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Cowboys mistakes and missed opportunities doom them in opener

The New York Giants kicked off the John Harbaugh era with a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 1. Quarterback Jaxson Dart dismantled a revamped Dallas defensive unit coordinated by Christian Parker, sparking early criticism from analyst Cris Collinsworth after a rough two-minute drill before halftime.

Despite entering the 2026 season with high expectations, Dallas faltered on both sides of the ball amid offensive stagnation and self-inflicted wounds, which included a damaging taunting infraction on Javonte Williams that derailed a late rally.

Team owner Jerry Jones admitted to pregame anxiety regarding his reshaped defense, a concern quickly validated as New York repeatedly exploited their schemes without Dallas adjusting. The disappointing divisional road defeat prompted strong reactions from the Cowboys sideline, with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer branding the overall effort as unacceptable following a frustrating first half.