The New York Giants have secured their first win in six meetings with the Dallas Cowboys as three second-half interceptions led the team to a 27-20 win over their NFC East rivals at the MetLife Stadium.
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The Cowboys scored the only points in the first quarter, with Dan Bailey kicking a 30-yard field goal, but the Giants added the first touchdown early in the second as running back Orleans Darkwa rounded a couple of defenders for a 15-yard score.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning came under pressure towards the end of the second quarter though, with Greg Hardy sacking him to get the ball back for the visiting side, resulting in Darren McFadden putting them back in front soon after.
Manning tried to make amends for his error with a deep ball intended for Odell Beckham Jr, but the wide receiver could not hold onto the ball in the corner of the endzone, leaving the home side to settle for a Josh Brown field goal.
Matt Cassel attempted to extend the Cowboys' lead further early in the third as he launched the ball towards Terrence Williams, but Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was a step ahead of the receiver, allowing the cornerback to intercept the ball and run is back from 58 yards out for a touchdown.
Cassel was in trouble again soon after as he tried to pick out Williams on the edge of the endzone, failing to spot Brandon Meriweather running in front of the receiver to claim another interception for the Giants.
The home side also looked dangerous on offense in the third quarter as Manning connected with Rueben Randle for a 44-yard gain before Shane Vereen ran for 39 yards, being pushed out of bounds just short of the endzone, but Brown had to come back on for a field goal after they failed to get into the endzone.
Cassel continued to struggle, with Rodgers-Cromartie claiming his second interception of the day, but the quarterback quickly recovered to find Devin Street wide open in the corner of the endzone, tying the game with seven minutes to play.
The Giants instantly restored their lead though, as Dwayne Harris spotted an open route on the kickoff return, sprinting 100 from the opposite endzone for a 100-yard touchdown on the restart.
The Cowboys thought that they were going to get the ball back in a bid to force overtime in the final two minutes, but the punt was fumbled, leaving Myles White to recover it for the home side, bringing Manning back on to take a knee and seal the victory.
The result moves the Giants to the top of the division with a 4-3 record, while the Cowboys, who have already had their bye week, remain fourth with just two wins from their opening six fixtures.
Sian Cowper
