The Dallas Cowboys had an uncharacteristic start on Sunday, turning the ball over on two of their first three drives, but gave up only three points to the New York Giants due to this rough beginning.
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense stepped up, and the defense continued to dominate, as shown all season, to shut down their division rival, the New York Giants. This victory came in front of a sold-out crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, for a final score of 44-20.
Prescott threw his third interception of the season on the Cowboys opening drive. The pass was intended for running back Ezekiel Elliott but was batted into the air by Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter who made the interception. The Giants’ offense could not capitalize on the turnover when Greg Gano missed a 54-yard try wide right.
The following Cowboys’ drive resulted in a 31-yard field goal by placekicker Greg Zeurlein who was a perfect three-for-three on the game. Zeurlein was also excellent on four extra-point kicks. The Cowboys kicker has struggled early in the season after undergoing offseason back surgery and missing all of the training camp and preseason.
Dallas’ most promising drive of the first quarter had the offense moving well down the field before Prescott mishandled a snap that Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland picked up at the 8-yard line. However, the Giants’ offense could not get the first down, let alone points on the turnover.
Elliott had his second 100+ yard game in a row. This week, he amassed 110 yards on 21 carries and scored a rushing touchdown to cap off an officially-recorded 113-yard drive to open the fourth quarter and an insurmountable 21-point lead. Elliott also scored a receiving touchdown, high-stepping into the endzone past the Giants defenders.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has become one of Prescott’s favorite targets this season. Lamb scored a 49-yard touchdown after torching Giants CB James Bradberry and streaking past safety Julian Love. Lamb finished the day with four receptions and 84-yards. Amari Cooper and Cedric Wilson also caught touchdown passes in the victory.
As the Cowboys’ offense seems to be improving over the past few weeks, their defense seems to get better every game. The Giants kept rookie linebacker Micah Parsons off the quarterback. Parsons had six tackles despite drawing numerous double-teams all day.
Even while not recording a single sack, the defense held the Giants to only 73 total rushing yards. Starting quarterback, Daniel Jones was knocked out of the game with a concussion following a helmet-to-helmet impact with linebacker Jabril Cox.
Mike Glennon came on in relief of Jones and threw for 196 yards in a desperate attempt to rouse a comeback. Any hopes were dashed when cornerback Trevon Diggs intercepted his sixth pass of the season in the third quarter. Cowboys’ cornerback Anthony Brown took a fourth-quarter Glennon pass 45 yards for a pick-six, which ended any hope for the Giants.
Since losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on opening day, the Cowboys have won four consecutive games, including two division matches. The Cowboys lead the NFC East by two games over Washington Football Team (2-3) and Philadelphia Eagles (2-3). The New York Giants are now 1-4 and 0-2 in division games.
The Cowboys travel to New England next Sunday to face the Patriots. It will be the second non-conference game of the season for the Cowboys.
