The Dallas Cowboys began the 2026 NFL season with a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants, with eight penalties for 85 yards adding to problems on both sides of the ball. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team did not meet its expected standard and pointed to execution errors involving several younger players.
Schottenheimer said Dallas needed to improve its coaching and acknowledged that mistakes can occur when inexperienced players are on the field. He also said those players must develop quickly as the season continues.
New York benefited from the play of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who passed for 230 yards and ran for 54 more. Dallas had difficulty stopping Dart when he moved outside the pocket, allowing him to extend plays and create additional room.
The Cowboys also hurt themselves with discipline issues. A taunting call against Javonte Williams following a touchdown moved Brandon Aubrey's extra-point attempt farther from the goal posts. Schottenheimer accepted responsibility for the penalties, describing them as mistakes the coaching staff and players both owned.
Dak Prescott completed 22 of 34 attempts for 175 yards and threw touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb and Williams. Williams added a rushing touchdown, but Dallas was unable to produce enough offense to overcome its penalties and other execution problems.
