Cowboys cut down Giants in opener

NEW YORK - Reuters

The Giants’ Eli Manning (C) is sacked by the Cowboys’ Jason Hatcher (R) during the second half of a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.

The Dallas Cowboys spoiled an opening night celebration of the New York Giants’ Super Bowl victory by beating the home team 24-17 on Sept. 5 to launch the 2012 National Football League season.

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo completed 22-of-29 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns. Unheralded Kevin Ogletree, who had no touchdown receptions in his three seasons in the league, caught eight passes for 114 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while DeMarco Murray rushed for 129 yards on 19 carries.

“This is a hostile environment, a tough place to play,” said Dallas coach Jason Garrett. “When you play the Super Bowl champs at their place on opening night, it’s a difficult task. We viewed it as a challenge.”

The opening night program began with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ushering in the new season and saluting the Giants to the roars of more than 80,000 fans, but before long it was the Cowboys who were dominating on the ground and in the air.

“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.”

Giants quarterback Eli Manning, the MVP of New York’s Super Bowl win over New England last season, faced heavy pressure from the Dallas rush and was sacked three times. He completed 21-of-32 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown.