Dallas opened the 2026 NFL season with a 28-20 defeat against the New York Giants, as the Cowboys were penalized eight times for 85 yards. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team fell short of its standard and described the result as a humbling experience after an unsuccessful start on offense and defense.
Rookie Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart completed passes for 230 yards and added 54 yards on the ground. Dallas struggled when Dart left the pocket, allowing him to prolong plays and gain more space. The Cowboys entered the season with new defensive personnel after giving up an NFL-high 30.1 points per game in 2025.
Dak Prescott finished 22 of 34 for 175 yards and threw scoring passes to CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams. Williams also ran for a touchdown, but a taunting penalty against him after that score pushed Brandon Aubrey's extra-point kick to a more distant spot from the uprights. Schottenheimer took responsibility for the penalties, saying the coaching staff and players shared ownership of the errors.
He said Dallas must improve its coaching and that younger players need to develop quickly. The Cowboys will host Washington next Sunday, with no additional preparation details provided.
