The Dallas Cowboys walked into MetLife Stadium expecting a strong start to the 2026 season and instead walked out with a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants that left their coach openly frustrated.
Brian Schottenheimer did not sugarcoat it. The first-year head coach said his team failed to meet its own standard on either side of the ball and spent much of the night getting pushed around.
The Giants finished with 394 total yards, including 165 on the ground, and held the ball for 36 minutes, 40 seconds. Dallas managed 244 yards and just 69 rushing yards on 18 carries.
New York converted 9 of 11 third downs and ran 68 plays to Dallas’ 52. After halftime the Cowboys touched the ball only twice. Both of those drives ended in touchdowns, but that was not enough to keep pace.
Schottenheimer put a large share of the blame on inexperience, especially on defense, while also saying the staff has to coach those players better.
“You know, one other thing, not an excuse, guys. We did not play well. But you got young players. And young player closes and Jaxson Dart boots and gets outside,” Schottenheimer said.
“We don’t push three different times to the [expletive] flat route. Excuse my language. You know, like, those are gonna happen. And we have to coach the young players better, but when you play young players, it’s part of the deal. And they need to learn quickly.”
Rookie first-round pick Caleb Downs drew praise for his debut. Most of the other young defenders did not. Six players who saw significant snaps on defense are either rookies or in their second season.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns and added 54 rushing yards on 11 carries. He looked comfortable all night.
Dak Prescott went 22 of 34 for 175 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Cowboys never generated a play longer than 17 yards and opened the game with a three-and-out.
A 15-yard taunting penalty on running back Javonte Williams after a late touchdown wiped out a planned two-point try. Brandon Aubrey then missed the extra point from 48 yards.
Schottenheimer said the Giants were simply the more physical team.
“Give Coach Harbaugh and his team a bunch of credit. They were the more physical team tonight. That’s certainly not our standard,” he said. “This is a humbling business, and we got humbled tonight. We lost mile one of a 17-mile marathon, and we have to be better. We will be better.”
He also said the Cowboys are not going to panic after one game.
Dallas hosts the Washington Commanders next week. The next few games will show whether this was a one-night stumble or the start of another long season.
More NFL News
Vikings’ Kyler Murray Hit With Concerning News After Injury
Bears’ Colston Loveland Lands Massive Take From NFL Legend
Detroit Lions Have ‘Checked In’ on Blockbuster Trade
Shedeur Sanders’ Browns Future Takes Another Concerning Turn
