Aaron Rodgers may have passed ownership of the Chicago Bears to Jordan Love, but Dak Prescott still firmly owns the New York Giants.
Prescott on Thursday won his 13th consecutive start against the Giants, a 20-15 victory that may have left more questions than answers. Nonetheless, it was an NFC East win on the road in a short week, and Dallas will take it.
And after the game, Prescott was sure to remind America’s Team that regardless of what America says, a win is a win.
“We got to continue to be pros,” said Prescott, courtesy of Jon Machota from The Athletic. “That’s not done when you get a win. We’re not going to get overexcited. Hopefully the guys don’t listen to anything being written now, good or bad. It’s about focusing on this process. We were able to get a win tonight, puts us at 2-2.”
There was plenty of good. Not only did the Cowboys respond on just three days of rest after an immensely physical loss to the Ravens last week, they also answered critics of their defense. Dallas entered the week giving up the most points in the NFL (29.7), but didn’t give up a touchdown Thursday, including two trips inside the red zone. Mike Zimmer’s unit, which had been porous on the ground this season, also allowed only 26 yards rushing.
But there was plenty of bad, too. Prescott, who was 22 of 27 for 251 yards and two touchdowns playing with two rookie starters on his offensive line, struggled most of the second half. After a stellar first two quarters (14 of 16, 164 yards, both touchdowns), he threw for just 87 after halftime. CeeDee Lamb had seven catches for 98 yards – including a 55-yard touchdown — but just one reception in that second half.
The Cowboys’ defense also overcame some key injuries. Linebacker Micah Parsons left early in the second quarter when referee Clay Martin noticed something and escorted him off the field. After time in the blue medical tent, he returned with what the team called neck soreness but didn’t finish the game with a foot injury. The team is awaiting results of an MRI. Then, defensive tackle DeMarcus Lawrence sustained a foot injury and didn’t play after halftime.
Still, the Dallas defense rose to the occasion. After Malik Nabers embarrassed Andrew Booth on a 39-yard reception in the first quarter. The phenomenal rookie receiver had 12 catches for 115 yards but Dallas held New York to five field goals.
And after Brandon Aubrey missed a 51-yard field goal with 28 seconds remaining in regulation, giving the Giants possession at their own 41-yard line, the Dallas defense stepped up again. Amani Oruwariye intercepted Daniel Jones to ice the win. Now, the real test begins. After extended rest, Dallas is at Pittsburgh (3-0), home against Detroit (1-2) and, after a bye week, at San Francisco (1-2).