Carlson’s 53-Yard Field Goal Lifts Saints Past Cowboys 27-24

A Late Kick Seals Victory

The New Orleans Saints secured a narrow 27-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The game’s decisive moment arrived late in the fourth quarter when kicker Daniel Carlson buried a 53-yard field goal, pushing the Saints’ lead to 27-24 and sealing the win despite a furious Cowboys rally.

Scoring Evolution

New Orleans established early momentum, taking a 10-3 lead after Barion Brown’s seven-yard rushing touchdown in the first period. The Cowboys responded with precision from the field, as Brandon Aubrey connected on kicks of 49 and 51 yards to keep Dallas within striking distance at halftime. The Saints extended their advantage to 17-6 before Aubrey narrowed the gap to 17-9 just before the break.

The third period saw New Orleans increase its lead to 24-9 on Zamir White’s 11-yard rushing score. However, Dallas mounted a dramatic comeback in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Sam Howell directed two scoring drives, including a 26-yard pass to Jordan Hudson and an 8-point play involving a 21-yard catch by Mitch Van Vooren plus a two-point conversion run by Howell himself.

The tie at 24-24 set the stage for Carlson’s game-winning kick.

Key Performances

Sam Howell was instrumental in the Cowboys’ offensive effort, completing 12 of 18 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns. His connection with Jordan Hudson proved crucial, as the receiver hauled in four catches for 97 yards, including one touchdown. On the ground, Phil Mafah provided support with 12 carries for 46 yards.

For the Saints, Zach Wilson managed the offense efficiently, throwing for 93 yards on 9-of-12 passing. Audric Estime contributed on the ground with 46 rushing yards, while Ronnie Bell led the receiving corps with six catches for 65 yards. The Saints’ defense held firm in the final minutes to preserve the win.

Final Outcome

The loss drops the Dallas Cowboys to a 2-1 record, while the New Orleans Saints improve to 1-2 on the season. The game drew an attendance of 81,295 at AT&T Stadium, highlighting the intense competition between these NFC rivals.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401874048