2010 Dallas Cowboys season

The 2010 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League, 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 Dallas Cowboys season
Head coachWade Phillips (fired mid-season)
Jason Garrett (interim)
General managerJerry Jones
OwnerJerry Jones
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

2010 draft class
2010 Dallas Cowboys Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollege
124 Dez BryantWROklahoma State
255 Sean LeeILBPenn State
4119 Akwasi Owusu-AnsahFSIndiana (PA)
6179 Sam YoungOTNotre Dame
6196 Jamar WallCBTexas Tech
7234 Sean LissemoreDEWilliam & Mary

Notes

  • The Cowboys traded their original first and third-round selections for the New England Patriots first and fourth-round selections.
  • The Cowboys traded their original second and fourth-round selection to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a second-round selection.
  • The Cowboys traded their fourth-round (acquired from New England) selection to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for fourth and sixth-round selections.
  • The Cowboys traded their original fifth-round selection to the Denver Broncos in exchange for guard Montrae Holland.[2]

Staff
Dallas Cowboys 2010 staff
Front Office
  • Owner/President/General Manager – Jerry Jones
  • COO/Executive Vice President/Director of Player Personnel – Stephen Jones
  • Director of College Scouting – Tom Ciskowski
  • Director of Pro Scouting – Judd Garrett
  • Director of Player Administration – Todd Williams

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

Special Teams Coaches

Strength and Conditioning

  • Strength and Conditioning – Joe Juraszek
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Todd Devers
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Tony Ollison

Rosters

Opening training camp roster
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
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
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 PS

Free agents

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

PositionPlayerFree agency
tag		Date signed2010 team
OTFlozell AdamsReleasedJuly 29, 2010Pittsburgh Steelers
WRMiles AustinRFAJune 11, 2010Dallas Cowboys
CB/FSAlan BallERFAApril 27, 2010Dallas Cowboys
DEStephen BowenRFAApril 9, 2010Dallas Cowboys
CBCletis GordonRFAMarch 4, 2010Dallas Cowboys
FSKen HamlinReleasedJune 17, 2010Baltimore Ravens
DEJason HatcherRFAApril 8, 2010Dallas Cowboys
GMontrae HollandUFAApril 27, 2010Dallas Cowboys
WRSam HurdRFAApril 16, 2010Dallas Cowboys
OTPat McQuistanRFAApril 7, 2010Dallas Cowboys
OLBSteve OctavienERFAApril 6, 2010Dallas Cowboys
C/GCory ProcterRFAMarch 26, 2010Dallas Cowboys
SSGerald SensabaughRFAMay 27, 2010Dallas Cowboys
NTJunior SiaviiRFAApril 8, 2010Dallas Cowboys
DEMarcus SpearsRFAApril 6, 2010Dallas Cowboys
KShaun SuishamRFANovember 16, 2010Pittsburgh Steelers
SSPat WatkinsRFAApril 15, 2010Dallas Cowboys

Schedule

Preseason

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 Game site NFL.com
recap
HOF August 8Cincinnati BengalsW 16–71–0Fawcett Stadium (Canton, Ohio)Recap
1 August 12Oakland RaidersL 9–171–1Cowboys StadiumRecap
2 August 21at San Diego ChargersW 16–142–1Qualcomm StadiumRecap
3 August 28at Houston TexansL 7–232–2Reliant StadiumRecap
4 September 2Miami DolphinsW 27–253–2Cowboys StadiumRecap

Regular season
Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
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
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 8–4 404 347 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
# 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[lower-alpha 1] Philadelphia Eagles East 10 6 0 .625 4–2 7–5 .492 .506 L2
4[lower-alpha 2] 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[lower-alpha 3] Green Bay Packers North 10 6 0 .625 4–2 8–4 .520 .475 W2
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7[lower-alpha 1][lower-alpha 3] New York Giants East 10 6 0 .625 3–3 8–4 .453 .400 W1
8[lower-alpha 3] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 10 6 0 .625 3–3 8–4 .477 .344 W2
9[lower-alpha 2] St. Louis Rams West 7 9 0 .438 3–3 5–7 .449 .348 L1
10[lower-alpha 4][lower-alpha 5] Detroit Lions North 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .543 .479 W4
11[lower-alpha 4][lower-alpha 5] Minnesota Vikings North 6 10 0 .375 1–5 5–7 .539 .385 L1
12[lower-alpha 4][lower-alpha 6] San Francisco 49ers West 6 10 0 .375 4–2 4–8 .488 .375 W1
13[lower-alpha 4][lower-alpha 7][lower-alpha 6] Dallas Cowboys East 6 10 0 .375 3–3 4–8 .512 .500 W1
14[lower-alpha 4][lower-alpha 7][lower-alpha 6] 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[lower-alpha 8]
  1. Philadelphia clinched the NFC East title based on a head-to-head sweep over the New York Giants.
  2. Seattle clinched the NFC West title instead of St. Louis based on division record (4–2 to St. Louis' 3–3).
  3. Green Bay clinched the NFC No. 6 seed based on better strength of victory (.475) than the New York Giants (.400) and Tampa Bay (.344).
  4. Detroit and Minnesota finished ahead of San Francisco, Dallas and Washington based on conference record (5–7 to 4–8).
  5. Detroit finished ahead of Minnesota in the NFC North based on division record (2–4 to Minnesota's 1–5).
  6. San Francisco finished ahead of Dallas and Washington based on record versus common opponents.
  7. 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
Pro Football Hall of Fame Game – vs Cincinnati Bengals
1 2 34Total
Cowboys 3 3 3716
Bengals 0 0 077

at Fawcett Stadium, Canton, Ohio

Preseason Week 1 – vs Oakland Raiders
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
Preseason Week 2 – at San Diego Chargers
1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 7 0916
Chargers 0 7 0714

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: August 21
  • Game weather: 76°F (24.4°C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 64,372
  • Recap
Preseason Week 3 – at Houston Texans
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
Preseason Week 4 – vs Miami Dolphins
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

Regular season results

Week 1: at Washington Redskins
Week 1: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – Game summary
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
Week 2: Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
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 WR Dez Bryant returning a punt 62 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Bears got the lead back when QB Jay Cutler made a 39-yard TD pass to TE Greg Olsen. In the 2nd quarter the Cowboys replied again when QB Tony Romo made a 1-yard touchdown pass to RB Chris Gronkowski, but fell behind with Cutler making a 9-yard TD pass to WR 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 TD pass to RB 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
Week 3: Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans – Game summary
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 RB Marion Barber getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by kicker David Buehler's 49-yard field goal. The Cowboys increased their lead in the third quarter when QB Tony Romo completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR 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 TD pass. Then David Buehler made a 40-yard field goal. The Texans would finally score when QB Matt Schaub made a 7-yard TD pass to WR 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
Week 5: Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 10 7 31434
Cowboys 3 7 71027

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

Coming off their Lone Star 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
Week 6: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
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
Week 7: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
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, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo was 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.

Tony Romo (5/7 for 39 yards, TD) left the game in the second quarter with a broken left clavicle.

Week 8: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 8: Jacksonville Jaguars at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
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 QB David Garrard getting a 10-yard TD pass to WR Mike Sims-Walker. In the second quarter, the Cowboys struggled further with Garrard finding TE Marcedes Lewis on a 42-yard TD pass, then in the third quarter he found WR Mike Thomas on a 15-yard TD pass, and then he found Lewis again on a 9-yard TD pass. The Cowboys responded in the 4th quarter with RB Marion Barber getting a 1-yard TD run. But the Jaguars scored again with Garrard scrambling 2 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Cowboys replied with QB Jon Kitna making an 8-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten.

With the loss, Dallas fell to 1–6.

Week 9: at Green Bay Packers
Week 9: Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
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 QB Aaron Rodgers got a 9-yard TD pass to RB Brandon Jackson. This was followed by Jackson making a 2-yard TD run, and with Rodgers completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings. The Cowboys struggled further after FS Nick Collins recovered a fumble and ran 26 yards for a touchdown. The Cowboys would make their only score of the game with QB Jon Kitna making a 2-yard TD pass to WR Dez Bryant. They fell further behind after Rodgers found WR Jones on a 10-yard TD pass, and with Crosby hitting a 26-yard field goal. The Cowboys had more problems when Kitna's pass was intercepted by OLB 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
Week 10: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants – Game summary
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 failed PAT). 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
Week 11: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
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 QB Jon Kitna making a 1-yard TD pass to WR Dez Bryant. The Lions replied with kicker Dave Rayner nailing a 47-yard field goal. The Cowboys trailed with QB Shaun Hill making a 9-yard TD pass to WR 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 DB Bryan McCann returning a punt 97 yards for a touchdown, which was followed by Kitna making a 3-yard TD pass to WR Miles Austin. The lead was narrowed with Hill completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson. The Cowboys increased their lead with Kitna finding Austin again on a 4-yard TD pass, followed by Kitna's 29-yard scramble to the endzone for a touchdown, which was his longest run of his career.

Cowboys interim coach Jason Garrett won his home debut and improved to 2–0 since taking over for Wade Phillips. It's the first time this season Dallas (3–7) has won consecutive games and the first time all season it 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

Thanksgiving Day game

Week 12: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
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 RB Chris Ivory getting a 3-yard TD run, followed by kicker Garrett Hartley getting a 50-yard field goal, and then by Ivory making a 6-yard TD 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 TD 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 TD run. They failed to maintain this lead when QB Drew Brees completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore.

With the loss, Dallas fell to 3–8.

Week 13: at Indianapolis Colts
Week 13: Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
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 Champions the Cowboys played against the Super-bowl runners-up at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Cowboys commanded the first quarter when Tashard Choice got a 20-yard TD run, followed by kicker David Buehler nailing a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead as CB Orlando Scandrick returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown. The lead was narrowed when QB Peyton Manning made a 13-yard TD pass to WR Pierre Garçon, followed in the third quarter by Manning getting a 34-yard TD pass to WR 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 TD 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 QB Jon Kitna completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten (With a successful 2-point conversion as Kitna passed to WR Roy E. Williams), but the game was tied when James got a 2-yard TD run. At overtime, Manning threw his fourth interception, (which totalled 11 interceptions in three consecutive games.[6]) to LB 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
Week 14: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
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 fell to 4–9, and were officially eliminated from postseason contention, assuring them not playing the Super Bowl on their own home turf (something that still has yet to happen in Super Bowl history). The loss also secured the Cowboys' first losing season since 2004.

Week 15: vs. Washington Redskins
Week 15: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
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 QB Jon Kitna throwing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Miles Austin; then Buehler made a 20-yard field goal to put Dallas up 13–0. The lead was narrowed when QB Rex Grossman completed a 19-yard TD pass to RB Ryan Torain, but the Cowboys increased their lead with Kitna making a 14-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten, followed by RB Tashard Choice getting a 3-yard TD run. The Redskins replied with Grossman getting a 10-yard TD pass to WR 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 and Cooley on a 5-yard TD 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
Week 16: Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
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
Week 17: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
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 QB Kevin Kolb threw a 4-yard TD pass to WR Chad Hall, but they tied the game after OLB 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 QB Stephen McGee completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten (With the PAT good to take the lead and the win).

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

gollark: Lua has tail calls so it's actually perfect and without flaw.
gollark: But that makes this very mysterious.
gollark: I think it would make more sense as an attribute™ or something.
gollark: Broadly speaking, yes.
gollark: Oh hypermemetic ultrabees.

References
  1. Leahy, Sean (November 8, 2010). "NFL Network: Cowboys fire Wade Phillips as head coach, promote Jason Garrett". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  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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