The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys delivered one of the most dramatic games of the season when they clashed at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Both teams entered the contest with 0–1 records, desperate to secure their first win and avoid falling into a tough early-season hole. What unfolded was a thrilling back-and-forth battle filled with momentum swings, penalties, clutch plays, and a nerve-shattering overtime finish.
From rookie breakouts to veteran heroics, this matchup had everything NFL fans crave. Below is a complete recap and a detailed player stats breakdown by position.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
Strong Giants Start — but Penalties Hurt
The Giants opened the game with confidence, producing long drives that pushed deep into Cowboys territory. Those early drives resulted in two field goals in the first quarter, giving New York a steady lead.
However, their biggest enemy early on was not Dallas—it was penalties. The Giants’ offense and defense surrendered valuable yards, killing momentum and extending Cowboys drives. By the end of the game, New York was flagged 14 times for 160 yards, a staggering total that kept them from pulling away.
Cowboys Answer Back
Dallas found their rhythm when they tied the game with a decisive touchdown run, shifting momentum in their favor. While they struggled at times with their own mistakes—finishing with 12 penalties for 106 yards—they capitalized when it mattered most.
Fourth Quarter Chaos and Stunning Late-Game Drama
Just when fans thought the pace might slow down, the fourth quarter exploded with scoring.
Cam Skattebo’s First NFL Touchdown
Giants rookie Cam Skattebo made a memorable moment by scoring the first touchdown of his NFL career. His powerful running and ability to find seams energized the Giants and temporarily swung the score in their favor.
Miles Sanders Answers Immediately
The Cowboys responded quickly, as veteran running back Miles Sanders muscled in for a touchdown run that reclaimed the lead for Dallas.
Russell Wilson Delivers on Fourth Down
In one of the most clutch moments of the game, Russell Wilson launched a 32-yard touchdown pass to Wan’Dale Robinson on fourth down. The play stunned the stadium and put the Giants back in front with little time left.
Dak Prescott Strikes Back
Not to be outdone, Dak Prescott marched the Cowboys downfield and connected with George Pickens for a late touchdown. It looked like Dallas had sealed the win — until one final twist.
Brandon Aubrey Forces Overtime
With time expiring, kicker Brandon Aubrey drilled a 64-yard field goal, tying the game and sending it to overtime. The stadium erupted, realizing they were witnessing a classic.
Overtime: The Cowboys Seal It
Overtime belonged to the Cowboys. Safety Donovan Wilson delivered a crushing blow by intercepting a pass deep in Giants territory. Moments later, Aubrey—already the hero—knocked through a 46-yard field goal to win the game.
The Cowboys completed their comeback, while the Giants were left to reflect on penalties, missed opportunities, and the brilliance of their rookies.
New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys: Player Stats by Position
Below is a clear, organized breakdown of individual performances. These stats help tell the story behind the game’s dramatic swings.
Quarterbacks
New York Giants – Russell Wilson
- Completions/Attempts: 24/38
- Passing Yards: 287
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 2
- Rushing Yards: 22
Wilson mixed veteran poise with risky throws. His 32-yard fourth-down touchdown was a signature moment, but late-game turnovers—including the overtime interception—proved costly.
Dallas Cowboys – Dak Prescott
- Completions/Attempts: 27/41
- Passing Yards: 301
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 0
Prescott was steady throughout, spreading the ball efficiently and hitting Pickens on a crucial late-game drive.
Running Backs
New York Giants – Cam Skattebo
- Carries: 14
- Rushing Yards: 63
- Touchdowns: 1
The rookie showed excellent vision and burst, earning his first NFL touchdown in a breakthrough performance.
Dallas Cowboys – Miles Sanders
- Carries: 18
- Rushing Yards: 78
- Touchdowns: 1
Sanders’ physical running kept Dallas balanced and his fourth-quarter touchdown was critical.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
New York Giants
Wan’Dale Robinson
- Receptions: 7
- Receiving Yards: 112
- Touchdowns: 1
Robinson was explosive all night, creating separation and making clutch grabs, including the deep fourth-down touchdown.
Darius Slayton
- Receptions: 4
- Receiving Yards: 57
Provided reliable chain-moving plays.
Tight End – Darren Waller
- Receptions: 5
- Receiving Yards: 48
Waller was a steady option in the middle of the field.
Dallas Cowboys
George Pickens
- Receptions: 6
- Receiving Yards: 96
- Touchdowns: 1
Pickens’ late touchdown was the spark Dallas needed.
Brandin Cooks
- Receptions: 5
- Receiving Yards: 61
Offered dependable veteran production.
Jake Ferguson (TE)
- Receptions: 4
- Receiving Yards: 47
Contributed in key third-down situations.
Defense
New York Giants
Bobby Okereke – LB
- Tackles: 12
- Sacks: 1
A force in the middle, constantly disrupting Dallas’ run game.
Kayvon Thibodeaux – EDGE
- Tackles: 6
- Sacks: 1
Applied pressure but struggled to contain late-game momentum.
Dallas Cowboys
Donovan Wilson – S
- Tackles: 7
- Interceptions: 1
His overtime interception was the game’s defining defensive moment.
Micah Parsons – EDGE
- Tackles: 8
- Sacks: 1
Parsons was disruptive all night, making life difficult for the Giants offensive line.
Special Teams
New York Giants – Graham Gano
- Field Goals: 2/2
- Longest: 42 yards
Gano delivered early, but the Giants needed touchdowns instead of field goals.
Dallas Cowboys – Brandon Aubrey
- Field Goals: 4/4
- Longest: 64 yards (to force OT)
- Game-Winner: 46 yards
Aubrey was flawless, becoming the unexpected hero of the night.
Conclusion
The Giants vs Cowboys matchup will go down as one of the most thrilling early-season games in recent memory. From rookie highlights and fourth-down miracles to clutch kicking and costly penalties, it had every ingredient of a classic NFL showdown.
