When Mike McCarthy took over the playcalling duties this spring, he made a handful of eyebrow raising comments about the role he wanted his offense to play. Knowing the type of defense he had under the stewardship of Dan Quinn, he wanted his offense to focus on the ground game and allow the defense to lead the franchise to their sixth Lombardi trophy.
Week 1 performances can often be misleading, but as far as initial statements go, Dallas spoke very loudly in support of McCarthy’s stance. Dallas’ defense was neurotic, sacking Giants QB Daniel Jones seven times, while picking him off twice including a return touchdown. Dallas’ offense didn’t muster a passing touchdown but scored three times on the ground. Led by an opening drive blocked field goal return to begin the onslaught, the Cowboys went into New York and totally decimated the Giants to the tune of 40-0.
Led by Micah Parsons, who had a sack and whose pressures led to sacks and turnovers for other defenders, and Trevon Diggs, who tipped an eventual interception and forced a fumble the defense pitched their first shutout since 2017.
Dallas got 122 yards on the ground, including 70 and two scores from new RB1 Tony Pollard. CeeDee Lamb checked in with 77 receiving yards to pace the receivers as Dak Prescott had a quiet and safe 13-completion game. There wasn’t much work for him to do as the relentless Dallas defense harassed the Giants offense all night.
The 40-point shutout was the biggest opening week shutout in the NFL since 1999.
The Cowboys will now return to Texas to prepare to host the other Gotham team, when Aaron Rodgers and the Jets come into town for Week 2.