NEW ORLEANS -- Sometimes winning ugly is OK.

After such a beautiful start, the Cowboys won, well, really holding on by beating the undefeated, undisputed New Orleans Saints, 24-17 on Saturday night here at the Superdome.

This was a game that saved the Cowboys season. A loss and who knows what the Cowboys mindset would have been like the next week in Landover, MD., when they faced the Redskins.

For now, the Cowboys will head home believers in the system. The playoff system that says they're still alive for a NFC East title or wild card berth.

Dallas scored two touchdowns on the first two offensive possessions of the game and had to hold on in the fourth quarter.

Miles Austin extended a late fourth quarter drive with a 32-yard catch and run. John Phillips did with a nifty 23 yard reception after his quarterback, Tony Romo, moved around the pocket.

But the Cowboys couldn't finish it.

Nick Folk missed a 23-yard field goal that would have sealed the victory. His miss gave the Saints life.

Life until DeMarcus Ware, playing with a sore neck, made the play of the game, maybe the season, when he stripped Drew Brees of the ball with six seconds to play to end the Saints undefeated season.

The Saints fans gave their team a moving standing ovation as they left the field.

That was nice, but the ovations should go to the Cowboys, who won a big game.