The Dallas Cowboys opened the 2019 season in style, routing the New York Giants 35-17 at home. Quarterback Dak Prescott tied his single-game high with four passing touchdowns on the day, and passed for over 400 yards for only the second time in his career.
The Giants were able to score first after the Cowboys punted on the opening drive. Saquon Barkley’s 59-yard run set up a TD pass to Evan Engram, but it was the last time the game ever felt in hand for New York.
Dallas responded with 21 unanswered points and never looked back. Prescott completed touchdown passes to Amari Cooper, Randall Cobb, Jason Witten, and Blake Jarwin. While he didn’t get one of those scoring grabs, Michael Gallup led all receivers with seven catches and 158 yards.
Ezekiel Elliott saw limited work with just 13 carries. He produced 53 yards and a late touchdown run, with the last few touches helping him get over 4.0 YPC on the day.
The explosive day on offense was a grand debut for Kellen Moore as the new Offensive Coordinator. Before today, Dak had only gone over 300 passing yards six times in his career. Today he threw for 405 yards.
Prescott’s day was “perfect” by NFL standards. He finished with the highest possible QB Rating of 158.3, thanks to completing 25 of 32 throws and having no turnovers.
Other than the opening drive for New York, Dallas did a nice job of containing their offense throughout the game. Safeties Xavier Woods and Jeff Heath had 20 combined tackles, while DeMarcus Lawrence and Leighton Vander Esch split the game’s only sack.
Other Notes
- Amari Cooper had six catches for 106 yards, which coupled with Gallup’s day made the Cowboys starting WR duo look as good as it has in a long time. After a long time of Jason Witten being the 2nd-best receiving option in Dallas, we are truly in a new era.
- Speaking of Witten, his TD catch put him at 69 for his career. He only needs five more to become the all-time Cowboys leader in receiving touchdowns, which would break Dez Bryant’s record. Jason is currently #3 on the list behind “Bullet” Bob Hayes, who had 71 in his career.
- The defense did its job today but was not as explosive or dominant as we expected against a weak Giants offense. Tackling was an issue; players bounced off Barkley too often and Dorance Armstrong allowed an easy sack to slip through his fingers.
- Once the game was in hand, Zack Martin left and Xavier Su’a-Filo came in. He is still dealing with back issues, as he probably will all season, so it’s good to get him rest whenever possible.
- Rough day for Tony Pollard. The rookie RB only had 24 yards on 13 carries, though some of that was in garbage time.
- Brett Maher went 5/5 on extra points, which is actually worth noting these days now that they’re essentially 33-yard field goals. He never had to attempt an actual FG, goal.
- The Cowboys and Eagles did what they were expected to do with today’s wins at homes. Now Dallas will head to out to play the Redskins, who lost today in Philly, and hope to improve to 2-0.
