Cowboys trip protection to Thanksgiving win over Giants

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

The Cowboys received a house sport 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 residence win had come Dec. 30, 2023, towards the Detroit Lions, however since then they’d 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 file.

At 5-7, the Cowboys cannot be thought of playoff contenders simply but, however their subsequent two video games are towards 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 residence lead at any level since Week 14 final season towards the Philadelphia Eagles. That may not appear to be a lot till you contemplate 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 discipline objective. 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 top zone till late within the fourth quarter, as Overshown’s play appeared to invigorate the protection.

Promising pattern: Since making Rico Dowdle the unquestioned lead again, the Cowboys’ run sport has improved. He turned the primary Cowboys operating again with 100 yards in a sport since Tony Pollard in Week 3, ending a franchise-long 26 sport 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 sport (Zack Martin, Tyler Guyton). This got here 4 days after an 86-yard outing towards the Washington Commanders.

Most shocking efficiency: CeeDee Lamb, who entered because the NFL chief in receptions, had extra drops than catches within the first half. He turned the primary Cowboy cross catcher with at the very least three drops in a half previously 15 years, in keeping with ESPN Analysis. He had two catches for 39 yards within the first half. Lamb noticed his NFL file 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 sport: vs. Bengals (8:15 p.m. ET, Dec. 9)

One way or the other, issues maintain discovering a method to worsen for the Giants. They have been defeated for a second consecutive week, solely this time it was on nationwide TV throughout Thanksgiving dinner for your complete nation to see towards the division-rival Cowboys.

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

Proprietor John Mara may need given a vote of confidence to educate Brian Daboll and basic supervisor Joe Schoen somewhat 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 sizzling.

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 keeping with a supply. DeVito had a nasty bruise. Now, with 10 days till they play once more towards the Saints, he has a practical likelihood to be again for his or her subsequent sport. 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 pattern: The Giants’ tackling. Putrid proper from the beginning. They missed 5 tackles on the opening drive alone, in keeping 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 sport: vs. Saints (1 p.m. ET, Dec. 8)