In a much-needed rebound performance, the Dallas Cowboys snapped their two-game losing streak, defeating the New York Giants 20-15 on Thursday Night Football. After a stretch of criticism aimed at Dallas (2-2) and head coach Mike McCarthy, this victory quieted the doubters, if only for one night. The Cowboys returned to form, showcasing a solid offense and a stifling defense in their seventh consecutive win over the Giants and their 14th in the last 15 matchups.
Dak Prescott led the way with two touchdown passes, the first a 15-yard screen to running back Rico Dowdle in the first quarter, putting Dallas ahead early. He later connected with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Lamb’s play was electric, dodging defenders and trotting into the end zone, but his celebration—firing the ball towards defenders and flexing—drew a taunting penalty. Lamb finished with 7 receptions for 98 yards and 1 touchdown, highlighting his key role in the Cowboys’ offensive resurgence.
Special teams also played a critical role for Dallas, with kicker Brandon Aubrey nailing two long-range field goals from 60 and 40 yards. Aubrey missed a 51-yard attempt late in the game, his first miss from over 50 yards in his career, but it didn’t prove costly.
The Cowboys entered the game with concerns after being thoroughly outplayed by New Orleans and Baltimore in previous weeks, but those concerns were eased for the moment, except for a potentially major issue: star pass rusher Micah Parsons was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a leg injury. Parsons will undergo X-rays on Friday, leaving Cowboys fans and the team holding their breath.
For the Giants (1-3), the game was another frustrating effort, marked by missed opportunities. Despite dominating possession for 35:37, they failed to find the end zone for the second consecutive home game. Kicker Greg Joseph was their lone scorer, converting five field goals from 52, 41, 38, 22, and 42 yards.
New York’s biggest struggle came in the run game. Facing the league’s worst rush defense, which had been allowing 185.7 yards per game, the Giants managed only 26 yards on 24 carries—a dismal 1.1-yard average. While Daniel Jones kept the Giants competitive through the air, completing 29 of 40 passes for 281 yards, he was unable to lead his team to a touchdown. Rookie sensation Malik Nabers was a bright spot, hauling in 12 catches for 115 yards, but he left the game late with a concussion. Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson also had a productive outing with 11 receptions for 71 yards.
Jones threw a late interception on the Giants’ final drive, ending any hope of a comeback after Aubrey’s missed 51-yard field goal had given New York one last chance.
Though the Giants avoided the blowout losses they suffered to the Cowboys last year, where they were outscored 89-17 across two games, their inability to score touchdowns continues to be a major issue. For the Cowboys, this win may serve as a turning point, but the health of Micah Parsons looms large as they look ahead to their next matchup.
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