Late Field Goal Decides Battle
Daniel Carlson’s 53-yard field goal in the fourth quarter provided the decisive margin in a high-scoring affair at AT&T Stadium. The New Orleans Saints defeated the host Dallas Cowboys 27-24 on Saturday, August 29, 2026, before a crowd of 81,295. The result improved the Cowboys’ record to 2-1 while dropping the Saints to 1-2.
The game featured a rapid exchange of points, with both teams finding the end zone or kicking field goals in every quarter except the third for Dallas.
Back-and-Forth First Half
The scoring opened with a 38-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson for New Orleans, giving the visitors an early 3-0 lead. Dallas responded with a 49-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey to tie the game at 3-3. The Saints struck again in the first quarter when Barion Brown rushed for a seven-yard touchdown, extended by Tanner Brown’s kick to make it 10-3.
In the second quarter, Aubrey connected on a 51-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 10-6. New Orleans then extended their lead when Spencer Rattler rushed eight yards for a touchdown, adding a Charlie Smyth kick to make it 17-6. Aubrey capped the half with a 58-yard field goal, leaving Dallas within three points at 17-9 heading into the break.
