​Today marks Day 63 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff as we revisit the 100 most iconic games in Dallas Cowboys history. The countdown will carry us all the way to the opening game of 2026. Our ranking criteria are diverse; we weigh not just how big a game felt for the organization, but also how memorable it was, any unusual events that occurred, and whether a game has earned a place in NFL lore. We also highlight Cowboys firsts and contests where the team dominated. Variety fuels this series, and you’ll find a wide range of Cowboys games being reviewed. At the bottom of each entry, we’ll provide links to every day of the countdown so you can easily revisit any installments you might have missed.
Welcome to Day 63, when we look back at the night Tony Romo’s era truly began. Romo had entered the previous week’s Monday night loss to the Giants in relief of Drew Bledsoe, but this game would be different: his first NFL start, on the road, in primetime, against a Panthers squad that still possessed real defensive credibility. For a franchise long seeking stability after Troy Aikman, this game became one of the most significant quarterback transition nights in modern Cowboys history.
The start was rough. Carolina roared to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, first on a one-yard DeShaun Foster touchdown and then on a 24-yard score by Steve Smith. For a quarterback making his first start, the early deficit could have spiraled out of control. Yet Romo steadied the ship. He led Dallas back in the second quarter with a three-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten, and Mike Vanderjagt added a 38-yard field goal just before halftime to cut the Panthers’ advantage to 14-10.
The third quarter remained scoreless, but Dallas was gradually taking control. Romo wasn’t simply managing the game; he was moving decisively in the pocket, spreading the ball around, and injecting a fresh energy into Bill Parcells’ offense—an energy that hadn’t been as evident with Bledsoe. Early in the fourth quarter, Vanderjagt’s 24-yard field goal trimmed the deficit to 14-13, and then the game dramatically shifted on the ensuing kickoff. Sam Hurd knocked the ball loose from Brad Hoover, recovered the fumble, and Dallas took over at the Carolina 14. One play later, Julius Jones burst through for the go-ahead touchdown. Romo then connected with Terrell Owens for the two-point conversion, giving the Cowboys a 21-14 lead.
From that moment, Dallas extended the lead decisively. Marion Barber Jr. punched in a three-yard TD with 2:22 remaining, and then added a 14-yard score less than a minute later after the defense forced another short field. What had been a 14-10 Carolina edge entering the fourth quarter evolved into a 35-14 Cowboys rout, with Dallas scoring 25 points in the final frame—a team record at the time.
Romo finished 24-for-36 for 270 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Owens emerged as the primary target, hauling in nine receptions for 107 yards, while Jason Witten contributed importantly as well. This game is frequently remembered as the moment Romo demonstrated the poise, leadership, and playmaking ability that would define his Cowboys tenure, signaling a pivot point for the franchise as it moved forward under Parcells.