Cowboys turn lights out on Giants

The Dallas Cowboys came alive for new head coach Jason Garrett.  After owner Jerry Jones appointed Garrett to replace Wade Phillips, saying attitudes have to change, the Cowboys responded.

Dallas came out playing with intensity for the first time this year, and held on to open the Garrett era with a convincing 33-20 win.  The Cowboys were double-digit underdogs coming into this game after they stumbled to a 1-7 start.

In the first quarter, after a Giants field goal, Dallas came out firing with a 45-yard bomb from Jon Kitna to Dez Bryant.  On the very next play, Kitna again went to Bryant for a 13-yard touchdown.  This was the first of 3 consecutive scoring drives for the Cowboys, another first for the year.

Kitna had a career day for the Cowboys, throwing for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns.  More importantly, his passes were right on target, the receivers seldom had to break stride as they continued upfield.

The Cowboys defense still had difficulty stopping the Giants.  New York was able to convert 40% of 3rd down attempts, and controlled the clock almost 2 to 1.  What the Dallas defense did do was get turnovers, including a team-record 101 yard interception return by rooking cornerback Bryan Mcann from SMU.

Jerry Jones also had to smile a little as the lights went out on the Giants new $1.6 billion stadium during the nationally broadcast game.  After the Giants spoiled the opener of the Cowboys new stadium, a little payback had to feel good. 

It remains to be seen if Garrett can completely turn the team around, but this was a good start.