A Late Rally Undone by a Long Kick
The Dallas Cowboys, playing at home at AT&T Stadium before a crowd of 81,295, dropped a 27-24 decision to the visiting New Orleans Saints on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Despite a spirited fourth-quarter effort that erased a double-digit deficit, the home side fell short after the Saints capitalized on a final drive to take the lead for good.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening whistle. Dallas took an early 3-0 lead on a 49-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey, but New Orleans responded quickly to build a 10-3 advantage in the first quarter.
The Cowboys managed to cut the lead to three points late in the second half, but the Saints extended their cushion to 24-9 heading into the fourth quarter.
Howell Drives the Comeback
Dallas quarterback Sam Howell was the engine behind the late surge. He completed 12 of 18 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns. The first of those scores came in the fourth quarter when he found Jordan Hudson for a 26-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Cowboys within seven points. Hudson finished the game with four receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown.
The momentum shifted further when Howell connected with Mitch Van Vooren for a 21-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion. This sequence tied the game at 24-24 with time remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Phil Mafah contributed on the ground with 12 carries for 46 yards, providing a steady presence in the passing attack.
