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.

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 News

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Change the players. Change the scheme. Same result.

That’s the best way to describe the new-look Cowboys defense after a 28-20 season-opening loss to the New York Giants on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium.

“So this is a humbling business, and we got humbled tonight and that’s what I told the guys,” coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “And we lost Mile 1 of a 17-mile marathon and we have to be better. We will be better.”

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The new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, was prepared but didn’t get the desired result. Some new faces had minimal impact and made key mistakes, while some old faces committed costly penalties.

When the Giants sealed the game in the fourth quarter, the NY offense ran eight consecutive plays to the left side, with six swing passes, to go ahead by two scores.

And after the Cowboys’ offense cut the deficit to eight, the defense failed to get the ball back. The defense gave up a 12-yard play on a third-and-9.

On a second-and-16, running back Cam Skattebo picked up 13 yards. Faced with a third-and-3, tight end Isaiah Likely, who played like Odell Beckham Jr. with a game-high eight catches for 78 yards and two scores, schooled rookie safety Caleb Downs for a 3-yard reception.

Likely lined up next to Malik Nabers (six catches for 69 yards) and started his route to the inside, but moved back toward the middle of the field.

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Likely’s route gave him the needed space to catch the ball.

That catch wasn’t the game, just the clincher. There were many other problems with the Cowboys’ defense.

The lack of a consistent pass rush was evident as quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards with three touchdowns. He was sacked twice and hit six times. But there were times he had too much time to get the ball downfield.

Third down was especially difficult for the Cowboys to handle. The Giants converted nine of 11 third-down plays, went 4-of-4 in the red zone and scored on four of seven possessions. At one point, the Giants scored on three consecutive possessions.

Everything that was hyped about the Cowboys’ defense — sacks (two), creating turnovers (one) and creating havoc (not much) — didn’t disturb the Giants.

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“I think we got a lot of third downs today and we didn’t get off the field, a bunch of them,” said defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who forced a fumble. “We got to be critical with our approach this week and it’s a great week to learn and get things better. The guys we got in our locker room, especially on defense, the guys we got in our locker room is unbelievable when it comes down to taking constructive criticism and taking accountability.”

One of the more critical moments of the game came on the next-to-last drive for the Giants. The 13-play, 70-yard drive ended with a pass toward the left side of the field, a Dart 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Devin Singletary.

The Giants directed plays to the left side of the field, the flat, with impunity. 

The adjustments just weren’t made, whether it was by Parker with personnel, play call or the players on the field stopping it.

“Yeah, it was a lot of bad eyes,” Schottenheimer said. “When you’re playing some of those match coverage zones, you got to see who number three is. And again, I think it’s really something that we could have gotten corrected better, should have. That’s our job as coaches to put those guys in better position. And it goes with us and the coaches and players.”

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Schottenheimer isn’t one to make excuses, and he didn’t with some of his players who committed mistakes in critical moments.

Rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham committed a neutral zone infraction on a third-and-1. Veteran middle linebacker DeMarvion Overshown hit Dart out of bounds following a first-down run for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty. Williams, a veteran, was flagged for offside on a second-and-1.

Dart, who ran for 49 yards, drew a facemask penalty on Donovan Ezeiruaku.

“I mean, penalties kill your ability to win, especially the self-inflicted wounds,” Schottenheimer said. “We jumped offsides a couple times in short-yardage situations, which we gave them free downs, if you will. That led to sustained drives. It led to them, again, controlling the football, but it comes down to discipline and we’re more disciplined than the way we played tonight. And again, we did not play well enough.”

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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 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 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 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