By Alex Al-Kazzaz
A night where nothing went well for Daniel Jones and the New York Giants. Although Jones & Company briefly dominated, it quickly went downhill and the Giants did not recover. The Dallas Cowboys took advantage and did not let up. A final score of 40-0 gave Dallas their first shut-out win since 2017 along with their biggest season-opener win since 1968 and their largest season-opener shut-out since 1978.
On the game's opening drive, the Giants were well on their way to finding the endzone. However, an offensive mishap on a 3rd and 7 at the Dallas 13-yard line turned into a 4th and 21 at the 27-yard line. New York had to settle for a 45-yard field goal attempt, which was blocked by the Dallas special teams and returned for a touchdown. Things immediately went from bad to worse Jones threw a pick-six that gave Dallas a 16-0 lead with two minutes left in the first quarter.
The Dallas defense sacked Jones seven times and managed to force a total of three turnovers, two of which resulted in touchdowns. In addition, they forced the Giants' offense to finish 0-for-2 in the red zone. Jones went 15-for-28 for 104 yards and two interceptions. Saquon Barkley ran the ball 12 times for 51 yards. No offensive production at all for the Giants.
There are some questions surrounding the Dallas offense. Dak Prescott finished 13-for-24 for only 143 yards and zero touchdowns. CeeDee Lamb was able to catch four passes on four targets for 77 yards. Tony Pollard scored Dallas' two offensive touchdowns, finishing the night with 14 carries for 70 yards. A total of 265 offensive yards for Prescott & Company. Prescott's numbers are average at best for this game, but there didn't seem to be any ill effects on the offensive side for Dallas. However, improvements are expected to be made as the season progresses. The defense looks good and they have to keep it up at all costs.
Based on the results of this game, the biggest question is simply this; Is the Cowboys' defense really that good or is the Giants' offense just really that repulsive? That remains to be seen. Interestingly enough, Dallas was able to score 40 points despite having just one offensive play that was over 25 yards. As far as the defense outshining the offense, that was certainly the case last season for the Cowboys. But then again, it's the defense that wins championships, right?
Dallas will welcome Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets to AT&T stadium this week. New York will visit the Arizona Cardinals. Dallas is 0-3 in their last three encounters with the Jets and 1-8 in their last nine encounters with Rodgers! Dallas will look to prove themselves against a Jets team that may very well present itself as a worthy opponent. As far as the Giants go, a loss to Arizona may solidify them as a terrible team.
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