The Dallas Cowboys lost 28-20 to the New York Giants in Week 1. See the final score, Dak Prescott and Jaxson Dart stats, key plays, Giants takeaways and what the loss means for Dallas.
Cowboys vs Giants Final Score
The New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium, opening the 2026 NFL season with a statement victory and giving new head coach John Harbaugh a winning debut.
The game quickly became a frustrating night for Dallas.
The Cowboys struggled to consistently stop New York's offense, while the Giants controlled the clock, converted key third downs and repeatedly extended drives. New York finished with 394 total yards compared with Dallas' 244 and held the ball for 36 minutes and 40 seconds, compared with just 23:20 for the Cowboys.
At the center of the Giants' performance was quarterback Jaxson Dart, who looked remarkably composed in his season-opening performance.
Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, while adding 54 rushing yards.
For Dallas, Dak Prescott finished with 175 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
The Cowboys fought back twice, but New York's ability to control possession ultimately prevented Dallas from completing the comeback.
Cowboys vs Giants Score by Quarter
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 0 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 20 |
| New York Giants | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
The Giants scored touchdowns in every quarter.
Dallas, meanwhile, managed only one touchdown in the first three quarters before adding another late in the fourth.
Jaxson Dart Announces Himself in Giants Debut
If there was one player who completely changed the conversation surrounding this game, it was Jaxson Dart.
The Giants quarterback didn't play like someone overwhelmed by his first season opener.
He completed 79.3% of his passes, throwing for 230 yards and three touchdowns while avoiding an interception. He also added 54 yards on the ground.
More importantly, Dart repeatedly made the right decision when Dallas' defense tried to pressure him.
His ability to extend plays with his legs created another problem for the Cowboys, and his rushing ability helped New York maintain possession.
The result?
A Giants offense that consistently stayed ahead of the chains and forced Dallas to spend long stretches on defense.
Jaxson Dart Week 1 Stats
| Category | Jaxson Dart |
|---|---|
| Passing | 23/29 |
| Passing Yards | 230 |
| Passing TDs | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Completion Rate | 79.3% |
| Rushing Yards | 54 |
| Passer Rating | 134.2 |
That is one heck of a way to start a season.
Isaiah Likely Was a Nightmare for the Cowboys Defense
Dart wasn't doing it alone.
Isaiah Likely became one of the biggest matchup problems of the night, catching 8 passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
The Cowboys repeatedly struggled to keep him covered.
His first touchdown came late in the second quarter and gave New York a 14-7 halftime lead.
Then, early in the third quarter, Dart found Likely again for a two-yard touchdown that pushed the Giants ahead 21-7.
That second score was particularly important because it showed how difficult it was becoming for Dallas to get New York's offense off the field.
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys Offense Struggled to Find Rhythm
Dak Prescott wasn't terrible, but Dallas needed much more from its offense.
Prescott finished with:
- 175 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 64.7% completion rate
- 84.8 passer rating
His touchdown connection with CeeDee Lamb tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter. Later, Prescott found Javonte Williams for a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
But the biggest problem was consistency.
Dallas generated only 244 total yards, compared with 394 for New York.
The Cowboys also averaged only 3.8 yards per rushing attempt, with Javonte Williams finishing with 41 rushing yards.
Against an opponent that was controlling possession, Dallas simply didn't have enough offensive opportunities.
Cowboys' Defense Was the Biggest Problem
This might be the most concerning takeaway for Dallas.
The Cowboys revamped their defense during the offseason, but the unit looked out of sync against the Giants.
New York produced:
394 total yards
while Dallas managed:
244 total yards
The Giants also dominated possession:
36:40 → Giants
23:20 → Cowboys
That difference matters.
When one team controls the football for more than 36 minutes, the opposing defense eventually gets worn down.
And that's essentially what happened.
Dallas had difficulty getting off the field, while New York repeatedly extended drives and converted crucial situations.
The Giants ultimately converted 9 of 11 third-down attempts, according to ESPN's postgame coverage.
That's a massive problem for a Cowboys defense that entered the season under significant scrutiny.
The Turning Point: Dak Prescott's Interception
One of the biggest momentum swings came just before halftime.
Dallas had already tied the game at 7-7 and appeared capable of taking control.
Then Prescott was pressured and attempted to throw the ball away while scrambling.
Instead, the pass was intercepted by Jevon Holland.
New York immediately capitalized.
The Giants moved down the field, and Dart found Likely for a 15-yard touchdown with just 20 seconds remaining in the half.
Instead of potentially entering halftime tied or ahead, Dallas went into the locker room trailing 14-7.
That was a huge swing.
Giants Pull Away in the Third Quarter
The Giants received the ball to begin the second half and immediately delivered another long scoring drive.
Dart completed all five of his passes during the 12-play, 74-yard drive, finishing it with another touchdown pass to Likely.
Suddenly:
Giants 21, Cowboys 7.
Dallas responded with a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive of its own.
Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens during the drive before Javonte Williams punched the ball into the end zone.
The score was now:
Giants 21, Cowboys 14.
But Dallas still couldn't get the defensive stop it desperately needed.
Devin Singletary Gives Giants Two-Score Lead
New York responded with another long drive in the fourth quarter.
This time, Devin Singletary finished the possession with a nine-yard touchdown reception from Dart.
The Giants were back in front:
Giants 28, Cowboys 14
And worse for Dallas, New York continued eating clock.
That forced the Cowboys into a difficult situation: score quickly and hope the defense could somehow get the ball back.
Javonte Williams Scores Again — But Cowboys Miss the Extra Point
Dallas did manage to respond.
Prescott found Javonte Williams for a 17-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to eight.
But then came one of the strangest and most costly moments of the game.
Williams was flagged for taunting while heading toward the end zone.
The penalty moved the extra-point attempt back, and Brandon Aubrey missed the resulting kick.
Instead of making it a one-score game where a field goal could potentially tie it, Dallas remained down 28-20.
And then the Giants did something even more painful for Cowboys fans:
They simply kept the ball.
New York ran out the final 5:16 of the game, never giving Dallas another offensive possession.
Game over.
Cowboys vs Giants Key Player Stats
Dallas Cowboys
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Dak Prescott | 175 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| Javonte Williams | 41 rush yards, 1 rush TD, 1 receiving TD |
| CeeDee Lamb | 1 receiving TD |
| Brandon Aubrey | 2/3 FG, 2/3 XP |
New York Giants
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Jaxson Dart | 230 pass yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 54 rush yards |
| Isaiah Likely | 8 receptions, 78 yards, 2 TD |
| Cam Skattebo | 81 rush yards, 1 TD |
| Devin Singletary | 1 receiving TD |
What Went Wrong for the Cowboys?
There wasn't just one problem.
1. Dallas couldn't stop the Giants on third down
New York repeatedly extended drives, keeping the Cowboys defense on the field.
2. The Giants controlled possession
The 36:40–23:20 possession advantage tells the story.
3. Dallas couldn't generate enough total offense
The Cowboys finished with only 244 yards.
4. Prescott's interception came at a terrible time
The late-second-quarter turnover directly helped New York take a 14-7 lead.
5. The defense couldn't contain Jaxson Dart
Dart looked comfortable passing and running.
6. Penalties and mistakes hurt Dallas
The Williams taunting penalty was especially costly because it contributed to the missed extra point.
Should Cowboys Fans Be Worried After Week 1?
It's too early to panic — but there are legitimate reasons for concern.
One game doesn't determine a 17-game NFL season.
But Dallas' biggest weaknesses from this game are also areas that can become recurring problems if they aren't fixed.
The Cowboys revamped their defense specifically to improve after previous struggles.
Instead, the Giants moved the ball effectively, controlled the clock and repeatedly converted third downs.
That doesn't mean Dallas is doomed.
It does mean the defense has a lot to clean up before Week 2.
What Does the Cowboys Loss Mean for Dallas' Season?
The good news for Dallas is that it's only Week 1.
The Cowboys still have plenty of time to correct mistakes.
The offense showed signs of life in the second half, scoring touchdowns on both of its possessions.
Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams, while the offense moved the ball much better after halftime.
The bigger question is whether Dallas can get its defense organized quickly.
Because if opponents can consistently dominate time of possession against the Cowboys, Dallas will put enormous pressure on its offense every week.
Giants Begin the John Harbaugh Era With a Statement Win
For New York, this couldn't have gone much better.
John Harbaugh began his Giants tenure with a win over one of the franchise's biggest rivals.
Jaxson Dart looked confident.
Isaiah Likely became a major weapon.
Cam Skattebo returned from injury and scored.
The Giants controlled the line of scrimmage and dictated the pace of the game.
And perhaps most importantly, New York didn't collapse when Dallas made its second-half push.
The Giants simply took the ball back and closed the game.
Cowboys vs Giants: Biggest Takeaways
⭐ Winner: Jaxson Dart
The rookie quarterback looked composed and efficient.
⭐ Offensive MVP: Isaiah Likely
Two touchdowns and eight catches made him one of the game's biggest difference-makers.
⚠️ Biggest Cowboys concern: Defense
Allowing 394 yards while losing the possession battle this badly is a major warning sign.
⚠️ Biggest Dallas mistake: Late second-quarter interception
That turnover helped swing momentum toward New York.
🔥 Biggest Giants statement
New York didn't just win.
The Giants controlled the game.
Cowboys vs Giants FAQ
What was the Cowboys vs Giants final score?
The New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Who won Cowboys vs Giants?
The New York Giants won the game 28-20.
How did Jaxson Dart play against the Cowboys?
Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 54 yards.
How many touchdowns did Dak Prescott throw?
Dak Prescott threw two touchdown passes against the Giants and also had one interception.
How many yards did Dak Prescott throw for?
Prescott finished with 175 passing yards.
Who caught Jaxson Dart's touchdowns?
Isaiah Likely caught two touchdown passes, while Devin Singletary caught another.
What was the Cowboys' biggest problem?
Dallas struggled to stop New York's offense and lost the time-of-possession battle 36:40 to 23:20.
Are the Cowboys eliminated from playoff contention?
No. This was only Week 1. Dallas is 0-1, but the season is still in its early stages.
Final Takeaway
The 28-20 Cowboys loss to the Giants was more than just a bad opening-night result.
For New York, it was the perfect start to the John Harbaugh era and a breakout moment for Jaxson Dart.
For Dallas, it exposed several questions that need answers quickly.
The Cowboys' offense eventually found its rhythm, but the defense couldn't consistently get off the field. New York controlled possession, moved the ball efficiently and made enough big plays to protect its lead.
The biggest number might not even be the final score.
It could be 36:40.
That's how long the Giants controlled the football.
If Dallas wants to turn the season around, getting its defense off the field has to be near the top of the list.
Week 1 belongs to the Giants. The ys now have to show whether this was simply a bad night — or a sign of a much bigger problem.
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