- The most anticipated matchup to date of the 2007 NFL season provided a stern reality check for the Dallas Cowboys, but a closer look at Sunday's 48-27 loss to the powerful New England Patriots shows the current NFC favorites may not be as far away from reaching their desired championship- level status than the final score would indicate. Sure, the Cowboys were outgained by the seemingly-invincible Patriots by a decided 448-283 margin in total yards, and were virtually powerless to stop Tom Brady and New England's stellar corps of receivers. On the other hand, Dallas should receive some praise for its ability to battle its way back from an early 14-0 deficit and fight the league's unquestioned best team tooth-and- nail for three quarters before running out of gas in the fourth.
Pass defense wasn't Dallas' only problem on Sunday. The Cowboys were whistled for 12 penalties totaling 98 yards, including four on defense that gave New England first downs
Sunday's high flag total gave Dallas 49 infractions on the season, which trails only Arizona's 50 for the most penalties in the league.
The Sports Network - National Football League