Saints vs. Cowboys: Reliving The Epic 2006 Victory, And Team Rankings After Week 1

Have a trip down memory lane reliving the 2006 beatdown the Saints put on the Cowboys, and how the teams rank after Week 1.

Dec 10, 2006; Irving, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints running back (25) Reggie Bush and wide receiver (18) Terrance Copper celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tim Heitman-Imagn Images (c) copyright 2006 Tim Heitman / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

The last time the New Orleans Saints defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas was on Dec. 23, 2012. The Saints won that game 34-31 overtime at the previously known Cowboys Stadium, now AT&T Stadium. Since that 2012 victory, Dallas has won the last two home games against the Saints:

• 2014: Dallas won 38-17

• 2018: Dallas won 13-10

At one point, New Orleans had a streak of four consecutive road wins against the Cowboys between 2004 and 2012. One of the series' best and most entertaining games was in 2006. The Saints' rookie head coach, Sean Payton, faced his mentor, Bill Parcells. Cowboys Stadium was filled with black and gold from the Who Dat Nation as the Saints routed the Cowboys, 42-17, in a Sunday Night Football conquest on Dec. 10, 2006.

My seats were on the second level of the endzone, where Reggie Bush took a Drew Brees screen pass to the house for a 61-yard touchdown. Six touchdowns in two quarters stunned the Cowboys fans.

When John Madden realized that Reggie Bush was about to break loose he gives it a WOOOPS! LOL. From the December 10, 2006 #Saints vs Cowboys game. #RIPJohnMadden pic.twitter.com/61JRlYS7ei

— New Orleans Saints History (@SaintsHistory) December 30, 2021

Deuce McAllister rushed 21 times for 111 yards. Reggie Bush has 6 receptions for 125 yards, and a touchdown. Fullback Mike Karney had a pair of receiving touchdowns. Brees outdueled Tony Romo by completing 26/34 passes for 384 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

It was a beautiful game!

Dec 10, 2006; Irving, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints running back (25) Reggie Bush rushes during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tim Heitman-Imagn Images (c) copyright 2006 Tim Heitman / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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FYI: On The Saints In Dallas

1. New Orleans lost their first nine games played in Dallas between 1967 and 1991.

2. The Saints didn't get their first road win in Dallas until 2004.

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The Saints @ Cowboys Statistical Matchup - 2024

Points For:

• NO: 47 (#2 rank)

• Dal: 33 (#5 rank)

Points Allowed:

• NO: 10 (#2 rank)

• Dal: 17 (#7 rank)

Net Yards:

• NO: 379 (#10 rank)

• Dal: 265 (#24 rank)

Yards Allowed:

• NO: 193 (#2 rank)

• Dal: 230 (#5 rank)

Net Yards Per Game:

• NO: 379 (#8 rank)

• Dal: 265 (#24 rank)

Red Zone Efficiency:

• NO: 100.0% (#1 rank)

• Dal: 100.0% (#1 rank)

Passing Attempts:

• NO: 24 (#26 rank)

• Dal: 32 (#11 rank)

Completions:

• NO: 19 (#15 rank)

• Dal: 19 (#15 rank)

Passing Net Yards:

• NO: 199 (#14 rank)

• Dal: 163 (#18 rank)

Passing Yards Per Game:

• NO: 200 (#15 rank)

• Dal: 179 (#19 rank)

Passing Touchdowns:

• NO: 3 (#2 rank)

• Dal: 1 (#11 rank)

Passing Interceptions:

• NO: 0 (#18 rank)

• Dal: 0 (#18 rank)

Passer Rating:

• NO: 141 (#2 rank)

• Dal: 85.3 (#19 rank)

Passing Yards:

• NO: 200 (#16 rank)

• Dal: 179 (#19 rank)

Rushing Attempts:

• NO: 37 (#8 rank)

• Dal: 25 (#18 rank)

Rushing Yards:

• NO: 180 (#5 rank)

• Dal: 102 (#21 rank)

Rushing Touchdowns:

• NO: 2 (#3 rank)

• Dal: 1 (#10 rank)

Rushing Long:

• NO: 17 (#18 rank)

• Dal: 12 (#29 rank)

Rushing Fumbles:

• NO: 0 (#11 rank)

• Dal: 0 (#11 rank)

Tackles:

• NO: 42 (#30 rank)

• Dal: 62 (#15 rank)

Sacks:

• NO: 4 (#4 rank)

• Dal: 6 (#1 rank)

Takeaways:

• NO: 3 (#1 rank)

• Dal: 2 (#7 rank)

Defensive Interceptions:

• NO: 2 (#2 rank)

• Dal: 2 (#2 rank)

Fumbles Forced:

• NO: 1 (#5 rank)

• Dal: 1 (#5 rank)

Pick Sixes:

• NO: 0 (#4 rank)

• Dal: 0 (#4 rank)

Yards Allowed:

• NO: 193 (#2 rank)

• Dal: 230 (#5 rank)

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