For just the third time since 2017, the Dallas Cowboys (0-1, 0-1) lost to the New York Giants (1-0, 1-0) in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday Night Football.
It was a game where the Giants dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 36 minutes to the Cowboys’ 23 minutes. Plus, the Cowboys only got to run two drives in the second half, one of which went 74 yards for a touchdown.
Many of the Cowboys’ major defensive woes from a season ago carried over into this game despite massive player turnover on that side of the ball. Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart torched a Cowboys secondary that ranked dead last in passing yards allowed last season, recording 230 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Cowboys run defense, which also ranked in the bottom third of the league last year, did not fare much better as the Giants ran for 165 yards as a team, led by running back Cam Skattebo who finished with 81 yards and a touchdown. The Giants averaged 4.5 yards per carry.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had a quiet start to his 2026 campaign, being held to 175 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The Cowboys also failed to get their run game started as they failed to eclipse 70 yards on the ground for the night.
Running back Javonte Williams was the lone bright spot for a cold Cowboys offense, finishing with two total touchdowns and over 70 all-purpose yards.
The Cowboys now return to Dallas for their week 2 home opener against the Washington Commanders. You can catch the action on CTB Sports 93.1, 1390 KCRC, 1640 KZLS on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2:45 p.m.
