Dallas Cowboys 37, Green Bay Packers 27

by PegNews wire

IRVING — The Dallas Cowboys came out and dominated from the get-go Thursday night, throwing at will on Green Bay's defense and injuring the invincible Brett Favre in a 37-27 rout that was not as close as the final score indicated. Jumping out to a quick 27-10 lead, Favre was injured looking downfield on a blitz, and was replaced, admirably, by backup Aaron Rodgers, but it was still all Cowboys Thursday in Irving.

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo had a great game, going 19-for-30 for 309 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in besting his childhood hero. Favre, on the other hand, went just 5-for-14 for 56 yards and two interceptions in his worst game this season. The two have often been compared this year, but in this game, at least, it was clear who was past his prime and who was just entering the short list of the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

Terrell Owens had a great day slicing through Green Bay's injury-depleted secondary, catching seven balls for 156 yards and a back-breaking touchdown. Marion Barber III also had a good day, running 17 times for 84 tough yards. Patrick Crayton hauled in two touchdowns on three catches, and tight end Anthony Fasano caught the first touchdown of his career.

The only time the game seemed close was at the very end of the first quarter, when the Cowboys had a third-down stop nullified by a penalty. Packers running back Ryan Grant took the next snap untouched up the middle for 62 yards, helped out by a Keystone play by safety Roy Williams. Romo and the Cowboys took the kickoff and marched down the field in no time at all, however, putting the game once again out of reach with 2 1/2 quarters to go.

The win improves the Cowboys to 11-1 on the season and locked up a playoff spot. Green Bay dropped to 10-2, and will have Favre evaluated for next week's game.

Posted by Todd M.