Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) sported a NYPD hat for the commemorative 9/11 coin toss before facing the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) sported a NYPD hat for the commemorative 9/11 coin toss before facing the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — If you thought this Cowboys team would be different, you’re not alone. Just go back to the start of training camp for an example. 

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said early in camp that he had a shirt in his closet that had been there for years without being worn. It was a commemorative Super Bowl T-shirt from the last time the Cowboys won it all in 1995. Since then the Cowboys have been trying, and failing, to get back to that point. For some reason, Prescott, now in his 11th season as the team’s starting quarterback, decided to wear that shirt on the way to training camp. 

“It just felt right,” Prescott said. 

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Other confident examples flowed in, leading many to believe that this Cowboys’ team — with an overhauled defense and an offense with aspirations to be the best in the NFL — could be different. 

Now, after the 28-20 season-opening loss to the New York Giants on Sunday, it’s on the Cowboys to earn that belief back. 

“I thought overall, we were really, as a football team… pretty poor,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “Give coach [John] Harbaugh and his team a bunch of credit. They were the more physical team tonight. That’s certainly not our standard. That’s certainly not how we see our identity playing.”

And it’s not how many saw this season opener playing out. The physicality from the Giants was noticeable on both sides of the ball. Giants running back Cam Skattebo bludgeoned the Cowboys’ defense, wearing them down like an axe to an oak tree. The Giants’ defensive front, even without former defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, stopped a Cowboys running game that excelled last season. And when they weren’t stopping the run they were putting pressure on Prescott. He wasn’t sacked on the night, but that was more about quick decisions or his ability to escape the pocket. 

Prescott finished 22-of-34 for 175 yards two touchdowns and an interception. Cowboys receivers also had multiple drops, including George Pickens, who had two in his season debut. 

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Overall, Sunday’s season opener provided plenty of room for improvement for a team that had higher expectations. 

“Loss is a loss,” said Cowboys outside linebacker Von Miller. “But we’ll get back in the lab and get ready for the Commanders.”

The loss also sparked plenty of questions about the team’s future. Cowboys outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was asked after the game what his message might be to fans who were frustrated. 

“First game of the year,” said Ezeiruaku, who had a team-high 10 tackles, two quarterback hits, a half a sack and a forced fumble. “We’re on a mission. We have to go get things cleaned up, but we will get things cleaned up.”

New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely (9) catches a wide open second quarter touchdown ion the end zone as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters (53) gives chance during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely (9) catches a wide open second quarter touchdown ion the end zone as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters (53) gives chance during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) walks off the field following their loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) walks off the field following their loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker walks to the locker room following their loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker walks to the locker room following their loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) greeted one another following their game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) greeted one another following their game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) greeted one another following their game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) greeted one another following their game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys fans can only watch as the New York Giants control the ball in the final minutes of their loos at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys fans can only watch as the New York Giants control the ball in the final minutes of their loos at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) and his offensive teammates watch as the New York Giants control the ball in the final minutes of the game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) and his offensive teammates watch as the New York Giants control the ball in the final minutes of the game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) taunts New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin (27) as he trotted in the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Williams was flagged for taunting. The extra long extra point missed.

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) taunts New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin (27) as he trotted in the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Williams was flagged for taunting. The extra long extra point missed.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) taunts New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin (27) as he trotted in the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Williams was flagged for taunting. The extra long extra point missed.

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) taunts New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin (27) as he trotted in the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Williams was flagged for taunting. The extra long extra point missed.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsNew York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo (21) reaches back for a Dak Prescott pass as Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) was out of position during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

New York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo (21) reaches back for a Dak Prescott pass as Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) was out of position during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsNew York Giants wide receiver Darnell Mooney (17) congratulates teammate Devin Singletary (26) who scored a fourth quarter touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

New York Giants wide receiver Darnell Mooney (17) congratulates teammate Devin Singletary (26) who scored a fourth quarter touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsNew York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) breezes into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown against Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaishawn Barham (55) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.3

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) breezes into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown against Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaishawn Barham (55) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.3

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsNew York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) breezes into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) breezes into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsNew York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) recovers his own fuel in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) recovers his own fuel in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) is wrapped up short of the goal line by New York Giants linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) is wrapped up short of the goal line by New York Giants linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) is tackled at the ankle by New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) is tackled at the ankle by New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (2) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (2) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsNew York Giants safety Jevon Holland (8) makes a second quarter interceptions as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott attempted to throw it out of bounds at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

New York Giants safety Jevon Holland (8) makes a second quarter interceptions as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott attempted to throw it out of bounds at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a second quarter interception as he attempted to throw it out of bounds against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. New York Giants safety Jevon Holland made the interception.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a second quarter interception as he attempted to throw it out of bounds against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. New York Giants safety Jevon Holland made the interception.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (28) celebrates his second quarter fumble recovery with inebacker Von Miller (40) after New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s (29) lost the ball at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The ball was knocked out by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (28) celebrates his second quarter fumble recovery with inebacker Von Miller (40) after New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s (29) lost the ball at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The ball was knocked out by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (28) recovers a fumble by New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s (29) in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The ball was knocked out by Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (28) recovers a fumble by New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s (29) in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The ball was knocked out by Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (behind) knocked the ball from New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s (29) into the hands of Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (28) for a second quarter fumble at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (behind) knocked the ball from New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s (29) into the hands of Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (28) for a second quarter fumble at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (behind) knocks the ball from New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s (29) hands for a second quarter fumble at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The ball was recovered by Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (behind) knocks the ball from New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s (29) hands for a second quarter fumble at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The ball was recovered by Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker walks the sideline during the second quarter of the New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker walks the sideline during the second quarter of the New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker walks the sideline during the second quarter of the New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker walks the sideline during the second quarter of the New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsNew York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is sent flying as he’s hit by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) during a second quarter pass attempt at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is sent flying as he’s hit by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) during a second quarter pass attempt at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) avoids the sack attempt by New York Giants defensive end Chauncey Golston (57) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) avoids the sack attempt by New York Giants defensive end Chauncey Golston (57) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a leaping catch in front of New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a leaping catch in front of New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a leaping catch in front of New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a leaping catch in front of New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a leaping catch in front of New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a leaping catch in front of New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsNew York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) celebrates his first quarter stop of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) with teammates Deonte Banks (2) and Jevon Holland (8) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) celebrates his first quarter stop of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) with teammates Deonte Banks (2) and Jevon Holland (8) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) tries to turn the corner on New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) after taking a handoff from Dak Prescott during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) tries to turn the corner on New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) after taking a handoff from Dak Prescott during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) yells after the national anthem and fireworks over MetLife Stadium explode in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants paid tribute to September as the country honored those on the 25th anniversary.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) yells after the national anthem and fireworks over MetLife Stadium explode in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants paid tribute to September as the country honored those on the 25th anniversary.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsA football field sized U.S. flag is unfurled as a Tribute in Light, two powerful vertical columns of light representing the fallen Twin Towers, shines into the night sky before the New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants honored the fallen September 11th victims during a pregame ceremony on the 25th anniversary.

A football field sized U.S. flag is unfurled as a Tribute in Light, two powerful vertical columns of light representing the fallen Twin Towers, shines into the night sky before the New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants honored the fallen September 11th victims during a pregame ceremony on the 25th anniversary.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsA Tribute in Light, two powerful vertical columns of light, representing the fallen Twin Towers, shines above Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer (left) as the team held the field-sized U.S. flag during the national anthem at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants honored the fallen during a pregame ceremony.

A Tribute in Light, two powerful vertical columns of light, representing the fallen Twin Towers, shines above Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer (left) as the team held the field-sized U.S. flag during the national anthem at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants honored the fallen during a pregame ceremony.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsA Tribute in Light, two powerful vertical columns of light, representing the fallen Twin Towers, shines above Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer (left) as the team held the field-sized U.S. flag during the national anthem at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants honored the fallen during a pregame ceremony.

A Tribute in Light, two powerful vertical columns of light, representing the fallen Twin Towers, shines above Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer (left) as the team held the field-sized U.S. flag during the national anthem at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants honored the fallen during a pregame ceremony.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsA Tribute in Light, two powerful vertical columns of light representing the fallen Twin Towers, shines above Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (left) and head coach Brian Schottenheimer as the team held the field-sized U.S. flag during the national anthem at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants honored the fallen during a pregame ceremony on the 25th anniversary of September 11th.

A Tribute in Light, two powerful vertical columns of light representing the fallen Twin Towers, shines above Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (left) and head coach Brian Schottenheimer as the team held the field-sized U.S. flag during the national anthem at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The New York Giants honored the fallen during a pregame ceremony on the 25th anniversary of September 11th.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88), rookie safety Caleb Downs (13), head coach Brian Schottenheimer and running back Jaydon Blue (23) wait for the New York Giants to be introduced at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Downs is making his first start as a Cowboy,

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88), rookie safety Caleb Downs (13), head coach Brian Schottenheimer and running back Jaydon Blue (23) wait for the New York Giants to be introduced at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Downs is making his first start as a Cowboy,

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) and rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) wait for the New York Giants to be introduced at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Downs is making his first start as a Cowboy,

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) and rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) wait for the New York Giants to be introduced at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Downs is making his first start as a Cowboy,

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88), rookie safety Caleb Downs (13), head coach Brian Schottenheimer and running back Jaydon Blue (23) watch as the New York Giants are introduced at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Downs is making his first start as a Cowboy,

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88), rookie safety Caleb Downs (13), head coach Brian Schottenheimer and running back Jaydon Blue (23) watch as the New York Giants are introduced at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. Downs is making his first start as a Cowboy,

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsThe Dallas Cowboys take the field to face the New York Giants in the season opener at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

The Dallas Cowboys take the field to face the New York Giants in the season opener at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws during pregame warmups at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws during pregame warmups at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive back Malik Hooker (24) gives head coach Brian Schottenheimer who wears an FDNY hat in remembrance of 9/11 during pregame warmups at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Malik Hooker (24) gives head coach Brian Schottenheimer who wears an FDNY hat in remembrance of 9/11 during pregame warmups at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs (13) wears his debut patch on his jersey during pregame warmups at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The Cowboys face the New York Giants.

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs (13) wears his debut patch on his jersey during pregame warmups at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026. The Cowboys face the New York Giants.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys fan Luis Castejon takes bite of the spicy dog as he tailgates with friends in the parking lot of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys fan Luis Castejon takes bite of the spicy dog as he tailgates with friends in the parking lot of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys fans of Clifton, New Jersey tailgate outside of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys fans of Clifton, New Jersey tailgate outside of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys fan David Dudis (left) of Wethersfield, Connecticut visits with this New York Giants friend Andrew Ruocco of Rocky Hill CT as they tailgate outside of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys fan David Dudis (left) of Wethersfield, Connecticut visits with this New York Giants friend Andrew Ruocco of Rocky Hill CT as they tailgate outside of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys fan David Dudis (center) of Wethersfield, Connecticut visits with New York Giants friend as they tailgate outside of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys fan David Dudis (center) of Wethersfield, Connecticut visits with New York Giants friend as they tailgate outside of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys fans Joe Whiston (left) of Massapequa, New Jersey and cousin Ryan Whiston play football in the parking lot of MetLife Stadium before the Cowboys face the Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys fans Joe Whiston (left) of Massapequa, New Jersey and cousin Ryan Whiston play football in the parking lot of MetLife Stadium before the Cowboys face the Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys fans Joe Whiston (left) of Massapequa, New Jersey and cousin Ryan Whiston play football in the parking lot of MetLife Stadium before the Cowboys face the Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys fans Joe Whiston (left) of Massapequa, New Jersey and cousin Ryan Whiston play football in the parking lot of MetLife Stadium before the Cowboys face the Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 13, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

The Cowboys have made that mission clear over the offseason. Ask Schottenheimer the date of the Super Bowl and he can tell you, quickly, that it’s Valentine’s Day in 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

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“And we plan on being there,” he said earlier this offseason. 

That championship talk persisted. Prescott said in an interview on “Up and Adams Show with Kay Adams” during training camp that multiple players, including Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams — all members of the team’s leadership council — have also discussed the Super Bowl. 

“To hear them speak about it, to hear them break down [the team] and use those words, it just lets you know that I’m not just trying to manifest it myself,” Prescott said in the interview. “it’s an energy about what the players feel — an energy about the organization.”

It’s understandable, then, that fans felt it too. It’s also understandable if they’re questioning that feeling after the season-opening loss. 

Prescott said the Cowboys won’t let the performance against the Giants shake their confidence, however. 

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“I know the way that we approach things,” Prescott said. “I know our routine. I know our standard. I know the way we practice is the right way. My echoing [to younger teammates] is don’t change, don’t flinch. Don’t blink. This is a long year. We have to stick together and we’re hanging our hat on our brotherhood, and that’s what we believe we are. There’s no better time to show it after a loss.”

Maybe then fans will start believing again, too.

How do you grade the Cowboys’ loss to the Giants?

The Cowboys lost 28-20 to the Giants in Sunday’s season opener. Tell us your letter grade.