The Dallas Cowboys are back, baby! Okay, not really, but they are still capable of beating bad teams, and completely bad teams. Just four days after upsetting the Washington Commanders enough to end a five-game losing streak, the Cowboys returned to the field to face another division opponent. This time the New York Giants were at the top of the schedule and for the first time in seven games the Cowboys won in Dallas.
Dallas had a losing streak dating back to the wild card game in January and had fallen behind by at least 20 points in every contest. But with Drew Lock under center and a clear fixation on the No. 1 draft pick, the Giants offered little resistance, even to a team that flew as low as the Cowboys.
Dallas extended its lead to three points at halftime and parlayed it into a dominant second half. A late Giants touchdown cut the final lead to 27-20, while the Cowboys improve to 5-7 on the season.
The Giants fell to 2-10 when the Cowboys won the season series.
QB Cooper Rush had another solid performance as a bus driver and was complemented by Rico Dowdle's first 100-yard ground game of his career and a second straight strong defensive performance. Edge rusher Micah Parsons posted a sack and a half while LB DeMarvion Overshown continues to develop into a complete weapon.
The Texas second-year player, who missed his entire rookie season, had a pick-six and a fumble recovery along with seven tackles in the game. Dallas held on to Lock after a 70-yard opening touchdown drive on a frustrating day.
The Giants managed just 161 yards of offense on their final scoring drive as they struggled to establish any rhythm in their first opener of the season. The Giants released starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who cleared waivers and signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday. Last week he was replaced by Tommy DeVito, who was unable to participate on Thursday.
The Cowboys are now 2-2 since Dak Prescott missed the season with a hamstring injury.
After playing three games in ten days (Week 11 was an MNF loss to Houston), the Cowboys will now get a small week of rest before finalizing their 2024 schedule. At 5-7, making the playoffs isn't impossible, but it's an incredible opportunity, as is the current No. 1 draft pick.
Dallas' next opponent will be the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football in Week 14.