"My visor was the key to the game…And my original cleats. I changed at halftime. I was back to being Dez."
ARLINGTON, Texas - The Dallas Cowboys ran into the win column yet again after a 31-21 performance against the New York Giants Sunday afternoon. For the seventh straight game DeMarco Murray hit the century mark, becoming the first player in NFL history to do so to open a season. The previous record was held by Hall of Famer Jim Brown, who had six straight 100-yard games in 1958. Tony Romo was as efficient as ever, completing 17 passes on 23 attempts for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The victory was the first in the NFC East and sixth in a row. Head coach Jason Garrett has constantly preached the "process" and so far this season, the formula is obviously working.
Big Picture:
Winning games you're supposed to win can be challenging in the NFL. Dallas was clearly the better team and found a way to win. It's the best start, 6-1, since 2007, when they finished 13-3 and were the top seed in the NFC before losing in their first playoff game. That season also marked the last time the Cowboys won six straight games in a season.
Turning Point:
Dez Bryant's 44-yard catch on third and six early in the third quarter kept the chains moving and allowed the Cowboys to regain the momentum from the visitors. Three plays later Romo hooked up with Gavin Escobar for a touchdown, taking the lead for good at 21-14.
Key Stat:
Passing game coordinator Scott Linehan was once again magical with his play calling duties and it showed on third down. The Cowboys converted on 9-of-14 plays on third downs, good enough for 64 percent. That's astronomical. Controlling the clock helped keep the Cowboys in control of what was a very nice outcome to the game.
Unsung Hero:
Dez Bryant's visor. Huh? Yep. He said after the game, "My visor was the key to the game…And my original cleats. I changed at halftime. I was back to being Dez." Whatever it takes I suppose because Bryant shredded the Giants secondary for nine catches and a season-high 151 yards receiving.
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Don't Forget About…
Gavin Escobar had his coming out party with the Cowboys catching three passes, two of which were good for touchdowns. This has to be exactly what Jason Garrett had in mind when he drafted Escobar in the second round last year. It's another wrinkle to an already Swiss army knife-like offense that continues to show something new each week.
