Cowboys trip protection to Thanksgiving win over Giants

ARLINGTON, Texas — For the Dallas Cowboys, Thanksgiving supplied a speck of an opportunity that they might nonetheless salvage their season. For the New York Giants, it was extra of the identical in a misplaced season.

The Cowboys received a house recreation for the primary time in 334 days, beating the Giants 27-20 at AT&T Stadium.

The Cowboys averted their third 0-6 begin to a house season, which might have matched the 2 worst groups in franchise historical past, 1960 and 1989. The Cowboys’ final house win had come Dec. 30, 2023, in opposition to the Detroit Lions, however since then that they had misplaced six straight at AT&T Stadium, together with playoffs, and trailed by at the very least 20 factors in all these video games, an NFL document.

At 5-7, the Cowboys cannot be thought-about playoff contenders simply but, however their subsequent two video games are in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) and Carolina Panthers (3-8). Dallas has received consecutive video games for the second time this season.

Within the third quarter, the Cowboys had their first double-digit house lead at any level since Week 14 final season in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles. Which may not look like a lot till you think about that the Cowboys went undefeated at AT&T Stadium in 2023.

Here is what to know for each groups:

Pivotal play: DeMarvion Overshown modified the tenor of the sport within the second quarter one play after the Cowboys lower the Giants’ result in 7-6 on a area aim. Blitzing from Drew Lock’s proper, Overshown blew up Devin Singletary, then tipped Lock’s throw to the operating again. With out lacking a stride, Overshown returned the interception 23 yards for the Cowboys’ first defensive landing of the season and gave them a lead they’d not relinquish. The Giants didn’t sniff the tip zone till late within the fourth quarter, as Overshown’s play appeared to invigorate the protection.

Promising development: Since making Rico Dowdle the unquestioned lead again, the Cowboys’ run recreation has improved. He grew to become the primary Cowboys operating again with 100 yards in a recreation since Tony Pollard in Week 3, ending a franchise-long 26 recreation streak. A 17-yard run within the fourth quarter put Dowdle over the century mark for the primary time in his profession. He additionally had his first speeding landing of the season and a season-long 22-yard achieve. And he did all this with out two starters on the offensive line for a lot of the recreation (Zack Martin, Tyler Guyton). This got here 4 days after an 86-yard outing in opposition to the Washington Commanders.

Most stunning efficiency: CeeDee Lamb, who entered because the NFL chief in receptions, had extra drops than catches within the first half. He grew to become the primary Cowboy move catcher with at the very least three drops in a half prior to now 15 years, in line with ESPN Analysis. He had two catches for 39 yards within the first half. Lamb noticed his NFL document of 44 consecutive video games with at the very least 4 receptions come to an finish. Lamb had 4 drops within the first 11 video games mixed this season. — Todd Archer

Subsequent recreation: vs. Bengals (8:15 p.m. ET, Dec. 9)

In some way, issues preserve discovering a approach to worsen for the Giants. They had been defeated for a second consecutive week, solely this time it was on nationwide TV throughout Thanksgiving dinner for your complete nation to see in opposition to the division-rival Cowboys.

New York’s offense nonetheless struggled badly with Drew Lock, the workforce’s third beginning quarterback in three video games. The Giants additionally misplaced star defensive sort out Dexter Lawrence II to an elbow damage.

Proprietor John Mara might need given a vote of confidence to educate Brian Daboll and basic supervisor Joe Schoen a bit over a month in the past, however the Giants have not received since and have now dropped seven straight video games. The coach and GM seats are scorching.

QB breakdown: Does it actually matter who’s at quarterback? It was Lock’s activate Thanksgiving to take a beating. Lock completed 21-of-32 passing for 172 yards, together with a fumble and interception returned for a landing, and had 57 speeding yards and a TD on the bottom. He additionally took 13 QB hits and 6 sacks behind a pair of backup tackles. Very similar to the earlier Giants quarterbacks, he did not stand a lot of an opportunity.

Prediction for subsequent week: Tommy DeVito returns because the beginning quarterback. He underwent an MRI on his forearm Wednesday and it got here again clear, in line with a supply. DeVito had a foul bruise. Now, with 10 days till they play once more in opposition to the Saints, he has a sensible likelihood to be again for his or her subsequent recreation. After the beating Lock took on Thanksgiving, the Giants may want DeVito.

Eye-popping stat: The Giants had their first lead in 371:57. New York hadn’t led since beating the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 6. That’s six full video games and virtually 1 / 4 that they went with out main till Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s 1-yard landing run within the first quarter put them forward 7-3. It did not final lengthy. The Giants led for six:22 on Thursday earlier than Dallas regained the benefit for the rest of the competition.

Troubling development: The Giants’ tackling. Putrid proper from the beginning. They missed 5 tackles on the opening drive alone, in line with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. They’d 11 missed tackles within the first half. This is not an remoted case, both. It has been an issue for New York all season. — Jordan Raanan

Subsequent recreation: vs. Saints (1 p.m. ET, Dec. 8)