Tony Romo tossed three touchdown passes as the Dallas Cowboys defeated the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants 24-17 in the NFL season opener on Wednesday.

The Giants celebrated their Super Bowl title before the game, but Romo and Co. had the last laugh as the quarterback threw for 307 yards and wide receiver Kevin Ogletree caught two touchdown passes.

"Our approach was to take it one play at a time," Romo said. "You have got to be able to execute plays and our team took that approach. It was exciting to see."

Romo completed 22-of-29 passes with an interception for Dallas, which finished last season 8-8 and missed the playoffs.

Ogletree recorded the first two touchdowns of his career while making eight catches for 114 yards. DeMarco Murray added 131 yards on 20 carries for Dallas.

"We worked hard for this," Ogletree said. "We felt good out there for the first game. I just wanted to do what it takes to help my team and be accountable."

Jason Witten, who suffered a lacerated spleen in the pre-season, finished with two receptions for 10 yards. He was cleared to play just prior to the opening kickoff.

Quarterback Eli Manning completed 21-of-32 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown for the Giants, who won their final six games last season to become the first 9-7 team in league history to win the Super Bowl.

Ahmad Bradshaw carried the ball 17 times for 78 yards and a touchdown, while Victor Cruz led all New York receivers with six catches for 58 yards.

(China Daily 09/07/2012 page24)