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 IRVING, Texas - A turning point hustle play in the Cowboys’ 24-17 opening victory against the Giants would inevitably be penalized by the officials and the league.

Left tackle Tyron Smith received a $15,750 fine from the NFL for a horse-collar tackle on linebacker Michael Boley, who would have scored after intercepting a pass from quarterback Tony Romo in the second quarter.

“It was a way to help my team out,” Smith said. “If you care about the money that much, you’re playing for the money. I’m playing because I want to.”

Smith said he tackled Boley the only way possible. He said he attempts to appeal the fine, which was higher than he had anticipated.

Boley cruised down the sideline behind a shield of blockers, but Smith hustled and took down Boley at the Cowboys’ 2-yard line. The ball was placed at the 1-yard line following the penalty, and the Cowboys’ goal line stand held the Giants to a field goal.

The Dallas defense stuffed running back Ahmad Bradshaw twice following Smith’s tackle. Quarterback Eli Manning then threw an incomplete pass intended for wide receiver Victor Cruz. 

Head coach Jason Garrett said he preaches the importance of getting the ball back or making a tackle after an interception, but it’s difficult to know how players will respond until it happens in a game.

“We knocked them back on the first play, knocked them back on the next play, forced them into a passing situation, and defended well on third down to hold them to a field goal,” Garrett said. “None of that happens if Tyron doesn’t make that play. So his hustle, his determination, his will, did a great job of carrying over the practice emphasis to the game.”

While the tackle played a part in securing the Cowboys’ victory, Smith said he wouldn’t ask any teammates to help out with the fine.

“It was all on me,” Smith said. “That was my mistake.”