The action has kicked off at MetLife Stadium as the Dallas Cowboys face off against the New York Giants. These two NFC rivals are concluding the first Sunday of the 2023 season, both eager to commence their campaigns with a strong start, having made the playoffs in the previous year. However, the Giants find themselves in the position of attempting to reverse several historical trends in this matchup. Over their last ten encounters against Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ quarterback has maintained a perfect 10-0 record, marking the second-longest winning streak by a starting quarterback against this franchise. Conversely, their own quarterback, Daniel Jones, is aiming to enhance his record in primetime games, which currently stands at 1-9.

When it comes to the odds, the Cowboys were initially favored by 3.5 points for this game, with the total projected points set at 45.

Two touchdowns for the Cowboys – none by the offense.

This time, it was the defense’s turn. Facing another third and long, Jones looked for Saquon Barkley as a safety valve. It ended up being the worst-case scenario.

Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs delivered a crushing hit on Barkley before he could fully secure the ball, causing it to fall into the waiting hands of Daron Bland. Bland then smoothly advanced into the end zone. Aubrey successfully kicked the extra point, extending Dallas’s lead to 16-0 with 2:22 remaining in the opening quarter.

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In the very first play of the Giants’ offensive drive, DeMarcus Lawrence sacked Jones, marking his 11th career sack against the Giants in just his 16th game against them.

In the Cowboys’ first third-down situation of the game, Dak Prescott spotted CeeDee Lamb wide open after the defender covering him got caught up at the line of scrimmage. Lamb then embarked on a 49-yard dash down the field. However, the drive eventually sputtered out in the red zone, leading to Brandon Aubrey’s inaugural career field goal from a distance of 21 yards. This successful kick bolstered Dallas’s lead to 9-0.

The Giants’ second drive didn’t fare much better. It came to an abrupt halt when Micah Parsons, a contender for the preseason defensive player of the year, executed a stunt through the middle and sacked Daniel Jones.

Parsons had led all players with an impressive 90 quarterback pressures the previous season. The Giants were steadily making their way downfield without the need for more than a single screen pass when the momentum of the game dramatically shifted.

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A false start penalty, a wayward snap, and then a blocked kick that was subsequently returned for a touchdown quickly propelled the Cowboys to a 6-0 advantage without their offense even taking the field. Juanyeh Thomas executed a daring leap over the line of scrimmage to block Graham Gano’s 45-yard field goal attempt, and Noah Igbinoghene scooped up the loose ball, returning it 58 yards for the score.

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey’s attempt was off the mark, going wide left.