So close, but so far.
That was the literal theme of the Giants 40-37 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys this past Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In a game that was just 13-10 at halftime with the Giants holding the lead, the teams went score for score in the second half. The Giants posted 21 points and the Cowboys 20 in the fourth quarter.
It appeared that the Giants would finally defeat the Cowboys for the first time since January 3, 2021 (a 23-19 victory) after quarterback Russell Wilson connected with wide receiver Malik Nabers for a 48 yard touchdown with 25 seconds left in regulation to give them a 37-34 lead after the extra point.
But the Cowboys have one of the most potent weapons in the league — the right leg of kicker Brandon Aubrey. Dallas moved into Aubrey’s range, which is seemingly limitless, and he booted a 64-yarder as time expired to send the game into overtime. There, following a Cowboys interception by safety Donovan Wilson with 2:00 remaining in OT on an ill-advised pass by Russell Wilson, who was under duress with Dallas defenders bearing down on him, Aubrey banged in a 46-yard game winner.
It was the Giants 16th loss in their last 17 games versus the Cowboys, who are 1-1, and sent New York 0-2 into their 2025 home opener this Sunday night (8:20 p.m.) at MetLife Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs. The defending AFC champions are also 0-2.
“I love watching greatness. I love watching people be relentless. I love watching boxing,” said Wilson, who after a pedestrian performance in a 21-6 Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders, going 17-37 for 168 yards, threw for 450 yards versus the Cowboys — the second most in a single game in his 14-year career. The dynamic Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers accounted for 167 of those yards on nine catches and two touchdowns.
“ …We’re in a 17-round fight. We battled in the first round and second round. We’ve got more to do. So, I was just proud of how we needed to be able to answer the way we did. I’ve been a part of a lot of crazy games. I don’t know if I’ve ever been part of one that crazy, with that much grit.”
Wilson’s counterpart, Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, also answered the bell, going 38-52 for 361 yards and two TDs. Yet, the game was defined by penalties. The Giants had 14 for 160 yards, the most penalty yards in a game dating back to 1947. The Cowboys were flagged 12 times for 106 yards.
Giants safety Jevon Holland attributed some of the Giants late game errors to being physically taxed. “I think it really stems from just fatigue. Really, it was a long game,” he said. “So, I think it just really stems from fatigue and being in those moments when you’re that tired and your brain’s not functioning as it was when you’re fresh.”
The 0-2 Jets, however, can’t ascribe exhaustion as a reason for their 30-10 loss on Sunday to the Bills in Buffalo. They were down 20-3 at halftime and never threatened their 2-0 opponent. The Jets will be on the road Sunday to face the 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1 p.m.).