Cowboys capitalize on Giants’ six turnovers

Associated Press

ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Brandon Carr returned an interception 49 yards for a clinching touchdown, and the Dallas Cowboys beat Eli Manning for the first time at their fancy $1.2 billion stadium with six takeaways in a 36-31 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday night.

Tony Romo threw two scoring passes to Jason Witten and Barry Church returned a fumble 27 yards for a score.

Giants running back David Wilson, who also fumbled on New York’s first running play in the game, was stripped early in the second half by Nick Hayden. Church scooped up the ball and ran into the end zone.

Manning threw three touchdown passes to Victor Cruz and had New York in position for a comeback despite the flurry of mistakes.

But with the Giants trailing 30-24, a pass from Manning went off the hand of running back De’Rel Scott into Carr’s arms.

The cornerback beat Manning down the sideline for Dallas’ second defensive touchdown with 1:50 remaining.

The Giants and Manning won in their first four trips to Arlington, including the stadium’s first regular-season game in 2009.

Dallas’ defense forced only 16 turnovers all last season (seven interceptions, nine fumbles).

The Cowboys had three in their first 61/2 minutes playing in new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 scheme.

A play after a possible pass interference call on Dez Bryant didn’t draw a penalty and the Cowboys punted, the ball hit Giants blocker Trumaine McBride and was recovered by rookie DeVonte Holloman at the Giants 16.

That set up Romo’s 4-yard TD throw to Witten, the eight-time Pro Bowler who had only three scores last season, for a 27-10 lead. Romo also threw a 15-yard score to Witten.