The Cowboys improved their defense before the 2005 season, adding DeMarcus Ware, Marcus Spears, Kevin Burnett, and Chris Canty through the draft.
However, the Giants entered a slump, and Tony Romo impressed the media as a quarterback, revitalizing the Cowboys with a 27-10 win over the Cardinals, a well-earned (21-14) victory over the previously unbeaten Colts, and a thorough routing of Tampa Bay (38-10) on Thanksgiving Day.