Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys lose heartbreaker to Giants, 20-19

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Dallas Cowboys lose their regular season home opener at AT&T Stadium to the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon, 20-19.

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2016 regular season with several unanswered questions surrounding their team like vultures. Many of those unknowns concerned the 23-year old rookie starting under center, quarterback Dak Prescott.

But Prescott had a decent performance in his debut, completing 25 of his 45 passes for 227 yards. Instead, it was the rookie’s teammates that failed to give him enough support in the Cowboys heartbreaking 20-19 Week One loss to the New York Giants on Sunday.

Likely the biggest offender was wide receiver Dez Bryant. Despite being targeted five times, the All-Pro wide out recorded only one reception during the entire game for a total of eight-yards. Bryant did have a touchdown taken away from him as he continues to have issues keeping control of the ball all the way to the ground. Far too many of his touchdown plays come down to replays having to determine the outcome.

Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott also disappointed in his debut. Although Elliott did score a touchdown, the fourth overall selection in April’s Draft was only able to tally total 51 rushing yards on 20 carries against a suspect Giants’ defense.

The Cowboys leading receiver in this game was tight end Jason Witten. The 34-year old recorded nine catches for 66 yards.

The Dallas defense also struggled against New York allowing 316 yards of total offense. Led by defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, the Cowboys defenders allowed Giant quarterback Eli Manning to throw for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Dallas’ veteran cornerback Brandon Carr did record his first interception in over two years against Manning in the contest.

Despite poor performances on both sides of the ball for Dallas, the Cowboys still had an opportunity to win the game in the final seconds. Unfortunately, fourth-year receiver Terrance Williams elected to run out the clock instead of going out of bounds on the Cowboys final play. It was a critical mistake that will likely haunt the young wide out who is in the final year of his rookie contract.

The Cowboys will now attempt to regroup from this defeat as they’ll travel to Washington next to face yet another NFC East rival, the Redskins at home on Sunday.