New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
December 23, 2012 - 1:54 PM
ARLINGTON, Texas - Garrett Hartley kicked a 20-yard field goal in overtime, and the New Orleans Saints damaged Dallas' playoff hopes with a 34-31 victory against the Cowboys on Sunday.
Drew Brees threw for 446 yards and three touchdowns and led a drive to the winning kick. The Saints all but clinched it when a fumble by Marques Colston rolled forward about 20 yards to the Dallas 2. Jimmy Graham recovered.
The Cowboys lost despite rallying for two touchdowns in the final 3:35 of regulation. Tony Romo, who threw for 416 yards and four scores, hit Miles Austin for the tying touchdown with 15 seconds left in regulation.
The playoff hopes for the Saints (7-8) ended with Minnesota's victory against Houston. The Cowboys (8-7) had a three-game winning streak snapped and lost control of their playoff fate.
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News from © The Associated Press, 2012