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Cowboys defense is still the problem after loss to Giants

The Dallas Cowboys began their 2026 campaign with a 28-20 defeat against the New York Giants on September 13. First-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker struggled in his debut, as quarterback Jaxson Dart guided an offense that controlled the pace throughout the second half.

New York capitalized by converting nine of its initial ten third-down situations prior to a final-play kneel-down.

While head coach Brian Schottenheimer voiced confidence that Parker will stay steady and stressed it is too early to panic after just one matchup, former NFL head coach Rex Ryan publicly criticized Parker for being outmatched. The disappointing showing revived memories of previous unit failures under former coordinator Matt Eberflus, following a season in which Dallas allowed franchise-record point totals alongside historic interception lows.