2006 Dallas Cowboys season
Owner	Jerry Jones
General manager	Jerry Jones
Head coach	Bill Parcells
Home stadium	Texas Stadium
Results
Record	9–7
Division place	2ndNFC East
Playoffs	LostWild Card Playoffs (atSeahawks) 20–21
All-Pros	Mat McBriar(2nd team) DeMarcus Ware(2nd team)
Pro Bowlers	Flozell Adams T Andre Gurode C Mat McBriar P Tony Romo QB DeMarcus Ware LB Roy Williams S Jason Witten TE
Uniform
← 2005 Cowboys seasons 2007 →

The2006Dallas Cowboys season was the 47th season for the team in theNational Football League (NFL) and the fourth and final underhead coachBill Parcells. The season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in2005. The base offense was changed to a 2-tight end formation. Several high-profile free agents were signed including colorful, yet controversial wide receiverTerrell Owens and kickerMike Vanderjagt. Veteran defensive endGreg Ellis was also converted into a linebacker.

Although veteranDrew Bledsoe was the initial starter at quarterback, fourth-year backupTony Romo replaced Bledsoe at halftime of their Week 7 matchup with theNew York Giants. Romo became the starter in Week 8 due to Bledsoe's rough starts with frequent sacks and interceptions. Romo initially played very well, going 5–1 in his first six NFL starts, including a win over the previously unbeatenIndianapolis Colts, but he finished the season 1–3 with six touchdowns, six interceptions, and two fumbles lost. The Cowboys secured a playoff berth for the first time since2003, but they did not win the division when in the final week they were defeated by a 2 winDetroit Lions team. The Cowboys lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs to theSeattle Seahawks 21–20, a game in which Romo famously botched the hold on a go-ahead field goal inside the final two minutes.

When Romo started theThanksgiving Day game against theTampa Bay Buccaneers, it marked the 7th different Cowboys starting quarterback in seven consecutive Thanksgiving Day games (Troy Aikman,Ryan Leaf,Chad Hutchinson,Quincy Carter, Drew Henson,Drew Bledsoe, and Romo).

Bill Parcells retired after the season ended.

During the 2006 offseason, the team signed several high-profile players, including kickerMike Vanderjagt,^[1] linebackerAkin Ayodele,^[2] offensive linemenJason Fabini andKyle Kosier,^[3] safetyMarcus Coleman,^[4] and highly controversial wide receiverTerrell Owens,^[5] who has developed a reputation for causing conflicts with teammates, coaches, opposing players, and fans. The signing ofTerrell Owens received a lot of media attention, and was arguably the biggest news story during the NFL offseason. Vanderjagt had the highest field goal percentage in NFL history coming into the season and his signing was expected to solve the inconsistency problems in the Cowboys kicking game. However, Vanderjagt missed most of the pre-season with an injury and missed three very short kicks (including an extra point) in the final pre-season game (which ended in a tie).

The Cowboys also lost veteran leadership in the locker room after losing tight endDan Campbell to theDetroit Lions, wide receiverKeyshawn Johnson to theCarolina Panthers,^[6] left guardLarry Allen to theSan Francisco 49ers,^[7] defensive tackleLa'Roi Glover to theSt. Louis Rams,^[8] and linebackerDat Nguyen to a career-ending injury.^[8]

The team didn't receive much help from the2006 NFL draft, but experienced much more success with that year's rookie undrafted free agents:Miles Austin,Stephen Bowen,Sam Hurd andOliver Hoyte.Abram Elam, who was an undrafted free agent with theMiami Dolphins in 2005 and was out of football after being released in training camp that year, also contributed inspecial teams and in some defensive packages.

Before the season, there were high expectations for theDallas Cowboys.Sports Illustrated writerPeter King predicted the Cowboys would winSuper Bowl XLI.^[9]

Notes

• The Cowboys traded their second-round (No. 49 overall) selection to theNew York Jets in exchange for second (No. 53 overall), sixth (No. 189 overall) and seventh-round (No. 211 overall) selections.
• The Cowboys traded their third-round (No. 80 overall) selection to theJacksonville Jaguars for third (No. 92 overall) and fourth-round (No. 125 overall) selections.
• The Cowboys traded their 2005 fifth-round (No. 148 overall) and 2006 fourth-round (No. 116 overall) selections to thePhiladelphia Eagles for 2005 fourth-round (No. 132 overall) and 2006 sixth-round (No. 182 overall) selections.
• The Cowboys traded their fifth (No. 150 overall) and sixth-round (No. 189 overall, from New York Jets) selections to the Jets in exchange for a fifth-round (No. 138 overall) selection.
• The Cowboys traded their sixth-round (No. 186 overall) and 2007 conditional (not exercised) selections to theKansas City Chiefs in exchange forlinebackerScott Fujita.

^[10]

The Cowboys opened the regular season on the road against theJacksonville Jaguars on September 10. The Cowboys built a lead of 10–0 just 10 minutes into the game, but allowed 24 consecutive points in later quarters.QuarterbackDrew Bledsoe threw two interceptions, andplacekickerShaun Suisham missed afield goal off the right upright. The Cowboys scored again during the final minutes of the fourth quarter, when newly signedwide receiverTerrell Owens caught his firsttouchdown in a Dallas uniform, which was also his first regular-season game since October 2005. Dallas attempted and failed anonside kick, but received the ball again when their defense prevented the Jaguars from getting a first down. The Cowboys drive to tie the game ended with a Bledsoe interception. With the loss, the Cowboys started out their season at 0–1.Stats

• Q1 – 8:06 – 23-yard TD run byJulius Jones (7–0 DAL)
• Q1 – 5:35 – 32-yard FG byShaun Suisham (10–0 DAL)
• Q2 – 8:48 – 35-yard FG byJosh Scobee (10–3 DAL)
• Q2 – 0:07 – 6-yard TD pass fromByron Leftwich toReggie Williams (10–10)
• Q4 – 11:27 – 3-yard TD run byByron Leftwich (17–10 JAC)
• Q4 – 3:13 – 5-yard TD run byFred Taylor (24–10 JAC)
• Q4 – 1:54 – 21-yard pass fromDrew Bledsoe toTerrell Owens (24–17 JAC)

Mike Vanderjagt kicked twofield goals, one of which was 50 yards long.Drew Bledsoe threw for a touchdown in the first and the fourth quarters for the first time since 2005. The Cowboys defense allowed no touchdowns, with the only touchdown for the Redskins coming from a kickoff return byRock Cartwright. It was also the first time that the Cowboys had allowed zero second-half points since November 20, 2005 against theDetroit Lions.Stats

In the game,Terrell Owens broke his finger.

With the win, the Cowboys went into their bye week at 1–1.

[1]^{[permanent dead link]}

• Q1 – 7:59 – 26-yard FG run byMike Vanderjagt (3–0 DAL)
• Q1 – 2:33 – 4-yard TD pass fromDrew Bledsoe toPatrick Crayton (10–0 DAL)
• Q2 – 14:20 – 39-yard FG byJohn Hall (10–3 DAL)
• Q2 – 8:38 – 1-yard TD run byMarion Barber (17–3 DAL)
• Q2 – 8:25 – 100-yard kickoff return TD byRock Cartwright (17–10 DAL)
• Q4 – 14:53 – 40-yard TD pass fromDrew Bledsoe toTerry Glenn (24–10 DAL)
• Q4 – 7:43 – 50 FG byMike Vanderjagt (27–10 DAL)

After their Bye Week, the Cowboys traveled toLP Field to face theTennessee Titans. Rookie QuarterbackVince Young made his first NFL start for the Titans. QuarterbackDrew Bledsoe threw two touchdowns in the first half toTerry Glenn. Each of the three Cowboys running backs,Julius Jones,Marion Barber, andTyson Thompson, rushed for a touchdown in the second half.Bradie James returned an interception 15 yards for his first career touchdown.Tony Romo played during the final two drives after Dallas took a 38–14 lead. KickerMike Vanderjagt missed a 26-yard field goal wide right late in the first half, but later kicked a 43-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Despite breaking a finger two weeks earlier, wide receiverTerrell Owens started and caught five passes for 88 yards. Also, rookiePat Watkins returned a lost Titans fumble 53 yards during the fourth quarter as the Cowboys held on for the win to improve their record to 2–1.Stats

During the game, Tennessee Titans defensive tackleAlbert Haynesworth stomped on Dallas Cowboys centerAndre Gurode. Haynesworth was suspended for five games without pay.[2]. Later during the week, Terrell Owens accidentally overdosed on painkillers causing a media circus, but recovered within a day.[3]^{[permanent dead link]}

• Q1 – 7:26 – 33-yard FG byRob Bironas (3–0 TEN)
• Q1 – 0:34 – 13-yard TD pass fromDrew Bledsoe toTerry Glenn (7–3 DAL)
• Q2 – 12:43 – 13-yard TD pass fromDrew Bledsoe toTerry Glenn (14–3 DAL)
• Q2 – 0:00 – 39-yard FG byRob Bironas (14–6 DAL)
• Q3 – 11:53 – 5-yard TD run byJulius Jones (21–6 DAL)
• Q3 – 6:38 – 1-yard TD run byMarion Barber (28–6 DAL)
• Q3 – 3:40 – 17-yard TD pass fromVince Young toBen Troupe, andVince Young run for two-point conversion (28–14 DAL)
• Q4 – 13:04 – 43-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (31–14 DAL)
• Q4 – 8:23 – 15-yard TD interception return byBradie James (38–14 DAL)
• Q4 – 5:43 – 5-yard TD run byTyson Thompson (45–14 DAL)

The game received significant attention due toTerrell Owens' return toPhiladelphia, where he had played for 2 years with considerable controversy. Owens had 3 receptions for 45 yards. The Eagles capitalized on early Dallas turnovers, and the Cowboys fell behind 10–0. The Cowboys rallied to score a touchdown. At halftime, the Cowboys were up 21–17. However, in the second half the Cowboys offense was dominated by the Eagles defense and were held to only 3 points. In the fourth quarter, the defining play took place as the Cowboys, assisted by a pass interference penalty, managed to reach the Eagles six-yard line with less than a minute left. On second and goal,Drew Bledsoe threw an interception in the end zone that was returned 102 yards byLito Sheppard for a touchdown, essentially ending any chance of a Dallas victory as the team fell to 2–2.Stats

• Q1 – 11:37 – 5-yard TD run byBrian Westbrook (7–0 PHI)
• Q1 – 9:59 – 27-yard FG byDavid Akers (10–0 PHI)
• Q1 – 4:11 – 2-yard TD run byMarion Barber (10–7 PHI)
• Q2 – 10:30 – 69-yard TD opponent fumble return byDeMarcus Ware (14–10 DAL)
• Q2 – 9:13 – 1-yard TD run byDonovan McNabb (17–14 PHI)
• Q2 – 3:23 – 7-yard TD run byDrew Bledsoe (21–17 DAL)
• Q3 – 7:28 – 87-yard TD pass fromDonovan McNabb toHank Baskett (24–21 PHI)
• Q4 – 11:14 – 39-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (24–24)
• Q4 – 8:23 – 40-yard TD pass fromDonovan McNabb toReggie Brown (31–24 PHI)
• Q4 – 0:16 – 102-yard TD interception return byLito Sheppard (38–24 PHI)

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Eagles, the Cowboys returned home for a Week 6 battle against their in-state rival, theHouston Texans. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early whenKris Brown kicked a 19-yard field goal for an early Houston 3–0 lead. In the second quarter, the Cowboys tied the game at 3–3 whenMike Vanderjagt kicked a 22-yard field goal. At the end of the first half, Houston regained the lead when Brown kicked a 48-yard field goal. For the rest of the game, the Dallas defense shut out the Houston Texans.Drew Bledsoe andTerrell Owens hooked up on two touchdown passes, andMarion Barber ran a 1-yard touchdown, Vanderjagt kicked another 21-yard field goal, and backup quarterbackTony Romo threw another touchdown pass to Owens. Tony Romo completed his first two NFL passes, including one touchdown.

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 3–2.

Stats

• Q1 – 8:55 – 19-yard FG byKris Brown (3–0 HOU)
• Q2 – 5:58 – 22-yard TD FG byMike Vanderjagt (3–3)
• Q2 – 0:00 – 48-yard FG byKris Brown (6–3 HOU)
• Q3 – 10:13 – 3-yard TD pass fromDrew Bledsoe toTerrell Owens (10–6 DAL)
• Q3 – 3:41 – 21-yard TD pass fromDrew Bledsoe toTerrell Owens (17–6 DAL)
• Q4 – 14:57 – 1 yd run byMarion Barber (24–6 DAL)
• Q4 – 11:28 – 21-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (27–6 DAL)
• Q4 – 2:24 – 2 yd TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens (34–6 DAL)

Hoping to build on their win over theHouston Texans, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Monday Night match-up with their NFC East rival, theNew York Giants. On the Giants opening drive,Eli Manning threw a 50-yard touchdown toPlaxico Burress. Later in the first quarter after Jeff Feagles punted inside the one-yard line,LaVar Arrington sackedDrew Bledsoe in the endzone for asafety. In the second quarter, Giants kickerJay Feely kicked a 31-yard field goal. Dallas would score before halftime as Bledsoe ran 1-yard touchdown on a quarterback sneak. Bledsoe also threw a costly interception just before halftime that would have given the Cowboys a 14–12 lead at the break. Due to Bledsoe's abysmal performance, head coachBill Parcells replaced him with backup quarterbackTony Romo at the start of the second half. Not much had changed for the Giants in the third quarter as Manning threw a 13-yard touchdown pass toJeremy Shockey andBrandon Jacobs got a 3-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, Romo completed an 8-yard TD pass to WRTerrell Owens and subsequently ran into the endzone for a two-point conversion. The Giants pulled away as Feely kicked a 32-yard field goal, while rookie cornerbackKevin Dockery would return an interception 96 yards for a touchdown. Even though Romo threw a 53-yard touchdown toPatrick Crayton, the damage had already been done.

With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 3–3.

Stats

• Q1 – 12:01 – 50-yard TD pass fromEli Manning toPlaxico Burress (7–0 NYG)
• Q1 – 3:59 –Drew Bledsoe tackled in the end zone byLaVar Arrington for a safety (9–0 NYG)
• Q2 – 11:51 – 31-yard FG byJay Feely (12–0 NYG)
• Q2 – 3:51 – 1-yard TD run byDrew Bledsoe (12–7 NYG)
• Q3 – 14:01 – 13-yard TD pass fromEli Manning toJeremy Shockey (19–7 NYG)
• Q3 – 1:26 – 3 yd TD run byBrandon Jacobs (26–7 NYG)
• Q4 – 13:01 – 8 yd TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens–Tony Romo on Suc. 2-Point Conv. (26–15 NYG)
• Q4 – 3:54 – 32 yd FG byJay Feely (29–15 NYG)
• Q4 – 2:33 – 96 yd TD interception return byKevin Dockery (36–15 NYG)
• Q4 – 2:03 – 53 yd TD pass fromTony Romo toPatrick Crayton (36–22 NYG)

Six days after losing at home,Tony Romo made his first NFL regular season start against the Carolina Panthers, and he threw for 270 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. In the first quarter, the Panthers scored 14 points whenDeShaun Foster, and laterSteve Smith ran a touchdown, but those were the last points that Dallas allowed in the game. In the second quarter,Jason Witten caught a touchdown pass andMike Vanderjagt kicked a field goal. In the fourth quarter, Dallas scored a franchise record 25 points on aJulius Jones run, twoMarion Barber runs, anotherMike Vanderjagt field goal, two extra points and a two-point conversion caught byTerrell Owens. Terrell Owens had his first 100+ yard game with 107 receiving yards. Julius Jones ran 92 yards for 616 yards in 7 games to start the season. Steve Smith was held to only 55 receiving yards and former Cowboys receiverKeyshawn Johnson only had one catch for 19 yards. The game marked unusual emotion from Bill Parcells, who was moved by the appearance of his former Giants players (such as Jim Burt) and who embraced many of his players late in the game.

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 4–3.

Stats

• Q1 – 3:35 – 1-yard TD run byDeShaun Foster (0–7 CAR),John Kasay extra point is good
• Q1 – 1:21 – 24-yard TD run bySteve Smith (0–14 CAR),John Kasay extra point is good
• Q2 – 12:12 – 3-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toJason Witten,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (7–14 CAR)
• Q2 – 0:27 – 38-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (10–14 CAR)
• Q4 – 9:52 – 24-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (13–14 CAR)
• Q4 – 9:43 – 14-yard TD run byJulius Jones, pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens on successful 2-Point conversion) (21–14 DAL)
• Q4 – 2:17 – 3-yard TD run byMarion Barber,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (28–14 DAL)
• Q4 – 1:37 – 14-yard TD run byMarion Barber,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (35–14 DAL)

With the emergence of QBTony Romo in their road victory over the Panthers, the Cowboys flew toFedExField for a rematch with theWashington Redskins. In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Redskins MLBLemar Marshall tackled RBJulius Jones in the endzone for a safety and kickerNick Novak kicked a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys started to fight back, as Romo completed a 10-yard TD pass to WRTerry Glenn (with a failed two-point conversion) and kickerMike Vanderjagt kicked a 33-yard field goal. The 'Skins would retaliate as RBClinton Portis ran 38 yards for a touchdown, yet Vanderjagt would allow Dallas to tie at halftime on a 30-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead with Romo completing a 4-yard TD pass to WRTerrell Owens, who would do a "sleeping celebration." afterwards. He would get flagged for excessive celebration. The "sleeping celebration" referenced Owens' admission earlier in the week that he has trouble staying awake during team meetings. In the fourth quarter, Washington fought back with QBMark Brunell completing an 18-yard TD pass to TEChris Cooley. Afterwards, the Redskins would block a 35-yard field goal try by Vanderjagt, which would get picked up bySean Taylor and returned it 30 yards before getting tackled. Even though time ran out, the Redskins would get one chance to win, due to a face mask infraction penalty on GuardKyle Kosier. Washington took advantage, as Novak kicked the game-winning 47-yard field goal to drop Dallas to 4–4.Stats

• Q1 – 6:29 –Julius Jones tackled in the end zone byLemar Marshall for a safety (0–2 WAS)
• Q1 – 1:21 – 28-yard FG run byNick Novak (0–5 WAS)
• Q2 – 12:55 – 10 yd TD pass fromTony Romo toTerry Glenn, pass fromTony Romo toPatrick Crayton on failed 2-point conversion (6–5 DAL)
• Q2 – 5:42 – 33-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (9–5 DAL)
• Q2 – 2:23 – 38-yard TD run byClinton Portis,Nick Novak extra point is good (9–12 WAS)
• Q2 – 0:03 – 30-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (12–12)
• Q3 – 10:17 – 4-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (19–12 DAL)
• Q4 – 14:05 – 18-yard TD pass fromMark Brunell toChris Cooley,Nick Novak extra point is good (19–19)
• Q4 – 0:00 – 47-yard FG byNick Novak (19–22 WAS)

TheCowboys bounced back from a painful loss by beating theCardinals, who came into the game with the league's worst record at 1–7.Tony Romo passed for 308 yards in his best game to date as a starter.Greg Ellis was also lost for the year in this game due to a torn achilles, costing the Cowboys a key contributor and one of only 2 players who could consistently rush the passer.

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 5–4.

Stats

• Q1 – 0:37 – 28-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (3–0 DAL)
• Q2 – 8:33 – 30-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toPatrick Crayton,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (10–0 DAL)
• Q2 – 3:31 – 28-yard FG byNeil Rackers (10–3 DAL)
• Q2 – 0:00 – 38-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (13–3 DAL)
• Q3 – 5:15 – 51-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (20–3 DAL)
• Q4 – 14:17 – 5-yard TD run byMarion Barber,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (27–3 DAL)
• Q4 – 11:53 – 3-yard TD run byMatt Leinart,Neil Rackers extra point is good (27–10 DAL)

In what Cowboys OwnerJerry Jones said was the best win in at least eight to ten years, theCowboys beat the previously undefeatedColts 21–14. The game was nationally televised on CBS, having been moved from 1:00 pm to 4:15 pm (EST) because of the NFL's new "flex scheduling" policy. It was the first game played between the two teams atTexas Stadium in ten years. With the rest of the NFC East losing that weekend, the Cowboys were tied with theNew York Giants for first place in the NFC East, and in a tie for second place in the NFC. The Cowboys chances of winning the division, and possibly a first-round bye in the playoffs were suddenly much brighter, especially with the rivalPhiladelphia Eagles losingDonovan McNabb for the season.

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 6–4.

Stats

• Q2 – 0:10 – 23-yard TD pass fromPeyton Manning toReggie Wayne,Adam Vinatieri extra point is good (7–0 IND)
• Q3 – 14:09 – 39-yard TD interception return byKevin Burnett,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (7–7)
• Q3 – 5:09 – 4-yard TD pass fromPeyton Manning toDallas Clark,Adam Vinatieri extra point is good (14–7 IND)
• Q4 – 11:36 – 5-yard TD run byMarion Barber,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (14–14)
• Q4 – 6:00 – 1-yard TD run byMarion Barber,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (21–14 DAL)

TheCowboys slugged theTampa Bay Buccaneers 38–10 in theannual Thanksgiving Day game.Tony Romo had his best game so far throwing for 306 yards and a near-perfect 148.9 passer rating, and he tied a team record with five touchdown passes in one game. No Cowboys quarterback had done that sinceTroy Aikman in the 1999 season opener (including overtime), and sinceDanny White in 1983 in regulation. Romo's five touchdown passes were the most ever for a Thanksgiving Day game.Stats

On 27 November 2006, the Cowboys cut kickerMike Vanderjagt and signed veteranMartin Gramatica in his place. Vanderjagt had made only 13 of 18 field goals in the season, well below his career average.

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 7–4.

• Q1 – 9:18 – 1-yard TD run byMike Alstott,Matt Bryant extra point is good (7–0 TB)
• Q1 – 1:09 – 20-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerry Glenn,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (7–7)
• Q2 – 11:33 – 2-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerry Glenn,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (14–7 DAL)
• Q2 – 6:38 – 46-yard FG byMatt Bryant (14–10 DAL)
• Q2 – 0:30 – 1-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toMarion Barber,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (21–10 DAL)
• Q3 – 9:55 – 2-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toMarion Barber,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (28–10 DAL)
• Q3 – 6:30 – 7-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens,Mike Vanderjagt extra point is good (35–10 DAL)
• Q4 – 10:00 – 22-yard FG byMike Vanderjagt (38–10 DAL)

The Cowboys extended their winning streak to four straight wins in a close game when newly signedplace kickerMartin Gramatica kicked a 46-yard field goal with one second remaining. TheGiants lost their fourth straight game and the Cowboys secured a two-game lead over the Giants.

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

Stats

This game was moved from the originally scheduled time at 1:00 pm to 4:15 pm (EST) because of the NFL's new "flex scheduling" policy.

• Q1 – 4:39 – 17-yard TD pass fromEli Manning toJeremy Shockey (7–0 NYG)
• Q1 – 1:28 – 1-yard TD run byMarion Barber,Martin Gramatica extra point is good (7–7)
• Q2 – 0:01 – 41-yard FG byMartin Gramatica (10–7 DAL)
• Q3 – 4:32 – 23-yard FG byJay Feely (10–10)
• Q3 – 0:05 – 35-yard FG byMartin Gramatica (13–10 DAL)
• Q4 – 9:44 – 22-yard FG byJay Feely (13–13)
• Q4 – 3:33 – 7-yard TD run byMarion Barber,Martin Gramatica extra point is good (20–13 DAL)
• Q4 – 1:06 – 5-yard TD pass fromEli Manning toPlaxico Burress (20–20)
• Q4 – 0:01 – 46-yard FG byMartin Gramatica (23–20 DAL)

On November 27, the NFL announced that the game was moved to 8:15 pm. EST (7:15 pm. CST) to be nationally televised on NBC Sunday Night Football.

New Orleans Head Coach and former Dallas Offensive Coordinator, as well as Passing Coordinator,Sean Payton thoroughly dissected the Cowboys defense by showcasing the talents ofDrew Brees,Reggie Bush, andDeuce McAllister. Perhaps more surprising was the performance ofMike Karney. Previously an unknown fullback who had never had a touchdown in his 43 NFL games, Karney scored a hat trick (three touchdowns). Brees topped 4,000 season passing yards for the first time in his career, having 26 completions for 38 attempts and 384 yards and five touchdowns. Deuce McCallister and Reggie Bush both proved their worth with 135 and 162 all-purpose yards, respectively. Payton was even feeling so confident as to attempt an onside kick early in the third quarter, further demoralizing the Cowboys and increasing momentum for the Saints when they recovered it. With 3 minutes left in the game and the ball deep in Cowboys territory, Payton's Saints went to kneeling, either to let Parcells keep some of his pride intact, or to make a statement.

The Cowboys had one of the worst games of their season. Payton's defense never gave them a chance to get into a rhythm, andTony Romo threw for 16 completions of 33 attempts for 249 yards for a single touchdown and a pair of interceptions. The Cowboys started out promising, stopping the Saints' offense andJulius Jones responding with a career record 77-yard touchdown run. Though after that play, nothing seemed to go right. Gramatica missed another crucial field goal, soaring wide right, and the only other touchdown came from a fourth-down pass toTerrell Owens that could have been an interception had cornerbackFred Thomas not had a cast on his hand.

New Orleans defeated Dallas 42–17, snapping Dallas' four-game winning streak and dropping them to 8–5 while improving their own record to 9–4.

Stats

• Q1 – 12:06 – 77-yard TD run byJulius Jones (0–7 DAL) (Martin Gramatica kick)
• Q2 – 14:53 – 2-yard TD run byMike Karney (7–7), (John Carney kick)
• Q2 – 10:19 – 3-yard TD pass fromDrew Brees toMike Karney (14–7 NO) (John Carney kick)
• Q2 – 0:44 – 27-yard TD pass fromDrew Brees toJamal Jones (21–7 NO) (John Carney kick)
• Q3 – 11:26 – 24-yard FG byMartin Gramatica (21–10, NO)
• Q3 – 9:59 – 61-yard TD pass fromDrew Brees toReggie Bush (28–10 NO) (John Carney kick)
• Q3 – 7:46 – 34-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens (28–17 NO) (Martin Gramatica kick)
• Q3 – 5:16 – 6-yard TD pass fromDrew Brees toMike Karney (35–17 NO) (John Carney kick)
• Q3 – 3:47 – 42-yard TD pass fromDrew Brees toDevery Henderson (42–17 NO) (John Carney kick)

Hoping to rebound from their Sunday night home loss to the Saints, the Cowboys flew to theGeorgia Dome for a Saturday night fight with theAtlanta Falcons. In the first quarter, Dallas took an early lead with QBTony Romo completed a 7-yard TD pass to WRTerrell Owens for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Cowboys increased its lead as on the very first play, OLBDeMarcus Ware returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown. However, the Falcons started to fight back with QBMichael Vick completing a 1-yard TD pass to FBJustin Griffith and a 9-yard TD pass to WRMichael Jenkins. Fortunately, the 'Boys struck back with Romo and Owens hooking up with each other again with a 51-yard TD pass. Yet again, Atlanta fought back with Vick completing an 8-yard TD pass to WRAshley Lelie. In the third quarter, Dallas temporarily fell behind with Vick completing 5-yard TD pass to Griffith. Afterwards, the Cowboys regained control with kickerMartin Gramatica's 48-yard field goal and RBMarion Barber 9-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Barber helped the Cowboys wrap the game up with a 3-yard TD run. With the win, the 'Boys improved to 9–5 and put themselves in position to clinch a playoff berth following the day.

Stats

• Q1 – 7-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens (7–0 DAL) (Martin Gramatica kick)
• Q2 – 14:50 – 41-yard TD interception return byDeMarcus Ware (14–0 DAL) (Martin Gramatica kick)
• Q2 – 11:11 – 1-yard TD pass fromMichael Vick toJustin Griffith (14–7 DAL) (Morten Andersen kick)
• Q2 – 6:30 – 9-yard TD pass fromMichael Vick toMichael Jenkins (14–14) (Morten Andersen kick)
• Q2 – 3:08 – 51-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens (21–14 DAL) (Martin Gramatica kick)
• Q2 – 0:11 – 8-yard TD pass fromMichael Vick toAshley Lelie (21–21) (Morten Andersen kick)
• Q3 – 11:09 – 5-yard TD pass fromMichael Vick toJustin Griffith (28–21 ATL) (Morten Andersen kick)
• Q3 – 7:17 – 48-yard FG byMartin Gramatica (28–24 ATL)
• Q3 – 2:32 – 9-yard TD run byMarion Barber (31–28 DAL) (Martin Gramatica kick)
• Q4 – 2:18 – 3-yard TD run byMarion Barber (38–28 DAL) (Martin Gramatica kick)

Following a Saturday victory over the Falcons, the Cowboys returned home, donned their 1960s throwbacks again, and prepared for an NFC East rematch on Christmas Day with thePhiladelphia Eagles. The Cowboys had a chance to clinch theNFC East for the first time since1998 with a victory. In the first quarter, the 'Boys trailed early with QBJeff Garcia completing a 25-yard TD pass to TEMatt Schobel for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Philadelphia's lead increased with kickerDavid Akers nailing a 25-yard field goal. Dallas would get its only score of the game with QBTony Romo completing a 14-yard TD pass to WRTerrell Owens. Afterwards, the Eagles wrapped up the half with Akers kicking a 45-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Philly's lead increased with Akers' 21-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas fell with RBCorrell Buckhalter's 1-yard TD run. While the Eagles clinched a playoff berth, the loss for Dallas would have significant ramifications entering week 17 as not only did they fail to clinch the NFC East, they were officially out of contention for a first-round bye and no longer controlled their destiny in winning the NFC East as they slipped behind Philadelphia in the standings.

Stats

• Q1 – 4:00 – 25-yard TD fromJeff Garcia toMatt Schobel (7–0 PHI) (David Akers kick)
• Q2 – 5:16 – 25-yard FG byDavid Akers (10–0 PHI)
• Q2 – 0:36 – 14-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens (10–7 PHI) (Martin Gramatica kick)
• Q2 – 0:00 – 45-yard FG byDavid Akers (13–7 PHI)
• Q3 – 12:14 – 21-yard FG byDavid Akers (16–7 PHI)
• Q4 – 6:54 – 1-yard TD run byCorrell Buckhalter (23–7 PHI) (David Akers kick)

Following their loss to the Eagles, the Cowboys wrapped up the regular season at home against the 2–13Detroit Lions. In the first quarter, Dallas shockingly trailed early as Lions kickerJason Hanson nailed a 33-yard and a 25-yard field goal, while QBJon Kitna completed a 20-yard TD pass to WRRoy Williams. In the second quarter, the Cowboys took the lead with RBMarion Barber getting a 1-yard TD run, while QBTony Romo completed a 6-yard TD pass to WRPatrick Crayton. However, Detroit regained its lead with Kitna and Williams hooking up with each other again on a 15-yard TD pass. In the third quarter, the back-and-forth battle began with Dallas CBTerence Newman returning a punt 56 yards for a touchdown. However, the Lions regained the lead with Hanson kicking a 26-yard field goal, while Kitna completed a 13-yard TD pass to WRMike Furrey. Afterwards, Cowboys kickerMartin Gramatica helped Dallas with a 39-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys took the lead with Romo completing a 56-yard TD pass to WRTerrell Owens. However, Detroit regained the lead with Kitna completing a 21-yard TD pass to WRMike Williams and Hanson kicking a 23-yard field goal. Late in the game, Dallas had one last chance to take back the lead, but on 4th & Goal, Romo's run towards the endzone was stopped one yard short. With the shocking loss, the Cowboys ended the regular season at 9–7 and with the NFC's #5 seed.

Stats

• Q1 – 11:08 – 33-yard FG byJason Hanson (3–0 DET)
• Q1 – 5:13 – 25-yard FG byJason Hanson (6–0 DET)
• Q1 – 2:37 – 20-yard TD pass fromJon Kitna toRoy Williams,Jason Hanson extra point is good (13–0 DET)
• Q2 – 11:38 – 1-yard TD run byMarion Barber,Martin Gramatica extra point is good (13–7 DET)
• Q2 – 2:48 – 6-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toPatrick Crayton,Martin Gramatica extra point is good (14–13 DAL)
• Q2 – 0:02 – 15-yard TD pass fromJon Kitna toRoy Williams,Jason Hanson extra point is good (20–14 DET)
• Q3 – 12:16 – 56-yard TD punt return byTerence Newman,Martin Gramatica extra point is good (21–20 DAL)
• Q3 – 6:06 – 26-yard FG byJason Hanson (23–21 DET)
• Q3 – 4:16 – 13-yard TD pass fromJon Kitna toMike Furrey,Jason Hanson extra point is good (30–21 DET)
• Q3 – 0:04 – 39-yard FG byMartin Gramatica (30–24 DET)
• Q4 – 8:09 – 56-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toTerrell Owens,Martin Gramatica extra point is good (31–30 DAL)
• Q4 – 4:24 – 21-yard TD pass fromJon Kitna toMike Williams, failed 2 pt. conversion fromJon Kitna toMike Williams (36–31 DET)
• Q4 – 2:58 – 23-yard FG byJason Hanson (39–31 DET)

The Cowboys secured a playoff berth after theNew York Jets andPittsburgh Steelers each got a victory. Their season ended after a 21–20 loss.

Entering the NFC playoffs as the fifth-seed, the Cowboys began their playoff run atQwest Field against the fourth-seededSeattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, both teams started off even as Seahawks kickerJosh Brown nailed a 23-yard field goal, whileMartín Gramática helped Dallas with a 50-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Seattle retook the lead with Brown kicking a 30-yard field goal. Dallas got the lead before halftime as QBTony Romo completed a 13-yard TD pass to WRPatrick Crayton. In the third quarter, the Seahawks retook the lead as QBMatt Hasselbeck completed a 15-yard TD pass to TEJerramy Stevens. Following Seattle's TD drive, the Cowboys retook the lead with rookie WRMiles Austin returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Dallas increased its lead with Gramatica kicking a 29-yard field goal. However, the Seahawks came back to retake the lead with a safety coming off aTerry Glenn fumble from Seattle CBKelly Jennings, along with Hasselbeck completing a 37-yard TD pass to Stevens (followed up with a failed 2-point conversion). Dallas managed to put themselves in a position to retake the lead, but on the 19-yard field goal try Romo botched the hold. He picked up the loose ball and attempted to run with it, but was tackled at Seattle's two-yard line byJordan Babineaux thus turning the ball over on downs. On the ensuing possession, Hasselbeck then handed the ball off four times before the Seahawks were forced to punt. With only 2 seconds left, Romo threw aHail Mary pass to the Seattle end zone that fell incomplete, ending the Cowboys' season and leaving the franchise still without a playoff win since 1996.Stats

With the loss, Dallas ended its season with three-straight losses and an overall record of 9–8.

• Q1 – 11:13 – 23-yard FG byJosh Brown (3–0 SEA)
• Q1 – 4:50 – 50-yard FG byMartín Gramática (3–3)
• Q2 – 5:14 – 30-yard FG byJosh Brown (6–3 SEA)
• Q2 – 0:11 – 13-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toPatrick Crayton,Martín Gramática extra point is good (10–6 DAL)
• Q3 – 6:08 – 15-yard TD pass fromMatt Hasselbeck toJerramy Stevens,Josh Brown extra point is good (13–10 SEA)
• Q3 – 5:57 – 93-yard TD kickoff return byMiles Austin,Martín Gramática extra point is good (17–13 DAL)
• Q4 – 10:15 – 29-yard FG byMartin Gramatica (20–13 DAL)
• Q4 – 6:32 – Safety (20–15 DAL)
• Q4 – 4:24 – 37-yard TD pass fromMatt Hasselbeck toJerramy Stevens, failed 2 pt. conversion fromMatt Hasselbeck toDeion Branch (21–20 SEA)

• The Cowboys had nine starting quarterbacks in the six seasons afterTroy Aikman retired in 2000. They wereQuincy Carter (started 32 games),Vinny Testaverde (started 15),Ryan Leaf (3),Anthony Wright (3),Clint Stoerner (2 games),Chad Hutchinson (9),Drew Henson (1 game),Drew Bledsoe (22), and thenTony Romo.
• The Cowboys had not had a 1,000-yard rusher sinceEmmitt Smith had 1,021 yards in 2001.Herschel Walker was the last running back before Smith to rush for over 1,000 yards, in1988.Julius Jones snapped that streak of futility for Dallas by posting 1,084 yards in 2006. In the previous season, Jones fell just short of the mark (993).
• DeMarcus Ware had 11.5 sacks in 2006, the most in team history by a linebacker. He broke that record in2007 with 14 sacks, and then he broke it again in2008 with a league-leading 20.

• The Football EncyclopediaISBN 0-312-11435-4
• Total FootballISBN 0-06-270170-3
• Cowboys Have Always Been My HeroesISBN 0-446-51950-2

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