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2010 Dallas Cowboys season

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2010 Dallas Cowboys season
OwnerJerry Jones
General managerJerry Jones
Head coachWade Phillips (fired November 8, 1-7 record)
Jason Garrett (interim, 5-3 record)
Home fieldCowboys Stadium
Results
Record6–10
Division place3rd NFC East
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersMiles Austin WR,
Andre Gurode C,
Mat McBriar P,
Jay Ratliff DT,
DeMarcus Ware LB,
Jason Witten TE
AP All-ProsJason Witten (1st team)
Mat McBriar (2nd team)
DeMarcus Ware (2nd team)
Uniform

The 2010 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League (NFL), and the second season playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium. After falling to the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round of the 2009-10 NFL Playoffs, the Cowboys sought to defend their NFC East division title and contend for a Super Bowl Championship, particularly given that Super Bowl XLV would be played at Cowboys Stadium.

However, this did not happen and after a 1–7 start Wade Phillips became the first coach in Cowboys history to be fired during the season. He was replaced by offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.[1] The Cowboys finished the season 6–10, 3rd place in the NFC East, and failed to reach the playoffs. However, under Garrett the team's record was 5–3 as compared to the 1–7 start under Phillips.

2010 draft class

[edit]
Main article: 2010 NFL draft
2010 Dallas Cowboys Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 24 Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State
2 55 Sean Lee ILB Penn State
4 126 Akwasi Owusu-Ansah FS Indiana (PA)
6 179 Sam Young OT Notre Dame
6 196 Jamar Wall CB Texas Tech
7 234 Sean Lissemore DE William & Mary

Notes

  • The Cowboys traded their original first (#27) and third-round (#90) selections for the New England Patriots first (#24) and fourth-round (#119) selections.
  • The Cowboys traded their original second (#59) and fourth-round (#125) selection to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a second-round (#55) selection.
  • The Cowboys traded their fourth-round (#119 acquired from New England) selection to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for fourth (#126) and sixth-round (#179) selections.
  • The Cowboys traded their original fifth-round (#158) selection to the Denver Broncos in exchange for guard Montrae Holland.[2]

Staff

[edit]
2010 Dallas Cowboys staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning




Rosters

[edit]

Opening training camp roster

[edit]
Dallas Cowboys 2010 opening training camp roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

80 active, 0 inactive

Week one roster

[edit]
Dallas Cowboys 2010 week one roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Practice Squad

53 active, 2 inactive, 8 PS

Final roster

[edit]
Dallas Cowboys 2010 final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Practice Squad

53 active, 9 inactive, 7 Practice Squad

Free agents

[edit]

RFA: Restricted free-agent, UFA: Unrestricted free-agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent

Position Player Free agency
tag		 Date signed 2010 team
OT Flozell Adams Released July 29, 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers
WR Miles Austin RFA June 11, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
CB/FS Alan Ball ERFA April 27, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
DE Stephen Bowen RFA April 9, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
CB Cletis Gordon RFA March 4, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
FS Ken Hamlin Released June 17, 2010 Baltimore Ravens
DE Jason Hatcher RFA April 8, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
G Montrae Holland UFA April 27, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
WR Sam Hurd RFA April 16, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
OT Pat McQuistan RFA April 7, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
OLB Steve Octavien ERFA April 6, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
C/G Cory Procter RFA March 26, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
SS Gerald Sensabaugh RFA May 27, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
NT Junior Siavii RFA April 8, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
DE Marcus Spears RFA April 6, 2010 Dallas Cowboys
K Shaun Suisham RFA November 16, 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers
SS Pat Watkins RFA April 15, 2010 Dallas Cowboys

Schedule

[edit]

Preseason

[edit]

On February 24, 2010, the NFL announced that the Cowboys will face the Cincinnati Bengals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The game occurred on Sunday, August 8, 2010, and was aired by NBC.[3]

The remainder of the Cowboys' preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.[4]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
HOF August 8 Cincinnati Bengals W 16–7 1–0 Fawcett Stadium (Canton, Ohio) Recap
1 August 12 Oakland Raiders L 9–17 1–1 Cowboys Stadium Recap
2 August 21 at San Diego Chargers W 16–14 2–1 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
3 August 28 at Houston Texans L 7–23 2–2 Reliant Stadium Recap
4 September 2 Miami Dolphins W 27–25 3–2 Cowboys Stadium Recap

Regular season

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 12 at Washington Redskins L 7–13 0–1 FedExField Recap
2 September 19 Chicago Bears L 20–27 0–2 Cowboys Stadium Recap
3 September 26 at Houston Texans W 27–13 1–2 Reliant Stadium Recap
4 Bye
5 October 10 Tennessee Titans L 27–34 1–3 Cowboys Stadium Recap
6 October 17 at Minnesota Vikings L 21–24 1–4 Mall of America Field Recap
7 October 25 New York Giants L 35–41 1–5 Cowboys Stadium Recap
8 October 31 Jacksonville Jaguars L 17–35 1–6 Cowboys Stadium Recap
9 November 7 at Green Bay Packers L 7–45 1–7 Lambeau Field Recap
10 November 14 at New York Giants W 33–20 2–7 New Meadowlands Stadium Recap
11 November 21 Detroit Lions W 35–19 3–7 Cowboys Stadium Recap
12 November 25 New Orleans Saints L 27–30 3–8 Cowboys Stadium Recap
13 December 5 at Indianapolis Colts W 38–35 (OT) 4–8 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
14 December 12 Philadelphia Eagles L 27–30 4–9 Cowboys Stadium Recap
15 December 19 Washington Redskins W 33–30 5–9 Cowboys Stadium Recap
16 December 25 at Arizona Cardinals L 26–27 5–10 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
17 January 2 at Philadelphia Eagles W 14–13 6–10 Lincoln Financial Field Recap

Standings

[edit]
Division
NFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Philadelphia Eagles 10 6 0 .625 4–2 7–5 439 377 L2
New York Giants 10 6 0 .625 3–3 8–4 394 347 W1
Dallas Cowboys 6 10 0 .375 3–3 4–8 394 436 W1
Washington Redskins 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 303 377 L1
Conference
NFC[5]
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division winners
1 Atlanta Falcons South 13 3 0 .813 5–1 10–2 .484 .438 W1
2 Chicago Bears North 11 5 0 .688 5–1 8–4 .473 .420 L1
3[a] Philadelphia Eagles East 10 6 0 .625 4–2 7–5 .492 .506 L2
4[b] Seattle Seahawks West 7 9 0 .438 4–2 6–6 .484 .402 W1
Wild cards
5 New Orleans Saints South 11 5 0 .688 4–2 9–3 .469 .426 L1
6[c] Green Bay Packers North 10 6 0 .625 4–2 8–4 .520 .475 W2
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[a][c] New York Giants East 10 6 0 .625 3–3 8–4 .453 .400 W1
8[c] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 10 6 0 .625 3–3 8–4 .477 .344 W2
9[b] St. Louis Rams West 7 9 0 .438 3–3 5–7 .449 .348 L1
10[d][e] Detroit Lions North 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .543 .479 W4
11[d][e] Minnesota Vikings North 6 10 0 .375 1–5 5–7 .539 .385 L1
12[d][f] San Francisco 49ers West 6 10 0 .375 4–2 4–8 .488 .375 W1
13[d][g][f] Dallas Cowboys East 6 10 0 .375 3–3 4–8 .512 .500 W1
14[d][g] Washington Redskins East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .516 .531 L1
15 Arizona Cardinals West 5 11 0 .313 1–5 3–9 .465 .450 L1
16 Carolina Panthers South 2 14 0 .125 0–6 2–10 .574 .344 L2
Tiebreakers[h]
  1. ^ a b Philadelphia clinched the NFC East title based on a head-to-head sweep over the NY Giants.
  2. ^ a b Seattle clinched the NFC West title instead of St. Louis based on division record (4–2 to St. Louis' 3–3).
  3. ^ a b c Green Bay clinched the NFC No. 6 seed based on better strength of victory (.475) than the NY Giants (.400) and Tampa Bay (.344).
  4. ^ a b c d e Detroit and Minnesota finished ahead of San Francisco, Dallas and Washington based on conference record (5–7 to 4–8).
  5. ^ a b Detroit finished ahead of Minnesota in the NFC North based on division record (2–4 to Minnesota's 1–5).
  6. ^ a b San Francisco finished ahead of Dallas based on record versus common opponents (2–3 versus Dallas’ 1–4 against Philadelphia, New Orleans, Green Bay and Arizona).
  7. ^ a b Dallas finished ahead of Washington in the NFC East based on division record (3–3 to Washington's 2–4).
  8. ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

Preseason results

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Pro Football Hall of Fame Game – vs Cincinnati Bengals
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 3 3 3716
Bengals 0 0 077

at Fawcett Stadium, Canton, Ohio

Game information
Preseason Week 1 – vs Oakland Raiders
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 01717
Cowboys 3 0 339

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: August 12
  • Game weather: Played indoors, retractable roof closed
  • Game attendance: 72,282
  • Recap
Game information
Preseason Week 2 – at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 7 0916
Chargers 0 7 0714

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: August 21
  • Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 64,372
  • Recap
Game information
Preseason Week 3 – at Houston Texans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 0 077
Texans 7 6 10023

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: August 28
  • Game weather: Played indoors, retractable roof closed
  • Game attendance: 70,725
  • Recap
Game information
Preseason Week 4 – vs Miami Dolphins
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 3 0 71525
Cowboys 0 10 61127

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: September 2
  • Game weather: Played indoors, retractable roof closed
  • Game attendance: 71,805
  • Recap
Game information

Regular season results

[edit]

Week 1: at Washington Redskins

[edit]
Week 1: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 0 707
Redskins 3 7 0313

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

Game information

The Dallas Cowboys began their season at FedExField on Sunday night against their NFC East rival, the Washington Redskins. The Cowboys trailed early in the first quarter as Redskins kicker Graham Gano got a 29-yard field goal. Dallas would then trail in the second quarter as cornerback DeAngelo Hall returned a fumble 25 yards for a touchdown.

In the third quarter, Dallas would finally get on the board as quarterback Tony Romo completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin. Washington would respond in the fourth quarter as Gano made a 49-yard field goal. Afterwards, Romo threw what would have been the game-winning 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roy Williams, but a holding call on offensive tackle Alex Barron effectively ended the game.

With the loss, the Cowboys began their season at 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

[edit]
Week 2: Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 10 10 0727
Cowboys 7 7 3320

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Redskins the Cowboys played at home ground for an NFC duel with the Bears. In the first quarter Dallas trailed early as kicker Robbie Gould nailed a 38-yard field goal. Then they replied with wide receiver Dez Bryant returning a punt 62 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Bears got the lead back when quarterback Jay Cutler made a 39-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen. In the 2nd quarter the Cowboys replied again when quarterback Tony Romo made a 1-yard touchdown pass to running back Chris Gronkowski, but fell behind with Cutler making a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Devin Hester, followed by kicker Robbie Gould making a 40-yard field goal. In the third quarter Dallas would reply with kicker David Buehler nailing a 28-yard field goal. However, they continued to struggle in the fourth quarter when Cutler made a 3-yard touchdown pass to running back Matt Forte, but the Cowboys made the final score of the game when Buehler got a 48-yard field goal.

With the loss, Dallas fell to 0–2 for the first time since 2001 when they finished 5–11.

Week 3: at Houston Texans

[edit]
Week 3: Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 10 71027
Texans 0 3 01013

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

Still looking for their first win, the Cowboys flew to Reliant Stadium for a Texas rivalry match against the Houston Texans. Dallas trailed early in the second quarter when kicker Neil Rackers hit a 24-yard field goal. Then they took the lead with running back Marion Barber getting a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker David Buehler's 49-yard field goal. The Cowboys increased their lead in the third quarter when quarterback Tony Romo completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roy E. Williams. Houston replied with Rackers nailing a 30-yard field goal, but Dallas continued to score when Romo found Williams again on a 63-yard touchdown pass. Then David Buehler made a 40-yard field goal. The Texans would finally score when quarterback Matt Schaub made a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kevin Walter; the Texans' onside kick attempt was good, but an interception made by Dallas safety Danny McCray ended any chances of a Texans comeback.

With the win, Dallas went into its bye week at 1–2.

Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans

[edit]
Week 5: Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Titans 10 7 31434
Cowboys 3 7 71027

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

Coming off their road win over the Texans, the Cowboys went home for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Tennessee Titans. Dallas trailed early in the first quarter as Titans quarterback Vince Young completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nate Washington, followed by kicker Rob Bironas making a 52-yard field goal. The Cowboys answered with a 51-yard field goal from kicker David Buehler. However, Tennessee came right back in the second quarter as Young found wide receiver Kenny Britt on a 12-yard touchdown pass. Dallas would strike back as quarterback Tony Romo hooked up with wide receiver Roy Williams on a 6-yard touchdown pass.

In the third quarter, the Cowboys tied the game as Romo found wide receiver Miles Austin on a 69-yard touchdown pass. However, the Titans would retake the lead on Bironas' 40-yard field goal. Dallas tied the game again in the fourth quarter as Buehler booted a 26-yard field goal, but Tennessee struck back as running back Chris Johnson got a 1-yard touchdown. Afterwards, the Cowboys would tie the game yet again as Romo found tight end Jason Witten on an 18-yard touchdown pass. However, the Titans continued to pound away as Johnson got another 1-yard touchdown run.

With the loss, Dallas fell to 1–3.

Week 6: at Minnesota Vikings

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Week 6: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 7 7 0721
Vikings 7 0 14324

at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Titans, the Cowboys flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for a Week 6 duel with the Minnesota Vikings. Dallas delivered the opening punch in the first quarter as quarterback Tony Romo found wide receiver Roy Williams on a 15-yard touchdown pass. The Vikings answered with quarterback Brett Favre completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Camarillo. In the second quarter, the Cowboys regained the lead as Romo and Williams hooked up with each other again on a 2-yard touchdown pass.

Minnesota took the lead in the third quarter as wide receiver Percy Harvin returned the half's opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, followed by running back Adrian Peterson's 1-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, Dallas tied the game as Romo connected with rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant on a 31-yard touchdown pass. The Vikings responded with kicker Ryan Longwell making a 38-yard field goal.

With only 5 seconds left in the game, the Cowboys attempted a lateral play, in a fashion similar to The Play, River City Relay, and the Music City Miracle. However, Romo was then flagged for throwing a forward pass after crossing the line of scrimmage, ending the game.

With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 1–4.

Week 7: vs. New York Giants

[edit]
Week 7: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 7 17 14341
Cowboys 10 10 01535

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

Trying to snap a two-game losing streak, the Cowboys went home for a Week 7 NFC East duel with the New York Giants on Monday night. Dallas got the opening strike in the first quarter as quarterback Tony Romo found tight end Jason Witten on a 4-yard touchdown run, followed by a 26-yard field goal from kicker David Buehler. The Giants answered with quarterback Eli Manning completing a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks. The Cowboys would add onto their lead in the second quarter as Buehler booted a 41-yard field goal, followed by rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant returning a punt 93 yards for a touchdown. New York took the lead with Manning throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Nicks and a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Smith. Afterwards, the Giants closed out the half with kicker Lawrence Tynes getting a 53-yard field goal. During the half, Romo suffered a broken left clavicle on a completion from a blocking error.

Dallas' deficit increased in the third quarter as Manning completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mario Manningham, followed by running back Brandon Jacobs getting a 30-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys began to rally in the fourth quarter as quarterback Jon Kitna found Bryant on a 15-yard touchdown pass (with a successful two-point conversion pass to Witten), yet New York answered with a 26-yard field goal from Tynes. Dallas tried to rally as Kitna hooked up with Bryant again on a 15-yard touchdown pass. With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 1–5.

Week 8: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

[edit]
Week 8: Jacksonville Jaguars at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 7 7 14735
Cowboys 3 0 01417

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

Hoping to break their current losing streak the Cowboys played on home ground for an interconference duel with the Jaguars. In the first quarter the Cowboys took the lead as kicker David Buehler hit a 34-yard field goal. But they fell behind with quarterback David Garrard getting a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker. In the second quarter, the Cowboys struggled further with Garrard finding tight end Marcedes Lewis on a 42-yard touchdown pass, then in the third quarter he found wide receiver Mike Thomas on a 15-yard touchdown pass, and then he found Lewis again on a 9-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys responded in the 4th quarter with running back Marion Barber getting a 1-yard touchdown run. But the Jaguars scored again with Garrard scrambling 2 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Cowboys replied with quarterback Jon Kitna making an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten.

With the loss, Dallas fell to 1–6.

Week 9: at Green Bay Packers

[edit]
Week 9: Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 7 007
Packers 0 28 71045

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

Looking for their second win the Cowboys flew to Lambeau Field for an NFC duel with the Packers. The second quarter saw the Cowboys trail immediately after quarterback Aaron Rodgers got a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Brandon Jackson. This was followed by Jackson making a 2-yard touchdown run, and with Rodgers completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings. The Cowboys struggled further after free safety Nick Collins recovered a fumble and ran 26 yards for a touchdown. The Cowboys would make their only score of the game with quarterback Jon Kitna making a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dez Bryant. They fell further behind after Rodgers found wide receiver Jones on a 10-yard touchdown pass, and with Crosby hitting a 26-yard field goal. The Cowboys had more problems when Kitna's pass was intercepted by outside linebacker Clay Matthews and returned 62 yards for a touchdown.

With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 1–7. After the game, head coach Wade Phillips was fired and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett became the interim head coach.

Week 10: at New York Giants

[edit]
Week 10: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 6 13 14033
Giants 3 3 14020

at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

Trying to snap a five-game losing streak, the Cowboys flew to New Meadowlands Stadium for a Week 10 NFC East rematch with the New York Giants. Dallas trailed in the first quarter as Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes made a 43-yard field goal. The Cowboys answered with quarterback Jon Kitna connecting to rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant on a 13-yard touchdown pass (with a blocked extra point). Dallas added onto their lead in the second quarter with a 22-yard field goal from kicker David Buehler, followed by rookie cornerback Bryan McCann returning an interception 101 yards for a touchdown and Buehler's 23-yard field goal. New York answered with Tynes making a 25-yard field goal.

The Cowboys continued its dominating day in the third quarter as Kitna found running back Felix Jones on a 71-yard touchdown pass. The Giants responded with quarterback Eli Manning completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mario Manningham, yet Dallas rebounded with Kitna hooking up with wide receiver Miles Austin on a 24-yard touchdown pass. However, New York continued its persistent play with Manning completing a 35-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kevin Boss. Fortunately, the Cowboys' defense held its ground in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory.

The game was delayed in the third quarter for about fifteen minutes when the lights at the New Meadowlands Stadium went out. Since it was already dark outside in New Jersey by that time, it was totally dark in the stadium.

With the win, Dallas improved to 2–7.

Week 11: vs. Detroit Lions

[edit]
Week 11: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Lions 0 10 9019
Cowboys 7 0 141435

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

The Cowboys' tenth game was an NFC duel with the Lions. In the first quarter the Cowboys pulled ahead with quarterback Jon Kitna making a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dez Bryant. The Lions replied with kicker Dave Rayner nailing a 47-yard field goal. The Cowboys trailed with quarterback Shaun Hill making a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nate Burleson, followed by a penalty on Leonard Davis which was enforced to the endzone for a safety. The Cowboys got the lead back with defensive back Bryan McCann returning a punt 97 yards for a touchdown, which was followed by Kitna making a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin. The lead was narrowed with Hill completing a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The Cowboys increased their lead with Kitna finding Austin again on a 4-yard touchdown pass, followed by Kitna's 29-yard scramble to the endzone for a touchdown, which was his longest run of his career.

Cowboys interim head coach Jason Garrett won his home debut and improved to 2–0 since taking over for Wade Phillips. It was the first time this season Dallas (3–7) had won consecutive games and the first time all season they won at home, having lost the first four. The Lions (2–8) lost their 26th straight on the road, extending a woeful NFL record that began in 2007, when Kitna was their quarterback. Detroit led 12–7 and was consistently stuffing the Cowboys' offense midway through the third quarter when John Wedling jumped over the goal line and tapped a punt back into the field of play. It hopped up waist-high and right to McCann, and the speedster turned it into the second-longest punt return in franchise history – a week after a 101-yard interception return that was the longest in club history. With the win the Cowboys improved to 3–7 on the season.

Week 12: vs. New Orleans Saints

[edit]

Thanksgiving Day game

Week 12: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 17 3 3730
Cowboys 0 6 14727

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

The Cowboys hosted the Saints in their annual Thanksgiving Day game. The Cowboys trailed early with running back Chris Ivory getting a 3-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker Garrett Hartley getting a 50-yard field goal, and then by Ivory making a 6-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys cut the lead as kicker David Buehler got a 21-yard field goal, but the Saints replied as Hartley nailed a 45-yard field goal. The Cowboys tried to come back as Buehler hit a 53-yard field goal, followed by Miles Austin getting a 60-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys trailed further with Hartley making a 28-yard field goal, but took the lead with Marion Barber III and Tashard Choice getting a 1-yard touchdown run. They failed to maintain this lead when quarterback Drew Brees completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lance Moore.

With the loss, Dallas fell to 3–8.

Week 13: at Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
Week 13: Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Cowboys 10 7 108338
Colts 0 7 721035

at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Super Bowl champion Saints, the Cowboys played against the Super Bowl runners-up Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Cowboys commanded the first quarter when Tashard Choice got a 20-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker David Buehler nailing a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead as cornerback Orlando Scandrick returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown. The lead was narrowed when quarterback Peyton Manning made a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Pierre Garçon, followed in the third quarter by Manning getting a 34-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne. The Cowboys extended their lead with Buehler hitting a 46-yard field goal, followed by Sean Lee returning an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. They trailed slightly as RB Javarris James got a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Mat McBriar's punt getting blocked and returned 2 yards for a touchdown by Taj Smith. They replied to get the lead back as quarterback Jon Kitna completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten (With a successful 2-point conversion as Kitna passed to wide receiver Roy E. Williams), but the game was tied when James got a 2-yard touchdown run. In overtime, Manning threw his fourth interception, (which totalled 11 interceptions in three consecutive games.[6]) to linebacker Sean Lee, which soon converted into a successful 38-yard field goal attempt by Buehler, giving the Cowboys the win.

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 4–8.

Week 14: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]
Week 14: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 7 7 31330
Cowboys 7 3 10727

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

Coming off their win over the Colts, the Cowboys went home for a Week 14 NFC East duel with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. Dallas trailed early in the first quarter as Eagles quarterback Michael Vick got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys answered with quarterback Jon Kitna finding tight end Jason Witten on a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Eagles regained the lead in the second quarter with Vick completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to offensive guard Todd Herremans. Afterwards, Dallas closed out the half with a 50-yard field goal from kicker David Buehler.

The Cowboys took the lead in the third quarter with Buehler's 43-yard field goal, followed by a 3-yard touchdown run from running back Felix Jones. Philadelphia struck back with kicker David Akers getting a 39-yard field goal. The Eagles took the lead again in the fourth quarter with Akers booting a 50-yard field goal, followed by Vick completing a 91-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DeSean Jackson and Akers making a 28-yard field goal. Dallas tried to rally as Kitna hooked up with Witten again on a 22-yard touchdown pass, yet the Eagles held on for the win.

With the loss, the Cowboys clinched their first losing season since 2004 and fell to 4–9. Also with this loss, they were eliminated from playoff contention.

Week 15: vs. Washington Redskins

[edit]
Week 15: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 7 71630
Cowboys 10 10 10333

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

The Cowboys' fourteenth game was an NFC East rivalry rematch against the Redskins at home. In the first quarter the Cowboys took the lead with kicker David Buehler hitting a 42-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Jon Kitna throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin; then Buehler made a 20-yard field goal to put Dallas up 13–0. The lead was narrowed when quarterback Rex Grossman completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to running back Ryan Torain, but the Cowboys increased their lead with Kitna making a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten, followed by running back Tashard Choice getting a 3-yard touchdown run. The Redskins replied with Grossman getting a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Santana Moss, but the Cowboys scored again with Buehler got a 20-yard field goal. Washington managed to tie the game with Grossman finding Moss on a 5-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys managed to get the win after Buehler made a 39-yard field goal, settling both records at 5–9.

Week 16: at Arizona Cardinals

[edit]
Week 16: Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 10 10626
Cardinals 14 7 0627

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 5–10.

Week 17: at Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]
Week 17: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 7 0714
Eagles 0 7 0613

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Game information

The Cowboys' final game was an NFC East rivalry rematch against the Eagles. In the 2nd quarter the Cowboys trailed early as quarterback Kevin Kolb threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chad Hall, but they tied the game after outside linebackrt DeMarcus Ware recovered a fumble 17 yards for a touchdown. They trailed slightly with kicker David Akers hitting a 43 and a 22-yard field goal, but the Cowboys fought back with quarterback Stephen McGee completing a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten (with the extra point good to take the lead and the win).

With the win, Dallas finished with a 6–10 record.

References

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  1. ^ Leahy, Sean (November 8, 2010). "Cowboys fire Wade Phillips as head coach, promote Jason Garrett". USA Today. Retrieved November 8, 2010.
  2. ^ "2010 NFL Draft Pick Transactions". ProSportsTransactions.com.
  3. ^ Cowboys to face Bengals in Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 8 Archived June 4, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=B653C979-E89D-0A47-02D9814FFB00ABF1 Becoming Clearer Preseason Games Give Better Outlook For Training Camp
  5. ^ "2010 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved December 8, 2013.
  6. ^ Peyton Manning blames only himself for Colts’ woes Boston Herald. Retrieved December 8, 2010.
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