National Football League

Thursday Night Football Top Plays: Cowboys dominate Saints, advance to 8-4

Updated Dec. 2, 2021 11:42 p.m. ET

The Dallas Cowboys came to the Superdome and conquered the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football on FOX, earning a 27-17 triumph.

Both teams were slumping entering Thursday night's matchup, and the Saints have now lost five straight games, while Dallas put an end to a two-game skid, by forcing four turnovers en route to a win.

Here are the top plays from Thursday night’s game.

Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints

FIRST QUARTER

The Cowboys' offense found its footing late in the first quarter, beginning with a 41-yard hookup between Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, who tonight returned from the COVID-19 list.

The drive was capped off by a touchdown pass from Prescott to Michael Gallup to give the Cowboys a 7-0 lead.

SECOND QUARTER

The Saints didn't take long to respond to the Cowboys' touchdown, putting together a scoring drive of their own to start the second frame.

It began with a Taysom Hill completion to Juwan Johnson for 27 yards late in the first quarter.

And it ended with a 24-yard pass from Hill to Lil'Jordan Humphrey for a touchdown to tie the game.

The Cowboys' defense would step up to shutout the Saints the rest of the half, which included an interception.

Dallas would score two more field goals before the half ended to take a 13-7 lead over the Saints.

THIRD QUARTER

The Cowboys were able to push their lead to double-digits in the third quarter behind a 58-yard rushing touchdown from Tony Pollard to take a 20-10 lead.

FOURTH QUARTER

The defensive masterclass continued for the Cowboys in the fourth quarter, with the Dallas defense recording its second interception of the night.

This time it was Damontae Kazee.

The interception was immediately followed by another New Orleans turnover, this time a pick by Trevon Diggs –– his NFL-leading ninth interception.

And how about one more pick for good measure?

This time, it led to a defensive touchdown that shut the door on the Saints.