Bledsoe's exhibition debut paces Cowboys to 30-7 win over Saints

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — Drew Bledsoe lobbed two passes into the end zone and saw his receivers make terrific catches on both in his preseason debut for the Dallas Cowboys. Neither play, however, was made by the receiver everyone is waiting to see him throw to — Terrell Owens. Terry Glenn reached around his defender's head and made a one-handed touchdown catch on Bledsoe's first lob, then Sam Hurd fought off his defender for another touchdown, helping the Cowboys beat the New Orleans Saints 30-7 Monday night. Bledsoe went 12-of-16 for 156 yards, leading Dallas to scores on three of four drives, and backup Tony Romo went 6-of-8 for 138 yards and also put up points on three of four drives. His best play was waiting out a blitz then throwing a 48-yard touchdown pass to Miles Austin. Cowboys' defense tough The Cowboys also saw their first-team defense shut out the Saints' starters. New Orleans didn't even get a first down on its first three series. This was the first NFL game in Shreveport since local product Terry Bradshaw brought the Pittsburgh Steelers to play the Boston Patriots in 1970 and this time the returning star was Saints running back Deuce McAllister, who was playing his first game since a knee injury early last season. He gained 8 yards on two carries. Reggie Bush spiced things up with a 9-yard run and an 11-yard gain on a third-and-2 screen, on the final drive of the first half. He finished with 7 yards on four carries and 14 yards on two receptions. Quarterback Drew Brees was 7-of-12 for 67 yards. Backup Todd Bouman was 13-of-16 for 117 yards. Jamal Branch had the lone score for New Orleans, a 1-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Owens back in Dallas Owens was in Dallas, presumably watching, because of a hamstring injury that kept him on the sideline more than the practice field during training camp. Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.