The Patriots traveled to Dallas and held the defending Super Bowl champions to just 12 points on four Chris Boniol field coals, but could not generate any touchdowns of their won and dripped their fifth game of the season by a final of 12-6. The Cowboys clinched their fifth consecutive NFC East division title with the victory, while the Patriots fell to 10-5, but still Clinched the AFC East division title with Miami's win over Buffalo.
Terry Glenn led all receivers with 83 yards on eight receptions and Curtis Martin averaged 4.6 yards per carry on 20 attempts to lead all rushers, but turnovers proved costly for the Patriots who suffered from three interceptions and a fumble in the game. The Patriots sacked Troy Aikman three times in the first half alone, the most the Cowboys had given up all year. Ty Law earned game honors with his performance against Michael Irvin. Law finished with two interceptions and seven tackles in the game, second on the team.
The Patriots turned the ball over four times, including a fumble at the Cowboys 16-yard line. It was the first Patriots turnover inside the opponent's 20-yard line all season. Drew Bledsoe entered the game with the league's lowest interception rate (1.8%), but suffered three interceptions in the game – two of which were tipped into the air.
The six points by the Patriots was the lowest point production of the season and the fewest scored since Oct 8, 1995 when the Patriots lost 37-3 to the Denver Broncos.
