In an old-fashioned NFC East clash under the Thursday night lights at MetLife Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys managed a 20-15 victory over the New York Giants. Dallas improved their record to 2-2 while the Giants slipped to 1-3. The field was littered with flags as the two teams combined for 15 penalties, 11 of which were on the Cowboys.

The Cowboys looked good offensively on two early touchdown drives, going up 14-6. Things weren’t quite as smooth after that, as the Cowboys went 3 for 10 on third downs. Despite their offensive struggles in the second half, the Cowboys managed to add field goals and create stops on defense to secure the game.

Cowboys Defense Shines

The Cowboys used a “Bend don’t Break” defensive strategy to kept the Giants out of the end zone, limiting them to five field goals by Greg Joseph. This defensive strategy paid off despite the Giants controlling the ball for over 35 minutes. The Cowboys held the Giants to just 27 yards rushing. The Cowboys came into the game allowing the most rushing yards in the NFL, they made a statement Thursday. With Da’Ron Bland and Caelen Carson sidelined by injuries, their option was practice squad elevation Amani Oruwariye. Oruwariye stepped up making a tackle for loss and an interception off of Daniel Jones late to seal the game.

Key Statistics:

• Dak Prescott was very efficient going 22 for 27 with 221 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• CeeDee Lamb broke free for a 55-yard touchdown, finishing with 7 catches for 98 yards.
• Rico Dowdle made a nice play on a 15-yard pass, scoring a touchdown. He finished with 11 caries and 46 yards rushing.
• Brandon Aubrey booted a 60 yard field goal, made a 40 yarder, but missed late from 51.
• Cooper Beebe vs Dexter Lawrence (per PFF). 22 pass blocking snaps with 0 pressures allowed.
• Greg Joseph of the Giants kicked field goals from 52, 41, 38, 22, and 42 yards.
• Daniel Jones finished 29/40 for 281 yards and one game-sealing interception.

Some Injury Concerns

The victory came with concerns as key players on both sides suffered injuries. Micah Parsons of the Cowboys left the game with what appeared to be a leg injury. X-rays after the game were negative and pending an MRI, he hopes to avoid missing time. DeMarcus Lawrence also exited early with a foot issue, he assured reporters after the game that he’s fine. For the Giants, rookie Malik Nabers sustained a concussion late in the game and will enter concussion protocol.

Next Up for Both Teams

The advantage to playing a Thursday night game is now both teams will enjoy a 10-day rest before taking the field again. The Cowboys have a date with the 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday night. The Giants head to Seattle to face the surprise 3-0 Seahawks next Sunday afternoon.

Photos courtesy of AP, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, Dallas Morning News. 

“Cowboy Regg” – Co-Host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast. The podcast is available on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify.

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