EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – In a closely contested NFC East matchup, the Dallas Cowboys managed to hold off the New York Giants on Thursday night, winning 20-15. Both teams entered the game tied for last place in the division, with identical 1-2 records, trailing the 2-1 Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cowboys jumped out to an early lead, scoring two touchdowns in the first half while holding the Giants to three field goals. At halftime, Dallas led 14-9, and the second half turned into a defensive battle, with neither team able to score a touchdown.
Although the Cowboys secured their second win of the season, there was a concerning moment late in the game when star pass rusher Micah Parsons was carted off the field to undergo an X-ray.
Here’s a breakdown of key points from Thursday night’s game for both teams:
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott didn’t speak to the media before the game, promising he would talk “post win.” And while the victory wasn’t particularly pretty, it was exactly what the Cowboys needed after two straight home losses to the Saints and Ravens.
Prescott was sharp, especially in the first half, connecting for two touchdowns — a 55-yard strike to CeeDee Lamb and a 15-yard pass to Rico Dowdle. The defense also improved, limiting the Giants to field goals and stepping up in critical moments.
Prescott’s win streak against the Giants extended to 13 straight games, tying him for the second-longest streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since 1950. He’ll have the chance to break that tie on Thanksgiving.
Key Trend: CeeDee Lamb responded well after a challenging week, catching six passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone. This follows a pattern where Lamb has delivered strong performances after emotional sideline moments, as seen last season.
Notable Stat: Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey continues to impress. He nailed a 60-yard field goal in the third quarter, marking his third such kick in his career. He’s just one shy of the NFL record for 60-yarders.
Looking Ahead: Despite the win, the Cowboys face challenges, especially with injuries and penalties. They’ll have a 10-day break to prepare for their next game against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers.
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New York Giants
While the Giants came up short, there were signs of progress, especially compared to last season when they were outscored 89-17 by the Cowboys in their two meetings. Despite the loss, they’ve shown improvement, though Dallas has now won 14 of the last 15 matchups.
Quarterback Performance: Daniel Jones was efficient, completing 29 of 40 passes for 281 yards, but he couldn’t find the end zone. Most of his deep throws came up short, but his connection with rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (12 catches for 115 yards) was a bright spot.
Eye-Catching Stat: Malik Nabers continues to make history, becoming the first player in NFL history to record at least 25 receptions and three touchdowns in his first four career games.
Cause for Concern: Giants’ top cornerback Deonte Banks struggled again, giving up his fourth touchdown of the season when he was beaten by Lamb for a 55-yard score in the second quarter. Banks, expected to fill the role of CB1, has had a rough start to the season.
Next Game: The Giants will look to rebound when they face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, October 6.
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