The Cowboys made the first turnover at the Meadowlands, but it didn’t take the Giants long to get in on the act.
Wide recevier Dez Bryant had a Tony Romo pass go through his hands and Giants safety Antrel Rolle picked it off to end a drive in Giants territory. Bryant appeared to hurt his back and was rubbing it and his rear end on the turf before being attended to by medical personnel on the field.
Eli Manning found wide receiver Victor Cruz for a gain to midfield, but Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick ripped the ball loose and Cowboy safety Jeff Heath returned the ball 50 yards for a touchdown. Giants coach Tom Coughlin threw mild tantrum about Cruz’s forward progress having been stopped, his cheeks barely reddened, but the call appeared to be the right one and Coughlin would have thrown the same tantrum if officials ruled Cruz was stopped after breaking free for a touchdown.
Bryant’s status remains to be seen, but he’ll have some extra time on the sideline thanks to the big play by the defense. Bryant’s back has been an issue for a while and the Giants said they plan to be physical with him this afternoon.