National Football Conference. It currently has four members: the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins....
(despite losing to the Eagles).
Week 15: vs. New York Giants
In battle for field position the first points came in the second quarter with Tony Romo connecting with Patrick Crayton on a 34 yard touchdown pass. New York answered with a 34 yard field goal from John Carney.As New York tried to get a drive going they contended with the a Dallas defence that leads the league in sacks. Quarterback Eli Manning was brought down eight times during the game. In the fourth quarter Dallas extended its small lead with a 1 yard touchdown pass to full back Deon Anderson. After a mistake by the Dallas offensive line the Giants scored a safety. Later John Carney nailed a 47 yard field goal to make the score 14–8 for Dallas. With 2:24 left on the clock Dallas sealed the win with a 38 yard touchdown run by Tashard Choice
Tashard Choice
Tashard J. Choice , is an American football running back for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He played collegiately at Georgia Tech. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.Choice began his collegiate career at The University of Oklahoma but...
. The two-point conversion failed.
With the win, Dallas improved to 9–5. This would be the last Cowboys win at Texas Stadium and for the 2008 NFL Season.
Week 16: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Coming off their win over the Giants, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Week 16 interconference battle with the Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
, in what would be the final game at Texas Stadium
Texas Stadium
Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675...
.
In the first quarter, Dallas struck first as rookie running back Tashard Choice
Tashard Choice
Tashard J. Choice , is an American football running back for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He played collegiately at Georgia Tech. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.Choice began his collegiate career at The University of Oklahoma but...
got a 2-yard touchdown run. The Ravens would respond with a 26-yard field goal from kicker Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
. Baltimore would take the lead in the second quarter as Stover got a 29-yard and a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Ravens increased their lead as quarterback Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Derrick Mason
Derrick Mason
Derrick James Mason is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Oilers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.Mason has also played for the Baltimore Ravens where he...
. The Cowboys would answer in the fourth quarter as kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
got a 35-yard field goal, but Baltimore answered right back with Stover's 35-yard field goal. Dallas would try to rally as quarterback Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
, but the Ravens struck right back as running back Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
got a 77-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys tried to comeback as Romo completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....
, but the Ravens would pull away with fullback Le'Ron McClain
Le'Ron McClain
- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
's 82-yard touchdown run (the longest TD run that the Cowboys would ever give up during their tenure at Texas Stadium).
With the loss, Dallas fell to 9–6.
Week 17: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Hoping to recover from their home loss to the Ravens, the Cowboys closed out their regular season at Lincoln Financial FieldLincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
in a crucial Week 17 NFC East rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, with a playoff berth on the line. Dallas trailed early in the first quarter as Eagles David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
got a 40-yard field goal. Dallas would respond with kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
getting a 37-yard field goal. However, in the second quarter, Philadelphia would take a huge lead as quarterback Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
would get a 1-yard touchdown run and complete a 4-yard touchdown pass to running back Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
, along with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.-Early years:...
. Afterwards, the Eagles would close out the half with a 50-yard field goal from Akers.
In the third quarter, the Cowboys' playoff hopes continued to take a beating as defensive end Chris Clemons returned a fumble 73 yards for a touchdown, while cornerback Joselio Hanson
Joselio Hanson
Joselio Basilio Hanson is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He began his professional career by signing with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2003, and has also spent one year of his career in Europe with the Frankfurt...
returned another fumble 96 yards for a touchdown. Philadelphia would close out the period with Akers' 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Dallas tried to rally but only managed to score a 42-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Cowboys' season ended at 9–7.
Passing
| Player | G | QB Rat. | Comp. | Att. | Pct. | Yards | TD | INT | Long | Sack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Romo Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005... |
5 | 100.5 | 104 | 162 | 64.2 | 1,368 | 12 | 5 | 72 | 7 |
| Patrick Crayton Patrick Crayton Patrick Jamel Crayton is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was a originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys... |
5 | 39.6 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Rushing
| Player | G | Att. | Yards | Y/G | Avg. | Long | TD | Fum | FumL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion Barber Marion Barber III Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota.... |
5 | 93 | 395 | 79.0 | 4.2 | 25 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Felix Jones Felix Jones Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft... |
5 | 27 | 244 | 48.8 | 9.0 | 60 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Tashard Choice Tashard Choice Tashard J. Choice , is an American football running back for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He played collegiately at Georgia Tech. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.Choice began his collegiate career at The University of Oklahoma but... |
5 | 5 | 26 | 5.2 | 5.2 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era... |
5 | 3 | 19 | 3.8 | 6.3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tony Romo Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005... |
5 | 10 | 7 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| Deon Anderson Deon Anderson Deon Terry Anderson is a Free Agent American football fullback who most recently played for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He attended and played college football at the University of Connecticut after graduating from the Avon Old Farms School in 2002. He was drafted in the... |
3 | 1 | 3 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Receiving
| Player | G | Rec. | Yards | Y/G | Avg. | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Witten Jason Witten Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee.... |
5 | 35 | 442 | 88.4 | 12.6 | 42 | 2 |
| Terrell Owens | 5 | 19 | 331 | 66.2 | 17.4 | 72 | 3 |
| Patrick Crayton | 5 | 16 | 207 | 41.4 | 12.9 | 26 | 2 |
| Miles Austin Miles Austin Miles Jonathon Austin III is an American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2006... |
4 | 7 | 172 | 43.0 | 24.6 | 63 | 2 |
| Marion Barber | 5 | 14 | 106 | 21.2 | 7.6 | 25 | 1 |
| Martellus Bennett Martellus Bennett Martellus Demond Bennett is an American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Texas A&M.-Early years:... |
5 | 3 | 57 | 11.4 | 19.0 | 37 | 0 |
| Isaiah Stanback Isaiah Stanback Isaiah Stanback is an American football quarterback and wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
3 | 2 | 24 | 8.0 | 12.0 | 15 | 0 |
| Tony Curtis | 5 | 5 | 17 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 8 | 0 |
| Felix Jones | 5 | 2 | 10 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 7 | 0 |
| Tashard Choice | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0.4 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 |
Kicking
| Player | G | 0–19 | 20–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50+ | FGM | FGA | Pct. | Long | XPM | XPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Folk Nick Folk Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
5 | 0–0 | 1–1 | 3–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 6 | 6 | 100.0 | 51 | 20 | 20 |
Punting
| Player | G | Punt | Yards | Avg. | In20 | In10 | TB | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mat McBriar Mat McBriar Mat McBriar is an Australian American football punter in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys.-Early years:McBriar began as an Australian rules football player, playing Australian rules for Brighton Grammar School... |
5 | 17 | 840 | 49.4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 66 |
Opening training camp roster
| Dallas Cowboys 2008 opening training camp roster | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Flozell Adams Flozell "The Hotel" Adams is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.... T Joe Berger Joseph David Berger is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech.... G Marc Colombo Marc Edward Colombo is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was originally selected in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He played college football for Boston College... T Leonard Davis Leonard Barnett Davis is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Davis has also played for the Dallas Cowboys.-Early years:Davis is the... G Doug Free Doug Free is an American football offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League... T Ryan Gibbons Ryan Gibbons is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2006... G/T Andre Gurode -Dallas Cowboys:Gurode was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft as a center.Gurode was selected to help shore up the center position and started fast by becoming the first rookie in club history to start at center on opening day.... C Kyle Kosier Kyle Blaine Kosier is an American football guard for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.He was originally selected with the 37th pick of the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Arizona State University. He has also played for the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco... G Cory Lekkerkerker Cory Lekkerkerker is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2005... T James Marten James P. Marten is a former American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Marten was also a member of the Chicago Bears, the Oakland Raiders, and the Miami Dolphins... T Pat McQuistan Patrick Shawn McQuistan is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... T Cory Procter Cory Procter is an American football guard who is currently a member of the Miami Dolphins. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2005... C Adam Stenavich Adam Walter Stenavich is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a Free Agent. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2006... G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Kevin Burnett Kevin Bradley Burnett is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.... ILB Bobby Carpenter (American football) Robert J. Carpenter III is an American football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State.Carpenter has also played for the St... ILB Tearrius George Tearrius George is a gridiron football defensive end for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006... OLB Bradie James Bradie Gene James is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.-High school career :... ILB Darrell Robertson Darrell Thomas Robertson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2008... OLB Justin Rogers Justin Rogers is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... OLB Anthony Spencer Anthony E. Spencer II is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cowboys 26th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.-High school career:Spencer played high school football at Bishop Luers High... OLB Zach Thomas Zachary Michael Thomas is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Tech.... ILB Erik Walden Erik Lashawn Walden is an American football linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... OLB Demarcus Ware DeMarcus Ware is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Troy University... OLB/DE Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Adam Jones (American football) Adam "Pac-Man" Bernard Jones is an American cornerback and return specialist who is currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was drafted in the first round with the sixth-overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He played college football at West Virginia.Jones has also... CB (Susp.) Rookies in italics 78 Active, 1 Inactive |
|||
Week 1 roster
| Dallas Cowboys 2008 week 1 roster | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Flozell Adams Flozell "The Hotel" Adams is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.... T Joe Berger Joseph David Berger is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech.... C Marc Colombo Marc Edward Colombo is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was originally selected in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He played college football for Boston College... T Leonard Davis Leonard Barnett Davis is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Davis has also played for the Dallas Cowboys.-Early years:Davis is the... G Doug Free Doug Free is an American football offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League... T Andre Gurode -Dallas Cowboys:Gurode was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft as a center.Gurode was selected to help shore up the center position and started fast by becoming the first rookie in club history to start at center on opening day.... C Montrae Holland Montrae Rondrell Holland is an American football guard for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft... G Kyle Kosier Kyle Blaine Kosier is an American football guard for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.He was originally selected with the 37th pick of the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Arizona State University. He has also played for the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco... G Pat McQuistan Patrick Shawn McQuistan is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... T/G Cory Procter Cory Procter is an American football guard who is currently a member of the Miami Dolphins. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2005... G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Kevin Burnett Kevin Bradley Burnett is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.... ILB Bobby Carpenter (American football) Robert J. Carpenter III is an American football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State.Carpenter has also played for the St... ILB Bradie James Bradie Gene James is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.-High school career :... ILB Justin Rogers Justin Rogers is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... OLB Anthony Spencer Anthony E. Spencer II is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cowboys 26th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.-High school career:Spencer played high school football at Bishop Luers High... OLB Zach Thomas Zachary Michael Thomas is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Tech.... ILB Demarcus Ware DeMarcus Ware is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Troy University... OLB/DE Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Tyler Everett Tyler Everett is a professional American and Canadian football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2006... SS (IR)  Practice Squad
Rookies in italics 53 Active, 1 Inactive, 7 PS |
|||
Final roster
| Dallas Cowboys 2008 final roster | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Flozell Adams Flozell "The Hotel" Adams is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.... T Joe Berger Joseph David Berger is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech.... G/C Marc Colombo Marc Edward Colombo is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was originally selected in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He played college football for Boston College... T Leonard Davis Leonard Barnett Davis is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Davis has also played for the Dallas Cowboys.-Early years:Davis is the... G Doug Free Doug Free is an American football offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League... T Andre Gurode -Dallas Cowboys:Gurode was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft as a center.Gurode was selected to help shore up the center position and started fast by becoming the first rookie in club history to start at center on opening day.... C Montrae Holland Montrae Rondrell Holland is an American football guard for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft... G Pat McQuistan Patrick Shawn McQuistan is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... T Cory Procter Cory Procter is an American football guard who is currently a member of the Miami Dolphins. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2005... G/C Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Kevin Burnett Kevin Bradley Burnett is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.... ILB Bobby Carpenter (American football) Robert J. Carpenter III is an American football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State.Carpenter has also played for the St... ILB Bradie James Bradie Gene James is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.-High school career :... ILB Steve Octavien Steven Octavien is an American football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Nebraska.... OLB Carlos Polk Carlos Devonn Polk is a retired American football linebacker. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska. He has also played for the Dallas Cowboys... OLB Justin Rogers Justin Rogers is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... OLB/ILB Anthony Spencer Anthony E. Spencer II is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cowboys 26th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.-High school career:Spencer played high school football at Bishop Luers High... OLB Zach Thomas Zachary Michael Thomas is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Tech.... ILB Demarcus Ware DeMarcus Ware is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Troy University... OLB/DE Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Sam Hurd Samuel George Hurd, III is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League.-Early life:... WR (IR) Felix Jones Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft... RB (IR) Kyle Kosier Kyle Blaine Kosier is an American football guard for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.He was originally selected with the 37th pick of the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Arizona State University. He has also played for the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco... G (IR) Mat McBriar Mat McBriar is an Australian American football punter in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys.-Early years:McBriar began as an Australian rules football player, playing Australian rules for Brighton Grammar School... P (IR) Isaiah Stanback Isaiah Stanback is an American football quarterback and wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... WR (IR) Pat Watkins Patrick Watkins is an American football safety who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. The Dallas Cowboys drafted him in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Watkins played college football at Florida State University, and attended Lincoln High School in Tallahassee,... SS (IR) Roy Williams (safety) Roy Lee Williams is a retired American football safety. He played college football at Oklahoma before he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys eighth overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with the Cowboys and earned five straight Pro Bowl selections from 2003–2007... SS (IR) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics 53 Active, 7 Inactive, 7 PS |
|||
See also
- 2008 AFC East standings
- 2008 AFC North standings
- 2008 AFC South standings
- 2008 AFC West standings
- 2008 NFC North standings
- 2008 NFC South standings
- 2008 NFC West standings