Sept 16, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) rests on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

Always a bad sign, Dallas started the game with a turnover. Running back Felix Jones fumbled the ball during the opening kickoff return, giving Seattle prime position to score. But a near interception by second year linebacker Bruce Carter on 3rd down and goal forced the Seahawks to take a 21 yard field goal. Seattle took the early lead, 3-0.

The Cowboys’ offensive opening series started with a three and out, ending with a dropped pass by tight end Jason Witten. The Seahawks special teams would strike again as Jeron Johnson would find the endzone after a blocked punt. Dallas LB Dan Connor issued a poor block resulting in the turnover and score. Seattle extended their lead, 10-0.

On the Cowboys’ second offensive series, wideout Kevin Ogletree made a nice 26 yard catch on third down to keep the series alive.  But an interception by quarterback Tony Romo, in which he scrambled and threw across his body, would again give Seattle the advantage and the ball at the Dallas 46 yard line.

Fortunately, the Dallas defense once again came up big and held the Seahawks offense to a three and out. After the punt, big catches by Witten, wideout Miles Austin and tight end John Phillips highlighted this Cowboy offensive series to end the first quarter.

Despite having the 10-0 lead, Seattle only completed nine offensive plays in that first quarter.

The Cowboys would start the second quarter at Seattle’s 47 yard line. Despite another Witten dropped pass, his third, Romo would find Austin  for a 27 yard touchdown and cut the lead to three. The fifteen play, 95 yard drive would be Dallas’ best of the day and made the score 10-7.

After back to back three and outs by both teams, Seattle was able to get into the redzone despite committing four penalties. They added another field goal to their score before halftime, giving the Seahawks the 13-7 lead.

Sept 16, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

Starting the second half, Seattle was able to get a big 16 run out of half back Marshawn Lynch. But two great back to back plays by linebacker Anthony Spencer forced the Seahawks to punt.

After another Seattle defensive stop, their offense was able to finally  find the endzone against the Cowboys’ staunch defense. Tight end Anthony McCoy was able to score off a 22 yard pass by rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, making the tally 20-7. It was an 90 yard drive helped immensely by a 36 yard Lynch run.

It was at this point where things really started to fall apart for the Cowboys. On offense, their inconsistency and dropped passes resulted in little to no production. And the tired defense simply started to fall apart. Linebacker Sean Lee, defensive ends Kenyon Coleman and Marcus Spears, and safeties Gerald Sensabaugh and Barry Church all suffered injuries.

Seattle finished the game by pounding the ball with their running game. Lynch scored from three yards out, capping an eleven play, 88 yard drive late in in the third quarter. Making the score, 27-7.

Neither team would score in the fourth quarter as Seattle continued to run out the clock.

Ironically, on the final play, Felix Jones tripped with no one around him to end the game. Jones started the game with a mistake and ended with one as well.

Tony Romo completed 23 of 40 passes for 251 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Russell Wilson threw for 151 yards on 15 of 20 passes and a score.

DeMarco Murray ended the day with 44 yards on the ground on just 12 attempts. He also added in four receptions for 41 yards.

Marshawn Lynch had a big day with 122 rushing yards and a score. He ran the ball a total of 26 times.

Miles Austin made five catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.

Jason Witten ended the day with four catches for 58 yards, but his four drops hurt the Cowboys’ offense.

Dez Bryant recorded dismal numbers with three catches for 17 yards. He was plagued by drops and a fumble as well.

Once again, Sean Lee lead the team in tackles with 14 and Anthony Spencer added in two sacks. The Dallas defense actually played well in the first half, and gave themselves a chance to take the lead. But they tired as the game lingered on and their offense sputtered. By the fourth quarter, defensive players were falling out left and right.

Dallas falls to a 1-1 record. They are tied with the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins in the division. The Philadelphia Eagles led the NFC East at 2-0.

The Cowboys next game will be their home opener at Cowboys Stadium against the 1-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs defeated the Carolina Panthers in week one, 16-10. And they lost a heart-breaker to the New York Giants today,  41-35.

Nov 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocks for Tony Romo (9) in the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Seahawks 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Steven Mullenax, Editor & Head Writer:  I know that some predictions are calling this game a potential blow-out, but I’m a little more cautious. The Seahawks play in one of the loudest stadiums in the league and that 12th man should be rocking on Sunday. I expect a better outing out of Seattle rookie quarterback Russell Wilson at home and this is a team who shocked the Baltimore Ravens, the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants last season. Still, the Dallas revamped defense should be up to the challenge. Marshawn Lynch scorched us for 135 rushing yards in our last meeting. Yet, Dallas still beat Seattle behind 139 rushing yards from DeMarco Murray. I see a close game with the Cowboys winning in the end, 24-20.

Brad Austin, Senior Writer: This is the ideal game Rob Ryan has longed for since arriving in Dallas.  He now has the big guns needed to defend the fort while fiercely attacking the enemy.  Seattle is led by a 5’11″ rookie quarterback who spent most of last Sunday running for his life.  The Seahawks offensive line proved very vulnerable against Arizona.  With Carr and Claiborne locking down Braylon Edwards and Sidney Rice, look for Ryan to unleash the dogs early, often, and from all angles.  Dallas 27, Seattle 13.

Michael Huff, Staff Writer: Romo will have plenty of opportunities, several of them coming from him doing his thing, making a play while trying to get out of trouble.  I think Murray runs well and the defense does a good job. Final score, Cowboys win, 28-13.

Slimjizzle83, Video Contributor: My prediction to the game is Cowboys 34, Seahawks 13.

Jeff Federspiel, Staff Writer: The Cowboys, high after the win against division rival and Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, must move on and take each game one week at a time.  The talented but unproven Seattle Seahawks are an easy win on paper, but this has the potential for being a trap game if this young team is overlooked.  I predict that the Cowboys remain focused and go 2-0 on the road to open the season. Cowboys 21, Seahawks 10.   

Jonathan Barger, Senior Writer: Leon Washington can keep this game interesting for the Cowboys. Defensively, Seattle will not be able keep up with the Cowboys offense. Romo will continue to roll. On offense, rookie QB Russel Wilson is going to have a hard time with not enough talent at enough positions to put up more points than Romo & Co. Cowboys win, 31-17.

Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: This game will tell us more about this team than the big win against the Giants.  Coming off what was without a doubt a huge win against a division rival, the Cowboys are ripe for a letdown.  On paper, they should handle the Seahawks fairly easily – including the fact that it is a road game in a very loud and unfriendly stadium.  But, this is why they play the games.  I like the tone I have been hearing out of Valley Ranch this week.  Feels like the team is aware that they can’t take the Seahawks lightly and are using the extended time off to prepare for a tough game.

The Cowboys defense should be the difference in this one as I don’t see Seattle being able to run the ball effectively.  That puts the game in the hands of rookie QB Russell Wilson.  He’s talented but still learning on the job and the Cowboys secondary is much improved.  They’ve already handled Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, and Victor Cruz.  They should have no problem with Seattle and I expect there to be at least 2 interceptions.  On the offensive side, DeMarco Murray should have a big day but the offensive line still scares me.  Romo needs to use his mobility to get out of trouble and stay healthy.  But, I think the Cowboys take care of business and win going away.  Cowboys 31, Seahawks 13.

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