Dallas Stunned by Giants in Disappointing Week 1 Loss

A Rough Start in New Jersey

The Dallas Cowboys opened their season with a disappointing 28-20 loss to the New York Giants. It was a rough night for a rebuilt Dallas defense that featured eight new starters. The Giants offense moved the ball with ease, converting nine of 11 third-down opportunities.

Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer did not hide his disappointment after the game. He noted that the team did not perform the way they are capable of playing. Despite the setback, Schottenheimer urged calm, saying that it is a long season and they are not going to panic.

Mistakes and Missed Opportunities

The Cowboys struggled to find their rhythm on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 175 yards on 22 of 34 passing. A critical interception by safety Javon Holland before halftime set up a Giants touchdown. A communication breakdown between linebacker Dee Winters and cornerback DaRon Bland allowed tight end Isaiah Likely to score easily on the play.

Dallas also lost veteran safety Malik Hooker to a fractured forearm during the game. To make matters worse, the offense could not generate big plays, failing to gain more than 17 yards on any single play. Costly drops by George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb hurt the passing game.

A late touchdown by Javonte Williams brought Dallas within one score. However, a taunting penalty forced a long extra point that Brandon Aubrey missed wide right. The Cowboys never got the ball back.

What it means for the next game

Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Dallas Cowboys win 64%, Washington Commanders win 36%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 28, Washington Commanders 23. Our safest pick: Cowboys to win.

New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams (NFL, Tue, 22 Sep): Los Angeles Rams win 73%, New York Giants win 27%; projected score Los Angeles Rams 27, New York Giants 21. Our safest pick: Rams to win.