The second game of the Thanksgiving Day slate between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys was a masterclass in terrible football, at least for one team. This game looked like it would be an offensive showdown as both teams scored on their opening drives. Dallas put together an 11-play 65-yard drive to take a 3-0 lead. New York Giants responded with a 13-play 70-yard touchdown drive. This drive gave the New York Giants their first lead in a game since Week 6. Dallas would pull away in the second half to win 27-20. Dallas has dominated this series as of late losing only once to New York in the last nine years with eight straight victories.
It was a busy week for the New York QB room as Daniel Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings, Tommy DeVito was ruled out due to a forearm injury, and Drew Lock was named the team’s starter approximately 24 hours before game time. The offense looked like one that was unsettled, and a short week did the team no favors. New York was never able to gain momentum due to penalties coming at inopportune times. New York committed 13 penalties for 98 yards in this game. Will the New York Giants be able to improve over their final five games?
New York Giants Offense Puts Together a Poor First Half
Quarterback Drew Lock had 55 passing yards in the first half with an anemic passer rating of 30.3. Lock’s first half also included a pick-six by Cowboys Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. The Cowboys offense did not play well in the first half either, but the New York offense left hung their defense out to dry. Dallas QB Cooper Rush went 12-of-24 with 116 yards in the first half.
The story for the Cowboys during the first half was missed opportunities. Wide Receiver Ceedee Lamb had three drops in the first half which never allowed the offense to get going. Dallas and New York were a combined 6-of-17 on third down in the opening half. The score was slightly deceiving as more points were scored than the statistics would have projected. Dallas led 13-10 at intermission.
The Poor Play Continued In the Second Half
On the opening drive of the second half, Lock fumbled the ball which gave Dallas the football on New York’s side of the field. The Giants defense stiffened up as they forced Rush to fumble as he was scrambling toward the end zone. Unfortunately for New York Rush was ruled down on the play. Dallas would score on the next play on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Rush to Brandin Cooks giving Dallas a 20-10 advantage. Dallas added to their lead with a 70-yard touchdown drive to take a commanding 27-10 lead.
The New York Giants offense is not a strong unit, but their flaws are exposed when forced to come from behind. A Giants defense that showed some fight in the first half, let go of the rope in the second half. New York’s offense scored a late touchdown to cut the Cowboys lead to 27-20. New York needed one stop to give their defense back the ball and they preceded to commit penalties on back-to-back plays. Dallas would pick up the first down they needed and run the clock out to walk away with a Thanksgiving victory.
Final Thoughts
During a terrible game in Dallas, Texas, there was a bit of positive news as rookie Wide Receiver Malik Nabers made history. Nabers set an NFL record for the most receptions in their first 10 career NFL games with 72 grabs. A Cowboys defense that has struggled this season teed off on the New York Giants offensive line. They sacked Lock six times as he was under duress all game. Linebacker Micah Parsons added 1.5 sacks as part of a dominant defensive performance. The defense forced two turnovers and scored 14 points off them. Those 14 points were the difference in this divisional game.
Even though the Dallas Cowboys have a 6% chance to make the NFL Playoffs they should be commended for showing some fight. Dallas is now 5-7 and winners of two straight games. They have a mini-bye before hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, December 9. The New York Giants fell to 2-10 following Thursday’s loss and currently have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints come to MetLife Stadium next Sunday. New York’s roster has countless holes, but their top priority during the offseason should be finding a franchise QB.
