On Wednesday September 05, 2012, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants with a super effort. After just one game, the Cowboys look like a championship team.
Quarterback? Check.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo played great. He completed 22 out of 29 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns against the Giants. Romo shook off a bad interception and willed the Cowboys to victory. It was a clutch performance by Romo who outplayed Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
Running Game? Check.
Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is back and healthy. On Wednesday night, Murray powered his way to 131 yards on the ground. This gave the Cowboys balance on offense, something they missed down the stretch last season.
Pass Rush? Check.
The Cowboys pass rush pressured Manning all night and sacked him three times. The Cowboys also held Manning to just 213 yards passing.
Secondary? Check.
The Cowboys' top priority in the offseason was to improve their secondary. It sure looks like they've accomplished that. Top draft pick Morris Claiborne and free agent Brandon Carr lived up to expectations against the Giants. The Cowboys secondary let them down last season, but this season will be a different story.
Intangibles? Check.
Tight end Jason Witten added inspiration Wednesday night by playing through a spleen injury. Witten did everything possible to get cleared to play the game. Although he had just two catches, Witten showed leadership and courage. But the veteran wasn't the only player making a difference. Second-year offensive tackle Tyron Smith ran down Giants linebacker Michael Boley during an interception return. Smith stopped Boley three yards from the end zone, and the Cowboys held the Giants to a field goal.
Road Victory? Check.
The best NFL teams win on the road. The Cowboys didn't just win on the road Wednesday; they beat the defending Super Bowl champions in impressive fashion. The Cowboys also spoiled the Giants' Super Bowl presentation party.
The Cowboys looked super against the Giants. They used a total team effort to win the game. It's just one game, but the Cowboys couldn't have asked for a better start to the NFL season.
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Edwin Torres has been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys since the days of Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach. He roots hard for the Cowboys even though he is sandwiched between New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles fans. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.