An optimistic perspective about the Cowboys’ season-opening loss to the Giants was that Dallas had opportunities to win on the road and recovered just one of four Giants fumbles in a one-possession game.
It is far easier to be pessimistic — or rather, realistic.
The Dallas defense did not allow 59 points, as the Panthers did earlier today, but the Cowboys did not stop any of New York’s three second-half drives and allowed the Giants to control possession for 21 minutes and 33 seconds (of a possible 30 minutes) in the second half.
Jaxson Dart threw for three touchdowns, and the Giants accomplished their goals in running the football and getting Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely going in the passing game.
The Giants converted nine of 11 third downs and recorded 394 yards of total offense.
The Cowboys’ offense was not a silver lining. Dak Prescott threw an uncharacteristic interception that allowed the Giants a chance to take a halftime lead, George Pickens struggled through drops and the Cowboys managed a mere 69 yards on the ground. The Giants’ penalties masked a Cowboys offensive performance that was well below standard.
Even kicker Brandon Aubrey missed an extra point, albeit a longer one due to a Javonte Williams taunting penalty.
Dallas will need a lot of growth to become a playoff team. The Cowboys certainly are not one right now.