Turnovers doom Cowboys as Giants lead 13-3

It was supposed to be the Giants no-name defense that allowed all the big plays, not that had them. But the under-appreciated unit is the reason the Giants lead the Cowboys 13-3 at the half on Sunday night.

A pair of back-to-back turnovers derailed the Cowboys' effort to close the first half. Tony Romo looked to mount a drive with under two minutes remaining after connecting with Dez Bryant on an 18 yard gainer, but Cole Beasley would lose hold of the following reception into the hands of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who trotted the other way untouched for a 57 yard fumble recovery.

Romo was intercepted on the following snap, his pass for Jason Witten flailing wide and into the clutches of Uani Unga at the Cowboys 30.

The quick change of fortunes in Arlington didn't preclude Eli Manning from being wobbly from under center, though. His 2nd-and-12 pass for Daniel Fells went very wide and a toss for Preston Parker went into the dirt. Josh Brown kicked from 40 yards to give the Giants a ten-point cushion.

After Josh Brown booted a 50 yard field goal for the Giants with 17 minutes left in the first half, one wondered if they would see the ball again.

The days of the Giants having a pass rush seem to be over. Tony Romo went 8-for-10 on the Cowboys' initial possession, a 79 yard, 17 play march to open the game that ended on Dan Bailey's 21 yard field goal after a series of penalities ended what looked to be a destined touchdown drive.

Three times the Giants tried to turn the ball over on their first drive and with three points they eventually came away.

Rashad Jennings appeared to fumble on his first carry of the season before a review overturned the initial call and Odell Beckham's drop was challenged (and lost) as a fumble. Giants tight end Larry Donnell added to the indecision by having what looked to be a fumbled reception overturned by officials as an incomplete pass, despite coming down with his hands around the football.

Eli Manning is 7-of-15 for 56 yards and Daniel Fells leads all Giants receivers with 22 yards on a pair of catches.