NFL: Dallas Cowboys beat New York Giants in season opener

The Dallas Cowboys upset the reigning Super Bowl champions New York Giants 24-17 in the opening game of the NFL season yesterday.

The Giants had celebrated their Super Bowl success prior to the game – but that was as good as it got, as Dallas became the first team to win the season opener against the reigning champions since the tradition began in 2004.

Tony Romo led the way for the Cowboys as the quarterback threw three touchdown passes for a total of 307 yards.

Kevin Ogletree caught two of those passes for the first touchdowns of his NFL career, with the wide receiver making eight catches for 114 yards.

Miles Austin then sealed the win with six minutes left when he scored a 34-yard touchdown after making a leaping catch to take Romo’s pass.

“This is a hostile environment, a tough place to play,” said Dallas coach Jason Garrett, whose side lost twice in the space of three weeks to the Giants last season to miss out on the play-offs.

“When you play the Super Bowl champs at their place on opening night, it’s a difficult task. We viewed it as a challenge.”

Giants quarterback Eli Manning, the Most Valuable Player during the Super Bowl victory over New England last season, managed to complete just 21-of-32 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown.

Manning had combined with Martellus Bennett late on, while Ahmad Bradshaw carried the ball for 78 yards and a touchdown and Victor Cruz recorded six catches for 58 yards.

“Humble pie is basically what it is,” said Giants coach Tom Coughlin. “Hopefully the competitive nature of our guys, they will come out swinging (next time).

“You’re not going to get excuses from us tonight. They beat us.”