Game story
In Week 13 of the 2009 NFL season on 2009-12-06, the New York Giants took care of business against the Dallas Cowboys, pulling away with a 31–24 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) paced the passing game, with +10.80 total EPA, and +11.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.80 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+24.2% win probability) landed in the third quarter when New York Giants changed the game: (3:52) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short left to 27-B.Jacobs for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Dallas challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #1 at 03:39.)
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| New York Giants | 14 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 31 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Romo · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +10.80 total EPA · 58 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 2 J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +10.30 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 3 M. Austin · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +8.39 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
- 4 S. Smith · New York Giants · Receiving · +5.91 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 5 B. Jacobs · New York Giants · Receiving · +5.67 total EPA · 1 snaps · +5.67 EPA/play
- 6 E. Manning · New York Giants · Passing · +5.56 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 7 R. Williams · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.38 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 8 H. Nicks · New York Giants · Receiving · +2.48 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Romo — DAL · Passing
T. Romo posted the highest total EPA (+10.80) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Dallas Cowboys's efficiency. Across 58 counted snaps, they averaged +0.19 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.67 EPA) came from New York Giants: (3:52) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short left to 27-B.Jacobs for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Dallas challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #1 at 03:39.)
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Dallas Cowboys — R. Williams (T. Romo pass)
- New York Giants — H. Nicks (E. Manning pass)
- New York Giants — B. Jacobs
- Dallas Cowboys — R. Williams (T. Romo pass)
- New York Giants — B. Jacobs (E. Manning pass)
- New York Giants — D. Hixon
- Dallas Cowboys — M. Austin (T. Romo pass)
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — N. Folk
- New York Giants — L. Tynes
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: New York Giants won the period 14–10. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the NYG 16 (Q2 38:57) — (8:57) 6-N.Folk 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the NYG 4 (Q2 33:25) — (3:25) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 11-R.Williams for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the NYG 2 (Q2 33:14) — 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; New York Giants found the end zone from the DAL 21 (Q2 31:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short right to 88-H.Nicks for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q2 31:46) — 9-L.Tynes extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles.; New York Giants found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q2 30:23) — (:23) 27-B.Jacobs up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q2 30:19) — 9-L.Tynes extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the NYG 5 (Q3 19:04) — (4:04) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 11-R.Williams for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the NYG 2 (Q3 18:58) — 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; New York Giants found the end zone from the DAL 74 (Q3 18:52); New York Giants added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q3 18:39) — 9-L.Tynes extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles..
The fourth quarter: New York Giants won the period 10–7. New York Giants connected on a field goal from the DAL 5 (Q4 7:27) — (7:27) 9-L.Tynes 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles.; New York Giants found the end zone from the NYG 80 (Q4 5:58) — (5:58) 1-M.McBriar punts 59 yards to NYG 21, Center-91-L.Ladouceur. 87-D.Hixon for 79 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 5:33) — 9-L.Tynes extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the NYG 22 (Q4 1:05) — (1:05) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 19-M.Austin for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the NYG 7 (Q4 0:58) — 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New York Giants (Q3 18:52) — (3:52) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short left to 27-B.Jacobs for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Dallas challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #1 at 03:39.)
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 12:52) — (12:52) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 11-R.Williams to NYG 27 for 25 yards (25-B.Johnson).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 31:18) — (1:18) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 24-M.Barber to 50 for 6 yards (94-M.Kiwanuka). FUMBLES (94-M.Kiwanuka), RECOVERED by NYG-72-O.Umenyiora at NYG 48. 72-O.Umenyiora to DAL 28 for
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 10:43) — (10:43) 6-N.Folk 42 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
- New York Giants (Q2 37:27) — (7:27) 44-A.Bradshaw right tackle to NYG 26 for -7 yards (90-J.Ratliff). FUMBLES (90-J.Ratliff), RECOVERED by DAL-90-J.Ratliff at NYG 26. 90-J.Ratliff to NYG 26 for no gain (44-A.Bradshaw).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- New York Giants (Q3 18:52) — (3:52) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short left to 27-B.Jacobs for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Dallas challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #1 at 03:39.)
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 5:58) — (5:58) 1-M.McBriar punts 59 yards to NYG 21, Center-91-L.Ladouceur. 87-D.Hixon for 79 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New York Giants (Q2 37:27) — (7:27) 44-A.Bradshaw right tackle to NYG 26 for -7 yards (90-J.Ratliff). FUMBLES (90-J.Ratliff), RECOVERED by DAL-90-J.Ratliff at NYG 26. 90-J.Ratliff to NYG 26 for no gain (44-A.Bradshaw).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 31:18) — (1:18) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 24-M.Barber to 50 for 6 yards (94-M.Kiwanuka). FUMBLES (94-M.Kiwanuka), RECOVERED by NYG-72-O.Umenyiora at NYG 48. 72-O.Umenyiora to DAL 28 for
Quarterback report card
T.Romo led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Romo (Dallas Cowboys) · 58 dropbacks · 70.7% completion · +11.8% CPOE · +0.19 EPA/play · +10.80 total EPA
- E.Manning (New York Giants) · 27 dropbacks · 40.7% completion · -11.7% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +5.56 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | New York Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.013 | +0.050 |
| Offensive success rate | 53.5% | 49.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.186 | +0.206 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.229 | -0.144 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.050 | +0.013 |
| Defensive success rate | 50.7% | 46.5% |
By the numbers
New York Giants held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.05 vs -0.01), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Dallas Cowboys: 13 drives, -1.28 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- New York Giants: 13 drives, +3.37 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- New York Giants leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- T. Romo (DAL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- E. Manning (NYG) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 38:57 · NYG 16 · Score 3-0
(8:57) 6-N.Folk 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 33:25 · NYG 4 · Score 9-0
(3:25) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 11-R.Williams for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 33:14 · NYG 2 · Score 10-0
6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q2 31:54 · DAL 21 · Score 10-6
(1:54) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short right to 88-H.Nicks for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q2 31:46 · DAL 2 · Score 10-7
9-L.Tynes extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q2 30:23 · DAL 1 · Score 10-13
(:23) 27-B.Jacobs up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q2 30:19 · DAL 2 · Score 10-14
9-L.Tynes extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 19:04 · NYG 5 · Score 16-14
(4:04) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 11-R.Williams for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 18:58 · NYG 2 · Score 17-14
6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q3 18:52 · DAL 74 · Score 17-20
(3:52) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short left to 27-B.Jacobs for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Dallas challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q3 18:39 · DAL 2 · Score 17-21
9-L.Tynes extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q4 7:27 · DAL 5 · Score 17-24
(7:27) 9-L.Tynes 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q4 5:58 · NYG 80 · Score 17-30
(5:58) 1-M.McBriar punts 59 yards to NYG 21, Center-91-L.Ladouceur. 87-D.Hixon for 79 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q4 5:33 · DAL 2 · Score 17-31
9-L.Tynes extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-18-J.Feagles. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 1:05 · NYG 22 · Score 23-31
(1:05) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 19-M.Austin for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 0:58 · NYG 7 · Score 24-31
6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants?
The New York Giants beat the Dallas Cowboys 31-24 in Week 13, 2009 on 2009-12-06.
What was the final score of Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants?
The final score was Dallas Cowboys 24, New York Giants 31 (DAL 24-31 NYG) in Week 13, 2009 on 2009-12-06.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants?
Q2: Dallas Cowboys 10, New York Giants 14; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 7, New York Giants 7; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 7, New York Giants 10; Final: Dallas Cowboys 24, New York Giants 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants?
Dallas Cowboys touchdown — R. Williams (T. Romo pass) (Q2 33:25) New York Giants touchdown — H. Nicks (E. Manning pass) (Q2 31:54) New York Giants touchdown — B. Jacobs (Q2 30:23) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — R. Williams (T. Romo pass) (Q3 19:04) New York Giants touchdown — B. Jacobs (E. Manning pass) (Q3 18:52) New York Giants touchdown — D. Hixon (Q4 5:58) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — M. Austin (T. Romo pass) (Q4 1:05) Dallas Cowboys field goal — N. Folk (Q2 38:57, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — L. Tynes (Q4 7:27, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants?
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys), 70.7% completion, +11.8% CPOE, +0.19 EPA per dropback, +10.80 total passing EPA. E. Manning (New York Giants), 40.7% completion, -11.7% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +5.56 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants?
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) led the game in total EPA with +10.80 on passing plays. across 58 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.67 EPA): (3:52) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short left to 27-B.Jacobs for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Dallas challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #1 at 03:. The biggest win-probability swing was +24.2%.
Was Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. New York Giants won 31-24 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 8-3 Now 8-4 L
New York Giants
Entered 6-5 Now 7-5 W
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
