Music City Mauling
by Rob Phillips
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - So much for a post-bye letdown.
The Cowboys frustrated Vince Young in his first NFL start and dominated the winless Tennessee Titans in almost every phase of the game, winning 45-14 Sunday here at LP Stadium.
The Cowboys (2-1) took a 28-14 lead into the fourth quarter and scored two more touchdowns on a Bradie James interception return and Tyson Thompson's 7-yard run, which was sparked by Pat Watkins' fumble return down inside the 15.
Terry Glenn gave the Cowboys an early 14-3 lead with a pair of graceful 13-yard touchdown catches in the first half. Terrell Owens started opposite Glenn after returning to practice last week from a broken bone in his right hand suffered Sept. 17.
The Cowboys had a chance to extend their lead in the final two minutes of the first half, but Mike Vanderjagt missed a 29-yard field goal attempt after Owens nearly caught a touchdown pass from Drew Bledsoe. Young led Tennessee (0-4) down the field for a 39-yard Rob Bironas field goal as time expired.
The Titans had a chance to capitalize on their halftime momentum, but Cowboys cornerback Aaron Glenn made a diving interception on a pass intended for David Givens. The Cowboys then scored back-to-back touchdowns on runs by Julius Jones and Marion Barber to take a 28-6 lead.
Following Jones' 5-yard touchdown run, Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was ejected after he stomped on center Andre Gurode's face and tossed his own helmet. Gurode, who suffered multiple lacerations around his left eye, left for the locker room to receive several stitches but returned to the sideline late in the third quarter.
Tennessee cut the lead to 28-14 with a Vince Young touchdown pass and two-point conversion, but Vanderjagt redeemed himself with a 43-yard field goal. The Titans then couldn't convert a fourth-and-seven at the Dallas 45, and their fans began heading for the exits with 11:09 remaining.
With Shaun Suisham inactive, Vanderjagt handled both place kicks and kickoffs for the first time this season. Vanderjagt's first two kickoffs landed at the 16- and 11-yard line but were bobbled, resulting in one touchback.
Cowboys first-round pick Bobby Carpenter was inactive for the second time in three games. Tight end Ryan Hannam was active again with Suisham out.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - So much for a post-bye letdown.
The Cowboys frustrated Vince Young in his first NFL start and dominated the winless Tennessee Titans in almost every phase of the game, winning 45-14 Sunday here at LP Stadium.
The Cowboys (2-1) took a 28-14 lead into the fourth quarter and scored two more touchdowns on a Bradie James interception return and Tyson Thompson's 7-yard run, which was sparked by Pat Watkins' fumble return down inside the 15.
Terry Glenn gave the Cowboys an early 14-3 lead with a pair of graceful 13-yard touchdown catches in the first half. Terrell Owens started opposite Glenn after returning to practice last week from a broken bone in his right hand suffered Sept. 17.
The Cowboys had a chance to extend their lead in the final two minutes of the first half, but Mike Vanderjagt missed a 29-yard field goal attempt after Owens nearly caught a touchdown pass from Drew Bledsoe. Young led Tennessee (0-4) down the field for a 39-yard Rob Bironas field goal as time expired.
The Titans had a chance to capitalize on their halftime momentum, but Cowboys cornerback Aaron Glenn made a diving interception on a pass intended for David Givens. The Cowboys then scored back-to-back touchdowns on runs by Julius Jones and Marion Barber to take a 28-6 lead.
Following Jones' 5-yard touchdown run, Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was ejected after he stomped on center Andre Gurode's face and tossed his own helmet. Gurode, who suffered multiple lacerations around his left eye, left for the locker room to receive several stitches but returned to the sideline late in the third quarter.
Tennessee cut the lead to 28-14 with a Vince Young touchdown pass and two-point conversion, but Vanderjagt redeemed himself with a 43-yard field goal. The Titans then couldn't convert a fourth-and-seven at the Dallas 45, and their fans began heading for the exits with 11:09 remaining.
With Shaun Suisham inactive, Vanderjagt handled both place kicks and kickoffs for the first time this season. Vanderjagt's first two kickoffs landed at the 16- and 11-yard line but were bobbled, resulting in one touchback.
Cowboys first-round pick Bobby Carpenter was inactive for the second time in three games. Tight end Ryan Hannam was active again with Suisham out.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:05 PM
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