Puneet Varma (Editor)

2007 Dallas Cowboys season

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Record
  
13–3

Head coach
  
Wade Phillips

Home field
  
Texas Stadium

Owner
  
Jerry Jones

Division place
  
1st NFC East

Start date
  
2007

General manager
  
Jerry Jones

2007 Dallas Cowboys season httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Playoff finish
  
Lost Divisional Playoffs (Giants) 21–17

Pro Bowlers
  
Flozell Adams T, Marion Barber RB, Leonard Davis G, Greg Ellis LB, Nick Folk K, Andre Gurode C, Ken Hamlin FS, Terence Newman CB, Terrell Owens WR, Tony Romo QB, DeMarcus Ware LB, Roy Williams SS, Jason Witten TE

AP All-Pros
  
Terrell Owens (1st team) DeMarcus Ware (1st team) Jason Witten (1st team) Flozell Adams (2nd team) Leonard Davis (2nd team)

Similar
  
2003 Dallas Cowboys, 2004 Dallas Cowboys, 1970 Dallas Cowboys, 2007 New York Giants season, 1993 Dallas Cowboys

The 2007 Dallas Cowboys season was the 48th season for the team in the National Football League. This marked the first season for Wade Phillips as head coach. Jason Garrett also joined the team this season as offensive coordinator. The Cowboys finished the regular season tied for the best record in the NFC (13-3-0), and earned a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. However, they lost their first playoff game to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants, a team that they had defeated in their two regular-season matchups. With the loss, it extended the Cowboys drought of playoff wins to eleven years and tied the NFL record of 6 straight playoff games lost. 13 players were named to the Pro Bowl, an NFL record.

Contents

Head Coach

Wade Phillips entered his first year of his contract with the Cowboys. He was hired on February 8, 2007 after former head coach Bill Parcells decided to retire.

Signings

On March 5, the Cowboys signed tackle Leonard Davis, formerly with the Cardinals, to a 7-year, $50 million contract.
On March 6, the Cowboys signed quarterback Brad Johnson, formerly with the Vikings, to a 3-year, $7.5 million contract.
On March 23, the Cowboys signed safety Ken Hamlin, formerly with the Seahawks, to a 1-year, $2.5 million contract.

Departures

On March 1, the Cowboys released quarterback Drew Bledsoe, center E.J. Whitley, and tight end Ryan Hannam.
On August 26, The Cowboys released Jamel Richardson, VVC Alumni

2007 draft class

Notes

  • The Cowboys traded their original first-round selection to the Cleveland Browns for a 2007 second-round selection and a 2008 first-round selection.
  • The Cowboys traded their second-round selection (acquired from Cleveland) and original third and fifth-round selections in exchange for the Philadelphia Eagles' first-round selection.
  • The Cowboys traded their original second and sixth-round selections to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for third, fourth and sixth-round selections.
  • The Cowboys traded their sixth-round selection (acquired from Cleveland) and original seventh-round selection to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Dallas' original sixth-round selection.
  • The Cowboys traded tight end Sean Ryan to the New York Jets for a seventh-round selection.
  • The Cowboys traded linebacker Scott Shanle to the New Orleans Saints for a seventh-round selection.

    • Week 1: vs. New York Giants

    The Cowboys began their 2007 campaign at home against their NFC East rival, the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as QB Eli Manning completed a 60-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress to give New York an early 6–0 lead (botched hold on PAT). Afterwards, the Cowboys got on the board with rookie kicker Nick Folk getting a 31-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Dallas took the lead with RB Marion Barber getting an 18-yard TD run, while QB Tony Romo completed an 18-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten. Afterwards, the Giants would end up trailing by one at halftime, as Manning & Burress hooked up with each other again on a 4-yard TD pass, while kicker Lawrence Tynes got a 44-yard field goal.

    In the third quarter, Dallas responded with Romo completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. New York would climb back with Tynes kicking a 48-yard field goal, but the Cowboys answered with Romo running into the end zone from 9 yards out. In the fourth quarter, the Giants managed to try to come back with Tynes' 24-yard field goal, yet Dallas would reply with Romo & Owens hooking up with each other again on a 47-yard TD pass. Just when it looked like New York was drawing closer with Manning's 9-yard TD pass to RB Derrick Ward (with a failed 2-point conversion) and his 10-yard TD pass to Burress, the Cowboys sealed the win with Romo completing a 51-yard TD pass to WR Sam Hurd.

    With the win, Dallas began its season at 1–0.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – NYG – 13:42 –60-yard TD pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress (PAT failed) (NYG 6–0)
  • Q1 – DAL – 6:36 – Nick Folk 31-yard FG (NYG 6–3)
  • Q2 – DAL – 9:49 – Marion Barber 18-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 10–6)
  • Q2 – DAL – 4:01 – 18-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Jason Witten (Folk kick) (DAL 17–6)
  • Q2 – NYG – 0:25 – 4-yard TD pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress (Lawrence Tynes kick) (DAL 17–13)
  • Q2 – NYG – 0:07 – Lawrence Tynes 44-yard FG (DAL 17–16)
  • Q3 – DAL – 12:07 – 22-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Terrell Owens (Folk kick) (DAL 24–16)
  • Q3 – NYG – 5:51 – Lawrence Tynes 48-yard FG (DAL 24–19)
  • Q3 – DAL – 1:18 – Tony Romo 9-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 31–19)
  • Q4 – NYG – 13:33 – Lawrence Tynes 24-yard FG (DAL 31–22)
  • Q4 – DAL – 11:52 – 47-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Terrell Owens (Folk kick) (DAL 38–22)
  • Q4 – NYG – 7:26 – 9-yard TD pass from Eli Manning to Derrick Ward (Conversion failed) (DAL 38–28)
  • Q4 – NYG – 4:15 – 10-yard TD pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress (Tynes kick) (DAL 38–35)
  • Q4 – DAL – 3:11 – 51-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Sam Hurd (Folk kick) (DAL 45–35)

    • Week 2: at Miami Dolphins

    Coming off their divisional home win over the Giants, the Cowboys flew to Dolphin Stadium for a Week 2 interconference fight with the Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early with Dolphins kicker Jay Feely getting a 37-yard field goal. The Cowboys would tie the game with rookie kicker Nick Folk getting a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Dallas took the lead with RB Marion Barber getting a 1-yard TD run. Miami would close out the first half with Feely getting a 45-yard field goal.

    In the third quarter, the Cowboys trailed as Dolphins QB Trent Green completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR Marty Booker. Dallas jumped back into the lead with QB Tony Romo completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Curtis, along with Folk's 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys took control with Folk's 47-yard field goal and Romo's 34-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. Miami's Green completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Derek Hagan, but Dallas responded with Barber's 40-yard TD run.

    On defense, they managed to force 5 turnovers, 4 of which came from intercepting Trent Green passes.

    With the win, the Cowboys improved to 2–0.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – MIA – 7:03 – Jay Feely 37-yard FG (MIA 3–0)
  • Q1 – DAL – 0:03 – Nick Folk 26-yard FG (3–3)
  • Q2 – DAL – 1:54 – Marion Barber 1-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 10–3)
  • Q2 – MIA – 0:05 – Jay Feely 45-yard FG (DAL 10–6)
  • Q3 – MIA – 9:41 – 18-yard TD pass from Trent Green to Marty Booker (Feely kick) (MIA 13–10)
  • Q3 – DAL – 4:41 – 2-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Tony Curtis (Folk kick) (DAL 17–13)
  • Q3 – DAL – 2:10 – Nick Folk 28-yard FG (DAL 20–13)
  • Q4 – DAL – 11:00 – Nick Folk 47-yard FG (DAL 23–13)
  • Q4 – DAL – 4:01 – 34-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Terrell Owens (Folk kick) (DAL 30–13)
  • Q4 – MIA – 3:26 – 21-yard TD pass from Trent Green to Derek Hagan (Feely kick) (DAL 30–20)
  • Q4 – DAL – 3:17 – Marion Barber 40-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 37–20)

    • Week 3: at Chicago Bears

    Following their road win over the Dolphins, the Cowboys traveled to Soldier Field to play a Sunday night match with the defending NFC Champion Bears. The game was close early as the Bears' Robbie Gould and the Cowboys' Nick Folk each hit field goals respectively to make it a 3–3 tie at halftime. The Cowboys took the opening drive of the third quarter and ended it with a Tony Romo to Jason Witten touchdown pass. The Bears responded on the ensuing drive with a Cedric Benson goal line plunge. The Cowboys struck again before the end of the third quarter, Romo connecting on his second touchdown pass, this time to running back Marion Barber. Folk converted a 44-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, and on the next play from scrimmage, Bears quarterback Rex Grossman threw an interception to Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry, who ran it back for the score. The Cowboys proceeded to kill the clock, with Barber, who capped the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run. Barber ended the night with over 100 yards rushing, and Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens caught eight passes for 145 yards. The Cowboys improved to 3–0, while the Bears dropped to 1–2.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – CHI – 3:09 – Robbie Gould 20-yard FG (CHI 3–0)
  • Q2 – DAL – 8:49 – Nick Folk 30-yard FG (3–3)
  • Q3 – DAL – 10:14 – 3-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Jason Witten (Folk kick) (DAL 10–3)
  • Q3 – CHI – 7:14 – Cedric Benson 1-yard TD run (Gould kick) (10–10)
  • Q3 – DAL – 1:18 – 10-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Marion Barber (Folk kick) (DAL 17–10)
  • Q4 – DAL – 12:10 – Nick Folk 44-yard FG (DAL 20–10)
  • Q4 – DAL – 11:49 – Anthony Henry 28-yard interception return TD (Folk kick) (DAL 27–10)
  • Q4 – DAL – 3:10 – Marion Barber 1-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 34–10)

    • Week 4: vs. St. Louis Rams

    The Dallas Cowboys returned home to Texas Stadium to take on the 0–3 St. Louis Rams. Both teams remained scoreless in the 1st quarter. Also, starting cornerback Anthony Henry left with a sprained right ankle late in the first quarter. He'd return to the sidelines later in the game after x-rays were negative, but would not return to game.

    Early in the 2nd quarter, the Rams' Jeff Wilkins attempted a 28-yard field goal and missed. On the next possession, the Cowboys would cap an 80-yard drive down the field with a hand-off to Julius Jones for 2 yards and the first touchdown of the game. On the next Dallas possession, the Cowboys would punt after failing to convert on a 3rd down. Mat McBriar punt went 56 yards to the St. Louis 15 and Dante Hall returned it 86 yards for a Rams TD, tying the game.

    Late in the 2nd quarter, Tony Romo turned a bad snap from center Andre Gurode, 33-yards behind the line of scrimmage, into a 4-yard gain for a 3rd-down conversion. It kept the drive alive and enabled the Cowboys to regain the lead with 11 seconds left before halftime when Romo again ran with the ball for 15 yards and the second Cowboy touchdown of the game.

    In the second half, the Cowboys scored three more times as Romo connected twice with Patrick Crayton for 59- and 37-yard TDs, and with Jason Witten for a 17-yard TD. The Rams would get another chance to score, but QB Marc Bulger (playing with two broken ribs) would throw an interception in the end zone to Dallas' Ken Hamlin. Gus Frerotte would come in for Bulger in the 3rd quarter.

    The 35–7 victory marked the Cowboys' first 4–0 start since 1995, and left the Rams 0–4.

    Scoring summary

  • Q2 – DAL – 7:15 – Julius Jones 2-yard TD run (Nick Folk kick)(DAL 7–0)
  • Q2 – STL – 2:11 – Dante Hall punt return 85 yards TD (Jeff Wilkins kick) (7–7)
  • Q2 – DAL – 00:11 – Tony Romo 15-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 14–7)
  • Q3 – DAL – 12:41 – Romo to Patrick Crayton 59-yard pass TD (Folk kick) (DAL 21–7)
  • Q3 – DAL – 9:40 – Romo to Crayton 37-yard pass TD (Folk kick) (DAL 28–7)
  • Q3 – DAL – 2:22 – Romo to Jason Witten 17-yard pass TD (Folk kick) (DAL 35–7)

    • Week 5: at Buffalo Bills

    After the Bills offense failed to score on the opening drive, a Brian Moorman punt pinned the Dallas Cowboys at the 2-yard line. Tony Romo's first pass attempt of the night was intercepted by George Wilson, who ran it back 25 yards for a Bills TD. On the ensuing possession, Romo threw his second interception to Angelo Crowell. However, Buffalo was unable to capitalize on the turnover. In the second quarter, Romo completed a 23-yard touchdown pass to TE Jason Witten, tying the game at 7. But Buffalo's Rian Lindell kicked a field goal soon after to retake the lead at 10–7. On the next drive, Romo was again pinned inside the Dallas 5-yard line when Bills' defensive lineman Chris Kelsay blocked a pass and caught his own deflection in the end zone. The TD extended the Bills' lead 17–7. The Bills kicked off. Dallas began to drive until yet another Romo pass was intercepted, this time by Jabari Greer. It marked Romo's fourth interception of the night and, after a missed 54-yard field goal attempt, the second time the Bills offense would fail to score after a turnover. On the final Dallas drive of the half, Romo completed a 29-yard pass with 3 seconds left to set up a 47-yard field goal by Nick Folk. Halftime: Buffalo 17, Dallas 10.

    Down by one touchdown, Dallas' first drive of the second half resulted in a second Folk field goal of 29 yards. But on the ensuing kickoff, Buffalo's T. McGee returned the ball 103 yards for a TD, giving the Bills an 11-point lead (24–13). Early in the fourth quarter, Folk added 3 more points to Dallas' score. The following drives were marred by turnovers with Romo fumbling the ball, which Buffalo recovered. The Bills drove down field until Dallas' Terrence Newman intercepted an Edwards' pass, the first of the game for the rookie Bills QB. Then, with Dallas in scoring range, Romo was picked off for the franchise record-tying 5th time. So neither team was able to score as a result of the turnovers.

    Then, with 3:45 left in the fourth quarter, Dallas' offense drove 80 yards for a touchdown on a pass from Romo to Patrick Crayton. A two-point conversion to tie the game failed. With 20 seconds remaining, Folk executed an on-side kick, which was recovered by Tony Curtis for Dallas. With no timeouts and 18 seconds remaining, Romo passed twice toward the sidelines for 4-yard and 8-yard gains – enough to set up a long field goal attempt to win the game. Folk kicked. It was good, but the Bills had called a timeout. Dallas again set up to kick, and again the rookie kicker split the uprights for a career-high, 53-yard field goal and his first game-winning field goal in the NFL. The 12 unanswered points in the 4th helped Dallas improve to 5–0 and dropped the Bills to 1–4.

    The Cowboys improved to 5–0, along with becoming the very first team to win a game with a −5 turnover margin.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – BUF TD – George Wilson, 25 yd interception return (Rian Lindell kick is good), 9:20. (BUF 7–0)
  • Q2 – DAL TD – Jason Witten, 22 yd pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick is good), 12:09. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards in 4:00 (7–7 tie game)
  • Q2 – BUF FG – Lindell, 24 yd field goal, 3:26. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards in 8:43 (BUF 10–7)
  • Q2 – BUF TD – Chris Kelsay, 0 yd interception return (Lindell kick is good), 3:15. (BUF 17–7)
  • Q2 – DAL FG – Folk, 47 yd field goal, 0:00. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards in 0:36 (BUF 17–10)
  • Q3 – DAL FG – Folk, 29 yd field goal, 9:02. Drive: 14 plays, 72 yards in 5:58 (BUF 17–13)
  • Q3 – BUF TD – Terrence McGee, 103 yd kick return (Lindell kick is good), 8:48. (BUF 24–13)
  • Q4 – DAL FG – Folk, 37 yd field goal, 14:47. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards in 3:46 (BUF 24–16)
  • Q4 – DAL TD – Patrick Crayton, 4 yd pass from Romo (2-pt Conv. pass failed), 0:20. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards in 3:25 (BUF 24–22)
  • Q4 – DAL FG – Folk, 53 yd field goal, 0:00. Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards in 0:20 (DAL 25–24)

    • Week 6: vs. New England Patriots

    Coming off a last-second road win over the Bills, the Cowboys came home and played the undefeated New England Patriots, with both teams putting their perfect seasons on the line.

    In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as QB Tom Brady completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss, along with a 35-yard TD pass to WR Wes Welker. In the second quarter, the Cowboys got on the board with rookie kicker Nick Folk getting a 38-yard field goal, along with DE Jason Hatcher returning a fumble 29 yards for a touchdown. New England would respond with Brady and Welker hooking up with each other again on a 12-yard TD pass. Dallas would end the half with QB Tony Romo completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens.

    In the third quarter, the Cowboys took the lead with Romo completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton. The Patriots regained the lead with Tom Brady completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Kyle Brady, along with kicker Stephen Gostkowski getting a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Brady completing a 69-yard TD pass to WR Donté Stallworth. Dallas' Folk kicked a 23-yard field goal, and the Patriots' Gostkowski made a 22-yard field goal, along with RB Kyle Eckel getting a 1-yard TD run.

    With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 5–1. The game was the most watched regular season game in NFL history.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – NE TD – Randy Moss, 6 yd pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:48. (NE 7–0)
  • Q1 – NE TD – Wes Welker, 35 yd pass from Tom Brady (Gostkowski kick), 2:14. (14–0 NE)
  • Q2 – DAL FG – Nick Folk, 38 yd field goal, 12:31. (NE 14–3)
  • Q2 – DAL TD – Jason Hatcher, 29 yd fumble return (Folk good), 10:25. (NE 14–10)
  • Q2 – NE TD – Welker, 12 yd pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 3:34. (NE 21–10)
  • Q2 – DAL TD – Terrell Owens, 12 yd pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick), 0:46. (NE 21–17)
  • Q3 – DAL TD – Patrick Crayton, 8 yd pass from Romo (Folk kick), 10:20. (DAL 24–21)
  • Q3 – NE TD – Kyle Brady, 1 yd TD pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 4:56. (NE 28–24)
  • Q3 – NE FG – Gostkowki, 45 yd field goal, 2:14. (NE 31–24)
  • Q4 – NE TD – Donté Stallworth, 69 yd pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 12:21. (NE 38–24)
  • Q4 – DAL FG – Nick Folk, 23 yd field goal, 10:03. (NE 38–27)
  • Q4 – NE FG – Gostkowki, 22 yd field goal, 3:59. (NE 41–27)
  • Q4 – NE TD – Kyle Eckel, 1 yd run (Gostkowski kick), 0:19. (NE 48–27)

    • Week 7: vs. Minnesota Vikings

    Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Patriots, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Week 7 intraconference game against the Minnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, Dallas scored first as QB Tony Romo completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. The Vikings would respond with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 20-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Minnesota took the lead after a turnover. WR Patrick Crayton fumbled a pass, which was picked up LB Ben Leber, who later lateraled the ball to CB Cedric Griffin, who would eventually fumble and recover the ball at the Cowboys 28-yard line and run it into the end zone for a touchdown.

    In the third quarter, RB Marion Barber got a 1-yard TD run, while Safety Pat Watkins returned a blocked field goal by Chris Canty 68 yards for a touchdown. It would mark the first time that a Cowboy player returned a blocked field goal since Ed "Too Tall" Jones in 1983 against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 25, 1983. In the fourth quarter, Dallas sealed the victory with rookie Nick Folk getting a 45-yard field goal.

    With the win, the Cowboys entered their bye week at 6–1.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – DAL TD – Terrell Owens, 5 yd pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick), 6:36. (DAL 7–0)
  • Q1 – MIN TD – Adrian Peterson, 20 yd run (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:43. (7–7)
  • Q2 – MIN TD – Cedric Griffin, 28 yd fumble return (Longwell kick), 1:39. (MIN 14–7)
  • Q3 – DAL TD – Marion Barber, 1 yd run (Folk kick), 6:55. (14–14)
  • Q3 – DAL TD – Pat Watkins, 68 yd blocked FG return (Folk kick), 2:52. (DAL 21–14)
  • Q4 – DAL FG – Nick Folk, 45 yd field goal, 10:34. (DAL 24–14)

    • Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

    Coming off their bye week, the Cowboys flew to Lincoln Financial Field for Week 9 Sunday night divisional game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the first quarter, Dallas took the early lead as they turned a first-play Philly fumble into RB Julius Jones' 2-yard TD run. The Eagles would respond with RB Brian Westbrook getting a 3-yard TD run. Afterwards, the 'Boys regained the lead with QB Tony Romo completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Tony Curtis. In the second quarter, the Cowboys increased its lead with RB Marion Barber getting a 5-yard TD run for the only score of the period.

    In the third quarter, Dallas began to pull away as Romo completed a 45-yard TD pass to former Eagles WR Terrell Owens. Philadelphia would reply with kicker David Akers getting a 36-yard field goal. Afterwards, the 'Boys went back to work with Romo completing a 20-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten. In the fourth quarter, Dallas sealed the win with rookie kicker Nick Folk getting a 22-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Eagles' only response was QB Donovan McNabb completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Hank Baskett.

    With the win, the Cowboys improved to 7–1.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – DAL – 11:13 – Julius Jones 2-yard TD run (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 7–0)
  • Q1 – PHI – 7:38 – Brian Westbrook 3-yard TD run (David Akers kick) (7–7)
  • Q1 – DAL – 2:14 – 1-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Tony Curtis (Folk kick) (DAL 14–7)
  • Q2 – DAL – 0:44 – Marion Barber 5-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 21–7)
  • Q3 – DAL – 12:44 – 45-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Terrell Owens (Folk kick) (DAL 28–7)
  • Q3 – PHI – 7:43 – David Akers 36-yard FG (DAL 28–10)
  • Q3 – DAL – 4:28 – 20-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Jason Witten (Folk kick) (DAL 35–10)
  • Q4 – DAL – 9:57 – Nick Folk 22-yard FG (DAL 38–10)
  • Q4 – PHI – 5:51 – 10-yard TD pass from Donovan McNabb to Hank Baskett (Akers kick) (DAL 38–17)

    • Week 10: at New York Giants

    Coming off their Sunday night divisional road win over the Eagles, the Cowboys flew to Giants Stadium for an NFC East rematch with the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Dallas shot first as QB Tony Romo completed a 15-yard TD pass to TE Tony Curtis. Afterwards, the Giants responded with QB Eli Manning completing an 8-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. In the second quarter, the Cowboys retook the lead as rookie kicker Nick Folk got a 44-yard field goal, yet New York answered with RB Reuben Droughns getting a 1-yard TD run. Dallas reclaimed the lead with Romo completing a 20-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton. However, due to a taunting penalty on LB Kevin Burnett, the Giants were given great field position to get some points prior to halftime. The Cowboys held New York to a 40-yard Lawrence Tynes field goal.

    In the third quarter, Dallas regained the lead with Romo completing a 25-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Giants only got a 26-yard field goal from Tynes. Afterwards, the Cowboys completed the season-sweep with Romo and Owens hooking up again on a 50-yard TD pass.

    With the win, the Cowboys improved to 8–1.

    This would mark the first time since their Super Bowl year of 1995 that the Cowboys began a season at 8–1, and only the third time in franchise history that Dallas began at 8–1; the other times were during the 1977 season, and the 1983 season. The Cowboys won the Super Bowl in 1977 and 1995, but lost the wildcard game to the Los Angeles Rams in 1983.

    For their season-sweep over New York, Dallas had scored a total of 76 points in the two meetings.

    DT Tank Johnson, in his first game with the Cowboys (along with the first game off of his suspension), recorded 3 tackles and a sack.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – DAL – 11:10 – Tony Curtis, 15-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 7–0)
  • Q1 – NYG – 6:13 – Jeremy Shockey, 8-yard TD pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick) (7–7)
  • Q2 – DAL – 14:56 – Nick Folk 44-yard FG (DAL 10–7)
  • Q2 – NYG – 4:33 – Reuben Droughns 1-yard TD run (Tynes kick) (NYG 14–10)
  • Q2 – DAL – 0:27 – Patrick Crayton, 20-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 17–14)
  • Q2 – NYG – 0:01 – Lawrence Tynes 40-yard FG (17–17)
  • Q3 – DAL – 7:14 – Terrell Owens, 25-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to (Folk kick) (DAL 24–17)
  • Q4 – NYG – 13:18 – Lawrence Tynes 26-yard FG (DAL 24–20)
  • Q4 – DAL – 10:43 – Terrell Owens, 50-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 31–20)

    • Week 11: vs. Washington Redskins

    Coming off their season-sweeping road win over the Giants, the Cowboys went home for a Week 11 NFC East duel with the Washington Redskins, a longtime rival of the Cowboys. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Redskins QB Jason Campbell completed a 19-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 'Boys got on the board as QB Tony Romo completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. Washington would take the lead into halftime as kicker Shaun Suisham managed to get a 45-yard field goal.

    In the third quarter, the Cowboys took the lead with Romo and Owens hooking up with each other again on a 31-yard TD pass. The Redskins got close as Suisham kicked a 39-yard field goal. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, the 'Boys started to run away with the lead as Romo and Owens hooked up with each other for a third time on a 46-yard TD pass. Washington tried to come back as Suisham nailed a 44-yard field goal, yet Dallas continued to roll as Romo hooked up with Owens for the fourth time on a 52-yard TD pass. The Redskins tried to come back as Campbell completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss. Fortunately, the Dallas defense held on for the victory.

    With the win, the Cowboys improved to 9–1.

    Terrell Owens, with his 4 touchdown receptions, tied Bob Hayes for the most touchdown receptions by a Cowboys receiver in one game.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – WSH – 7:52 – Chris Cooley, 19-yard TD pass from Jason Campbell (Shaun Suisham kick) (WSH 7–0)
  • Q2 – DAL – 1:16 – Terrell Owens, 4-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (7–7)
  • Q2 – WSH – 0:00 – Shaun Suisham, 45-yard FG (WSH 10–7)
  • Q3 – DAL – 2:09 – Terrell Owens, 31-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 14–10)
  • Q3 – WSH – 0:00 – Shaun Suisham, 39-yard FG (DAL 14–13)
  • Q4 – DAL – 11:32 – Terrell Owens, 46-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 21–13)
  • Q4 – WSH – 9:58 – Shaun Suisham, 44-yard FG (DAL 21–16)
  • Q4 – DAL – 7:50 – Terrell Owens, 52-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Folk kick) (DAL 28–16)
  • Q4 – WSH – 3:45 – Santana Moss, 5-yard TD pass from Jason Campbell (Suisham kick) (DAL 28–23)

    • Week 12: vs. New York Jets

    Coming off their divisional home win over the Redskins, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Week 12 Thanksgiving interconference showdown with the New York Jets. In the first quarter, Dallas shot first with RB Marion Barber getting a 7-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 'Boys increased their lead with QB Tony Romo completing a 25-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten, along with CB Terence Newman returning an interception 50 yards for a touchdown, the first of his career. Afterwards, the Jets got their only score of the game as kicker Mike Nugent got a 40-yard field goal.

    In the third quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead with rookie kicker Nick Folk getting a 46-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas pulled away with Folk getting a 27-yard field goal & Romo completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens.

    With the win, the Cowboys improved to 10–1.

    QB Tony Romo (21/28 for 195 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception), DE Chris Canty (2 tackles, 1 assist, and 1 sack), LB DeMarcus Ware (1 tackle and 3 assists), CB Terence Newman (1 tackle and 1 interception), and LB Greg Ellis (4 tackles and 2 sacks) all ended up getting CBS's All-Iron Award for their performances.

    Singer Kelly Clarkson performed in the game's halftime concert.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – DAL – 10:16 – Marion Barber, 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 7–0)
  • Q2 – DAL – 12:09- Jason Witten, 25-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 14–0)
  • Q2 – DAL – 6:18 – Terence Newman, 50-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 21–0)
  • Q2 – NYJ – 0:39 – Mike Nugent 40-yard field goal (DAL 21–3)
  • Q3 – DAL – 5:30 – Nick Folk 46-yard field goal (DAL 24–3)
  • Q4 – DAL – 11:23 – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal (DAL 27–3)
  • Q4 – DAL – 6:12 – Terrell Owens, 22-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 34–3)

    • Week 13: vs. Green Bay Packers

    Coming off their Thanksgiving home win over the Jets, the Cowboys stayed at home, donned their throwbacks, and played a Week 13 Thursday night intraconference duel with the Green Bay Packers This match-up would be the first time since 1990 (Giants & 49ers) that two 10–1 teams would meet each other.

    In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Packers kicker Mason Crosby made a 47-yard field goal. Afterwards, the 'Boys took the lead as rookie kicker Nick Folk made a 26-yarder and a 51-yard field goal, along with QB Tony Romo completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton. Later, Green Bay would reply with RB Ryan Grant getting a 62-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Cowboys responded with Romo completing a 26-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano, along with a 10-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. The Packers would end the half with QB Aaron Rodgers completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings.

    In the third quarter, Green Bay got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas' Romo hooking up with Crayton again on a 4-yard TD pass. The Packers' Crosby kicked a 52-yard field goal, and the 'Boys' Folk made a 25-yard field goal.

    With the win, the Cowboys improved to 11–1 (continuing to be their best start in franchise history) and also clinched a playoff berth. Hall of Fame/Former Cowboy QBs Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman were in attendance as honorary captains, along with the commemoration of the Super Bowl anniversaries of the '77 Cowboys & the '92 Cowboys. The Cowboys won the 10–1 duel with the win and improved to 11–1 while the Packers fell to 10–2.

    For Tony Romo, he ended this part of the season with a franchise-best 33 touchdown passes.

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – GB – 11:32 – Mason Crosby 47-yard field goal (GB 3–0)
  • Q1 – DAL – 8:23 – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal (3–3)
  • Q1 – DAL – 3:15 – Nick Folk 51-yard field goal (DAL 6–3)
  • Q1 – DAL – 1:14 – Patrick Crayton, 3-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 13–3)
  • Q1 – GB – 0:01 – Ryan Grant, 62-yard run (Mason Crosby kick) (DAL 13–10)
  • Q2 – DAL – 13:20 – Anthony Fasano, 26-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 20–10)
  • Q2 – DAL – 9:53 – Terrell Owens, 10-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 27–10)
  • Q2 – GB – 0:31 – Greg Jennings, 11-yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick) (DAL 27–17)
  • Q3 – GB – 5:15 – Ryan Grant, 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick) (DAL 27–24)
  • Q4 – DAL – 7:51 – Patrick Crayton, 4-yard TD pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick) (DAL 34–24)
  • Q4 – GB – 5:03 – Mason Crosby 52-yard field goal (DAL 34–27)
  • Q4 – DAL – 1:03 – Nick Folk 25-yard field goal (DAL 37–27)

    • Week 14: at Detroit Lions

    Coming off their Thursday night home win over the Packers, the Cowboys flew to Ford Field for a Week 14 interconference duel with the Detroit Lions. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Lions RB T.J. Duckett getting a 32-yard TD run, along with kicker Jason Hanson getting a 19-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys got on the board with RB Marion Barber getting a 20-yard TD run. Detroit would answer with Hanson kicking a 36-yard field goal, while RB Kevin Jones getting a 2-yard TD run. The Cowboys ended the half with QB Tony Romo completing an 8-yard TD pass to Barber.

    In the third quarter, the Lions replied with Jones getting a 3-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas came back and took the lead with Barber getting a 1-yard TD run and Romo completing a 16-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten.

    With the win, the Cowboys improved to 12–1 and clinched the NFC East crown for the first time since 1998.

    Week 15: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

    Coming off their road win over the Lions, the Cowboys went home for a Week 15 NFC East rematch with their hated rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. After a scoreless first quarter, Dallas shot first with rookie kicker Nick Folk getting a 33-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Eagles responded with QB Donovan McNabb completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Brown. In the third quarter, the 'Boys tried to catch up as Folk kicked a 23-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, Philadelphia extended their lead with kicker David Akers nailing a 21-yard field goal.

    With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 12–2, but clinched a first round bye with Seattle's loss earlier in the day.

    In Dallas Cowboys lore, the game became known as "The Jessica Simpson Game," due to the attendance of famous pop star Jessica Simpson, who was dating Cowboys QB Tony Romo at the time. Simpson wore a pink version of Romo's jersey and was frequently shown on camera cheering for her boyfriend. Critics of the Cowboys' performance that day would later suggest, perhaps somewhat facetiously, that the reason for Romo and the team's immense struggles was due to the distraction caused by the famous pop star's presence. This game has also been generally marked as the start of the decline of the Super Bowl caliber team the Cowboys fielded that year, due to the celebrity status the players enjoyed that season, as well as the lack of discipline enforced by head coach, Wade Phillips.

    Week 16: at Carolina Panthers

    Hoping to rebound from a divisional home loss to the Eagles, the Cowboys flew to Bank of America Stadium for a Week 16 Saturday night duel with the Carolina Panthers. In the first quarter, Dallas shot first with QB Tony Romo completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 'Boys continued their assault as RB Marion Barber got a 5-yard TD run. The Panthers would get on the board with QB Matt Moore completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. The Cowboys end the half with rookie kicker Nick Folk getting a 42-yard field goal.

    In the third quarter, Carolina started to try a comeback as kicker John Kasay getting a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas would respond with Folk kicking a 23-yard field goal. The Panthers tried to rally as Kasay nailing a 25-yard field goal, yet the 'Boys were able to hold off every possible attempt.

    With the win, the Cowboys improved to 13–2 and clinched homefield through NFC Playoffs with Green Bay's loss to Chicago on Sunday.

    Terrell Owens (5 receptions for 48 yards and 1 touchdown) left the game in the second quarter with a high left ankle sprain.

    Week 17: at Washington Redskins

    Coming off their road win over the Panthers, the Cowboys closed out the regular season at FedEx Field in a Week 17 NFC East rematch with the Washington Redskins. With the #1 seed already wrapped up, the Cowboys had little to play for and rested many of their starters in the 2nd half. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early with Redskins RB Clinton Portis getting a 23-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Washington increased its lead with kicker Shaun Suisham getting a 46-yard field goal. The Cowboys would respond with rookie kicker Nick Folk getting a 37-yard field goal, but the Redskins replied with Suisham kicking a 21-yard field goal.

    In the third quarter, Washington continued to lead as Portis got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins pulled away as QB Todd Collins completed a 42-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss. Dallas would end the game with Folk nailing a 30-yard field goal.

    With the loss, the Cowboys ended the regular season at 13–3, along with the NFC's #1 seed.

    Postseason

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

    Scoring summary

  • Q1 – 11:50 – 52-yard TD pass from Eli Manning to Amani Toomer, Lawrence Tynes extra point is good (7–0 NYG)
  • Q2 – 14:56 – 5-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Terrell Owens, Nick Folk extra point is good (7–7)
  • Q2 – 0:53 – 1-yard TD run by Marion Barber, Folk extra point is good (14–7 DAL)
  • Q2 – 0:07 – 4-yard TD pass from Manning to Toomer, Tynes extra point is good (14–14)
  • Q3 – 6:53 – 34-yard FG by Nick Folk (17–14 DAL)
  • Q4 – 13:29 – 1-yard TD run by Brandon Jacobs, Tynes kick is good (21–17 NYG)

    • References

    2007 Dallas Cowboys season Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA