Arlington, Texas - The Dallas Cowboys raced to a 24-0 lead Sunday night over the visiting New Orleans Saints behind the pin-point accuracy of quarterback Tony Romo and the strong running of DeMarco Murray.
Murray, who ran for 87 yards on 14 carries, scored the final points of the half on a 15-yard jaunt. That score was set up when Dallas intercepted New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees at the 39-yard line. Linebacker Justin Durant made the interception after the ball was tipped by Bruce Carter.
Romo was 17 of 22 for 202 yards and two touchdowns, a six-yard strike to Terrance Williams on the first drive of the game and a 23-yard bullet down the left sideline at the end of the second quarter.
Dan Bailey also connected on a 51-yard field goal for Dallas.
The Saints had one real scoring opportunity but kicker Shayne Graham missed a 41-yard field-goal attempt to the right.
Brees was 10 of 13 for 84 yards and one interception. Khiry Robinson ran the ball five times for 13 yards. Marques Colston had two catches for 28 yards.
The Saints lost left tackle Terron Armstead in the first quarter after he was accidentally kicked in the head. The team said he was being examined for a possible concussion.
Dallas finished the half with 290 yards of offense after converting four of its six third-down attempts. It had the ball for 17:47.
