Same song, fourth verse. In need of a road win to stay in range of their division rivals, the Cowboys once again couldn’t get out of their own way. Dallas outgained Minnesota 314-188 but lost the turnover battle for the fourth time in four losses – Dallas is now a -8 in those losses – and piled up 11 more penalties for 91 yards, several of them negating big plays in addition to the penalty yardage.
The Cowboys led at half, 14-7 on two Roy Williams scores, but Percy Harvin returned the second half kickoff for a touchdown, and Dallas would not lead again. All three Minnesota scoring drives began in Dallas territory, the final one starting at the Dallas 30 and leading to a game winning field goal.
Despite one 65-play drive in the third quarter that ended with Dez Bryant’s first career touchdown catch, Dallas struggled to move the ball in the second half. Behind a curious bevy of swing passes and screen passes to backs, Dallas had three three-and-outs and a three-play drive that ended in an interception.
The Cowboys will host the Giants next Monday night in a last-ditch effort to save their season.