Mike Nugent’s opening kick traveled ten yards shy of a touch back, was returned 27 yards, and eight plays later Marion Barber scampered from the seven to put Dallas up 7 -0. And from that point on, like a turkey on the days leading up to Thanksgiving, it was only a matter of time for the Jets.

And then when the Jets’ only possible pro-bowler, Leon Washington, fumbled away the ensuing kickoff, the Cowboys licked their chops and slowly and meticulously dismantled the Jets in front of a sold-out Thanksgiving crowd.

The Jets had only one drive the entire first half that lasted more than four plays. The Jets’ offense, like diets on this day, was non-existent.

And as usual, the Jets could do nothing to stop the Cowboys’ running game. Unlike the Jets, the Cowboys’ offensive line opened holes for their running backs all day.

While Darrelle Revis held Terrell Owens in check until the fourth quarter, the rest of the Cowboys’ receivers enjoyed a healthy serving of Tony Romo passes, carving up the Jets’ secondary throughout the game.

One of the last drives of the game for the Jets said it all ~ with 4th and goal at the 5, Kellen Clemens threw a four-yard pass to Chris Baker, who was stopped one yard shy of the end zone. And the Thanksgiving feasts began in Dallas.

After an impressive showing last weekend against the Steelers, the Jets looked more like turkeys than a football team today. The Cowboys are clearly a better team, but so were the Steelers.

One thing the Jets can give thanks for this day ~ they’re heading to Miami next.

Jon Buzby is a nationally-syndicated columnist who can be reached through his Web site at www.jonbuzby.com.