The Cowboys won this game, their first home victory of the season, because of their defense and their ability to control the run game. McCarthy mentions time of possession as something of importance because it means if you’re winning the clock, you’re controlling the game. Dallas held the ball for 31:36 compared to 28:24 for the New York Giants.

The best defensive performance of the year helped Dallas beat New York, keeping the Cowboys’ long-shot playoff chances alive.