The Dallas Cowboys entered the season with high expectations, but their opening night ended with a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants. The result exposed problems on both sides of the ball.

Dallas struggled to protect Dak Prescott, gave up too much pressure on defense, and missed chances through dropped passes from George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. Prescott admitted the loss was difficult, especially against a division rival.

"Damn sure s**** to lose the first one, to this team, a division game, but still optimistic. That doesn't change our goals. Doesn't change how we feel about our team", Dak Prescott said on September 14.

New York finished with 394 total yards, averaged 5.8 yards per play and converted nine of 11 third-down chances. Those long drives left Dallas with only two possessions in the second half.

"Guys are p***** off. Nobody's more disappointed than the players in that locker room and the coaches and everybody that put this game plan together,” Prescott told the reporters postgame on September 14.

The defense is also dealing with a young group, with injuries to DeMarvion Overshown and Malik Hooker adding to the challenge.

Brian Schottenheimer has already pointed out the unit’s lack of experience, while the group also had limited time playing together during the preseason.

The Cowboys have Washington next in their home opener, giving them an early chance to respond. Prescott believes the team has the leadership needed to move forward.

“This is a marathon, though. It's a long season, and we're going to respond. We've got great leaders, and I feel confident in just even the message and the feel in the locker room after that,” Prescott added.

For Dallas, the Giants' loss is now the first result of a much longer season, with the Cowboys turning their attention to Week 2.

While Prescott focused on the team’s mindset after the loss, he also made it clear that he still has full trust in his receivers.

Will Dak Prescott continue looking toward the Cowboys’ top receivers?

George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb had a few drops during the Cowboys’ 28-20 loss to the Giants, but Dak Prescott is not putting much weight on them.

“It'll get back to that. Those guys had some uncharacteristic drops. I know they were upset about them immediately,” Prescott said after the showdown, according to The Sporting News.

The quarterback also explained that both receivers addressed the mistakes right after they happened before moving forward. Prescott has no plans to change the way he uses either player because of one difficult game.

“They came and made a comment about them and then moved on as they should. We'll get back to it. A lot of confidence in those two guys,” Prescott added.

Dallas struggled to get its offense going against New York, but Prescott still has confidence in his two receivers.

The Cowboys will now turn their attention to Washington as they look to get the offense going in Week 2.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit