As a diehard fan of the NFL, it's often frustrating to discuss the sport with casual fans. For example, their take on the Thanksgiving Classic is often wrought with misconception—that the game is almost always a bust. Now given my understanding of human nature, I realize this might be a feeble attempt to distract the true football fan with overzealous praise of Aunt Martha's dry turkey or the canned cranberry sauce. However, it's time to give credit where credit is due - the 2010 Thanksgiving Classic between the Cowboys and Saints was one of the year's best.
It's worth revisiting.
The Dallas Cowboys had just come off a disastrous stretch when Jason Garrett became head coach. He inherited a floundering squad from Wade Phillips which managed just one win in nine games to start the season. To make matters worse, Jon Kitna would be starting at quarterback Thaknsgiving Day in the place of injured Tony Romo. Nonetheless, Dallas was coming off of consecutive victories against the Giants and Lions.
For New Orleans, they appeared well on their way to another playoff appearance. Quarterback Drew Brees was having a remarkable season. A core of excellent receivers, led by Marques Colston, appeared ready for a big game against the porous Cowboys defense. It seemed all the Saints needed to do was display their aerial attack and not turn the ball over to the Dallas offense.
No one could have expected what was to ensue.
The first quarter began in typical fashion for the Saints as the combination of QB Drew Brees and RB Chris Ivory gave them a first quarter lead of 17-0.
Compared to the first, quarter two was anemic with neither team generating much offense. In all, three field goals were executed with the advantage going to the Cowboys who managed to pull within 14. The halftime score was 20-6 in favor of the Saints.
Then the fun began:
The third quarter started with spirited play-calling by Jason Garrett which was capped by a 60-yard TD run by Miles Austin.
Later in the quarter, Dallas RB Marion Barber scored on a 1-yard run which answered a 28-yard Garrett Hartley field goal. As the third quarter closed, New Orleans owned the lead by three.
As the fourth quarter began, momentum had shifted drastically in favor of the home Cowboys. Despite a few missed opportunities by both teams, Tashard Choice gave Dallas their first lead, 27-23, with 5:51 left in the game - an eternity in terms of the NFL. Regardless, New Orleans quickly gave the ball back to Dallas who began an improbable drive to put the game away. Dallas seized the opportunity to march downfield and appeared ready to seal the game on a 47-yard catch and run by WR Roy Williams. Unfortunately for Williams and the Cowboys, Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins caught up to him at the New Orleans 11-yard line causing Williams to fumble. New Orleans recovered. This turnover lead to an 89-yard touchdown drive by the Saints as Drew Brees found Lance Moore for an 11-yard score.
In unlikely fashion, New Orleans took a 30-27 with 1:55 left in regulation.
Jason Garrett ensured his version of the 'never quit' Cowboys would answer. After Dallas started the next drive on their own 24, Jon Kitna engineered a 35-yard drive setting up kicker David Buehler for a 59-yard field goal attempt.
The kick went wide left and overtime was averted. Final score: New Orleans Saints 30 - Dallas Cowboys 27.
The game was considered one of the years greatest.
So this Thanksgiving, when asked if you want some gravy to go with that stale-tasting stuffing, make sure the DVR is set. After all, you never know when that classic finish will elude you.
References: NFL Films; Yahoo! Sports
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