The Dallas Cowboys began the 2026 NFL season with a 28-20 defeat against the New York Giants, with coach Brian Schottenheimer citing execution problems and mistakes by several young players after the game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Schottenheimer said Dallas did not reach its expected level on either side of the ball. He specifically discussed missed defensive opportunities against rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and breakdowns involving young players. “Overall as a football team, we were pretty poor,” Schottenheimer said.
Dart completed the game with 230 passing yards and 54 rushing yards. His ability to move beyond the pocket caused problems for the Cowboys, who repeatedly allowed him to create additional room outside the pocket.
Dallas also committed eight penalties totaling 85 yards. One of those infractions, a taunting call against Javonte Williams after a touchdown, moved Brandon Aubrey’s extra-point attempt farther back. Schottenheimer said the discipline problems were “self-inflicted wounds” and said he accepted responsibility along with the players.
Dak Prescott finished 22 of 34 passing for 175 yards. He threw touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb and Williams, who also scored on a running play, but the Cowboys did not produce enough offense to overcome their mistakes. Schottenheimer described the result as a humbling experience and said the team did not start quickly enough on offense or defense.
