Cowboys vs. Giants: Schottenheimer Criticizes Poor Start in Season Opener
The Dallas Cowboys played the New York Giants in the 2026 NFL season opener, marking new Giants head coach John Harbaugh's debut; afterward, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed dissatisfaction with the team's poor start.
Context
The Dallas Cowboys faced the New York Giants on Sunday night in the opening game of the 2026 NFL regular season. It marks the second season under head coach Brian Schottenheimer for Dallas, which finished last season 7-9-1, according to the Dallas Cowboys' official website. The matchup carried extra significance for the Giants, who were led for the first time by John Harbaugh after his 18 years with the Baltimore Ravens. The two teams last met in January, when the Giants won 34-17 — 252 days before this game.
Changes on both sides
Dallas' defense is now led by new coordinator Christian Parker, while the team is missing veteran lineman Tyler Smith, with T.J. Bass filling in. Ahead of the game, Cowboys staff highlighted the Giants' strong front seven — including Reese, Burns, Carter and Thibodeaux — and questioned whether offensive lineman Tyler Guyton could adequately protect quarterback Dak Prescott.
Predictions
Before kickoff, Cowboys staff writers offered several different predictions, all favoring Dallas: 27-24, 31-21, 31-23 and 21-20. Several noted that the outcome could hinge on the performance of Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart against Christian Parker's defense, as well as the effectiveness of Dallas' rushing attack led by Javonte Williams.
Coach's reaction
Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports reports that Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, following a poor start by the team against the Giants, delivered a blunt assessment, saying the performance was "Not Good Enough." The Yahoo Sports report does not provide further details on the specific score or other circumstances, so the exact course of the game remains unclear at this time.
