Cowboys rack up penalties in opener

September, 6, 2012
9/06/12
10:45
AM CT
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Dallas Cowboys were penalized 13 times for 86 yards in their season-opening victory against the New York Giants.

PODCAST
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett comments on team's mental toughness, the penalties, overcoming adversity, Tony Romo's leadership and more.

Listen Listen
There were two penalties that you could excuse.

Defensive end Jason Hatcher was flagged for a personal foul for pushing quarterback Eli Manning. It seemed Hatcher pushed Manning just as he threw the ball, but it was a questionable call. Left tackle Tyron Smith was flagged for a horse collar when he grabbed linebacker Michael Boley up high on a 51-yard interception return. It prevented a touchdown and led to the Cowboys holding the Giants to a field goal.

But five false starts, two holding calls -- especially in the fourth quarter -- were bothersome to coach Jason Garrett.

It was probably the only negative to the Cowboys' victory.

"Well probably a combination of things," Garrett said of the penalties. "Certainly the crowd has an impact, a new center has an impact, but we have to clean that up. We do too many good things on offense to have to deal with that throughout the ballgame. The pre-snap penalties. We will continue to give that attention and make sure that gets better going forward."
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his comments on how Jason Garrett should handle being on the hot seat and not let Jerry Jones get in the way.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Barry Church

Cowboys safety Barry Church joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the new defensive scheme and the impact it will have on him, how much more intense he expects practice to be with Monte Kiffin and his expectations.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news, including Jason Garrett downplaying Tony Romo's involvement in offensive planning and play calling.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: John Lynch

John Lynch joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss playing for Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli, why Cowboys fans should be excited about the new defensive staff, why Valley Ranch will no longer resemble a country club and his thoughts on the Cowboys' roster.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news and give his take on what new face will make the biggest impact for Dallas.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he saw at the Cowboys' rookie minicamp and how he helped Rod Marinelli on the defensive side of the ball.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he took away from the Dallas Cowboys' rookie minicamp.

Galloway & Company: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Galloway & Company to discuss the latest news from the Cowboys' rookie minicamp.

DALLAS CALENDAR

  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.