Cowboys Fall Short of Giants, 29-21

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. —  For 30 minutes, the New York Giants played like the Super Bowl champions they were in the 1986 season. It was just enough to win when they played the second half like 1987.

Phil Simms threw 2 touchdown passes to Stephen Baker, and Lawrence Taylor forced 2 of 3 first-half turnovers that led to scores Sunday as the Giants held off the Dallas Cowboys, 29-21.

“At times today, I felt we were playing the kind of football that we have to play,” Simms said. “We got very good defense and our offense took advantage of opportunities.”

Dallas (2-8) lost its sixth straight and the Cowboys are suffering through their worst season since their inaugural year of 1960, when they lost 10 straight before a tie with the Giants.

The Giants (7-3), who got field goals of 37, 47 and 50 yards from Paul McFadden, built a 26-0 lead at halftime en route to their fourth straight victory.

“The big thing is you have to win in November,” defensive end Leonard Marshall said. “If you can win in November it’s going to carry you on. If you don’t win in November, you can kiss it goodby.”

However, Dallas made it close at the end after Kevin Sweeney replaced Steve Pelluer at quarterback and threw touchdown passes of 1 yard to Steve Folsom, 9 yards to Michael Irvin and 2 yards to Ray Alexander, the latter with 1:59 left.

Dallas recovered an onside kick after Alexander’s score, but its final drive stalled when Gary Reasons knocked down a fourth-down pass by Sweeney at the New York 29.

“I felt pretty good,” Sweeney said. “I had a lot of fun. It was nice to get an opportunity to go out and play. That’s all I’ve ever asked for.”

Sweeney, who teamed up with Baker at Fresno State, finished 19 of 37 for 189 yards.

Simms completed 11 of 25 passes for 165 yards. Lionel Manuel caught 5 for 106 yards.