:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5492557/20121218_mje_se2_347.0.jpg)
The Saints take a three point lead into the second half of their game against the Dallas Cowboys, thanks to a late first half field goal by kicker Garrett Hartley.
It was complete domination by New Orleans for the entire first quarter in Dallas with 11 first downs, 12:03 in time of possession, 154 total yards and a perfect 4/4 on 3rd down conversions.
And then Garrett Hartley missed a chip shot field goal while the Cowboys remembered Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson sucks, hitting Dez Bryant for two separate 58-yard touchdown strikes in the second quarter.
The second quarter was all Cowboys following the momentum shift. But the Saints were able to score 10 points in the final minute of play, thanks to a gutsy decision to go for it on 4th down close to the red zone.
Mark Ingram and Lance Moore have the two Saints touchdowns.
***
Team Stats
| NO | DAL | ||
| First Downs | 20 | 6 | |
| Total Yards | 317 | 191 | |
| Passing Yards | 261 | 168 | |
| Rushing Yards | 56 | 23 | |
| Penalties (Yds) | 5(37) | 3(24) | |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 | |
| Punts (AVG) | 1(52) | 2(43) | |
| Time of Pos. | 21:48 | 8:12 |
Top Performers
| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 22/30 | 261 | 1 | 0 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Ingram | 12 | 38 | 1 | 9T |
| D. Sproles | 4 | 18 | 0 | 11 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Sproles | 6 | 94 | 0 | 44 |
| M. Colston | 6 | 69 | 0 | 21 |
| P. Thomas | 5 | 54 | 0 | 16 |
| DALLAS COWBOYS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| T. Romo | 9/12 | 176 | 2 | 0 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Murray | 4 | 23 | 0 | 8 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Bryant | 5 | 145 | 2 | 58T |
| J. Witten | 2 | 19 | 0 | 12 |
| M. Austin | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 |