The Dallas Cowboys picked up right where they left off last year, showcasing their knack for turning defense and special teams into game-changing plays. On Sunday night, America's Team dominated the New York Giants with a final score of 40-0, making a bold statement in their season opener.
Last season, the Cowboys led the league in takeaways with 33, and it seems they haven't lost their opportunistic spirit. The defense and special teams made their presence known early in the game. Safety Juanyeh Thomas blocked the Giants' opening-drive field-goal attempt, and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene returned it 58 yards for a touchdown. This was just the beginning of the Cowboys' defensive prowess.
On the Giants' next drive, cornerback Trevon Diggs delivered a punishing hit on Saquon Barkley, causing a fumble that was recovered by DaRon Bland and returned for another touchdown. The Cowboys' defense and special teams set the tone for the game, allowing the offense to take a backseat.
While the Cowboys' offense wasn't spectacular, it didn't need to be in such a lopsided contest. Quarterback Dak Prescott managed the game efficiently, completing 13 passes for 143 yards, without throwing a touchdown or an interception. Despite the modest passing numbers, Prescott's mistake-free play led to points on five of the seven drives he commanded.
Running back Tony Pollard showed no signs of the broken leg he suffered last year, scoring two touchdowns and gaining 82 yards on 16 touches. Additionally, KaVontae Turpin added an electric element to the offense with a touchdown and several impactful touches. In total, the starting offense amassed 257 yards and 27 points.
On the flip side, the Giants struggled in all phases of the game. Quarterback Daniel Jones had a forgettable night, going 15 of 28 for 104 yards, two interceptions, and a 32.4 passer rating. The Giants' offense sputtered, managing just 2.6 yards per play. Jones faced relentless pressure, taking seven sacks and seeing pressure on nearly 63% of his dropbacks.
The Giants' defense also had a tough outing, allowing five scoring drives, including a blocked field-goal attempt returned for a touchdown. Graham Gano missed another unblocked field-goal attempt, compounding the Giants' woes.
This commanding 40-0 win marked the largest shutout victory in Cowboys history, surpassing their 38-0 win over the Baltimore Colts in 1978. With this impressive season opener, the Cowboys have set the stage for a promising season ahead, while the Giants face a steep climb to compete in the NFC East.
