Cowboys vs. Giants: Highlights, Score, and Key Moments from Week 4's Thursday Night Showdown

NFL Week 4 kicked off with an exciting "Thursday Night Football" matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. Both teams entered the game with identical 1-2 records, eager to turn things around in this NFC East clash. The game took place at MetLife Stadium, and despite coming off two straight losses, the Cowboys were favored to win.

Cowboys Lead Despite Struggles in Previous Weeks

The Dallas Cowboys were coming off a tough stretch, having lost two consecutive games, including a close 28-25 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. Despite their struggles, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott entered the game with a remarkable track record against divisional opponents. He boasted a 32-8 career record in NFC East matchups, including 12 straight wins against the Giants, giving Dallas an edge heading into the contest.

On the other hand, the New York Giants were fresh off an impressive 21-15 victory on the road against the Cleveland Browns. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who had a mixed record of 8-12-1 against division rivals, hoped to carry that momentum into this critical game.

Giants’ Rushing Attack Led by Devin Singletary

One of the big storylines for the Giants was the absence of star running back Saquon Barkley, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason. Stepping into the lead running back role for the Giants was Devin Singletary, who faced a Cowboys defense that struggled to stop the run through the first three weeks of the season. Dallas had given up an average of 185.7 rushing yards per game, the worst in the league, and allowed three rushing touchdowns in back-to-back games.

Singletary’s ability to break tackles and keep drives alive would prove crucial in the Giants’ offense, especially against a defense that seemed vulnerable to strong rushing attacks.

Standout Performances from CeeDee Lamb and Malik Nabers

On the receiving end, Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb, coming off his first All-Pro season, was looking to have a breakout game. Despite his success last year, Lamb had yet to record a 100-yard game this season, something he managed to do eight times in 2023.

For the Giants, rookie Malik Nabers continued his impressive start to the season. He ranked second in the league in receptions (23), fifth in receiving yards (271), and was tied for first in touchdown receptions (3) going into the game. His ability to consistently make plays has been a bright spot for the Giants’ offense and provided them with a key weapon against the Cowboys’ defense.

Cowboys Hold Slim Halftime Lead

The first half of the game was a back-and-forth battle, with both offenses moving the ball efficiently. Dak Prescott had a stellar performance in the first half, completing 14-of-16 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Daniel Jones also put up solid numbers, completing 13-of-15 passes for 142 yards. Despite the offensive efficiency, both teams had to settle for field goals on multiple occasions.

The Giants managed to keep the game close, with kicker Greg Joseph making three field goals in the first half. Dallas, however, found the end zone twice and went into halftime with a narrow 14-9 lead. The Giants were set to receive the ball to start the second half, hoping to regain the lead.

Cowboys’ Defense Bends but Doesn’t Break

The Cowboys’ defense struggled early, allowing the Giants to score on their first four drives. However, they finally forced a three-and-out after a key tackle by Jourdan Lewis on a third-and-10 play. This allowed Dallas to get the ball back at their own 18-yard line with a five-point lead late in the third quarter.

DeMarcus Lawrence, one of the Cowboys' top defensive players, suffered a foot injury in the third quarter and was questionable to return, adding pressure on Dallas' defense to hold up against the Giants' offense.

Brandon Aubrey’s Long-Range Field Goal Boosts Cowboys

In the third quarter, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey came through once again with a 60-yard field goal, extending Dallas' lead. Aubrey, an All-Pro in 2023, continued his incredible run of success from long distances. He remained perfect on field goals from 50 yards or longer, converting all 16 attempts in his career.

Penalty Troubles for Both Teams

Penalties played a significant role in the game, particularly in the first half. Clay Martin’s officiating crew was busy, calling a total of 12 penalties before halftime. The Cowboys were hit with nine penalties, losing 70 yards, while the Giants were penalized three times for 25 yards. A potential touchdown for Dallas was even wiped off the board due to a holding call, though the flag was later picked up, allowing the score to stand.

Final Thoughts

The Cowboys and Giants provided plenty of excitement in this Week 4 "Thursday Night Football" showdown. While both teams came into the game with similar records, Dallas’ history of success against NFC East opponents, particularly against the Giants, gave them the upper hand. As the game continued into the second half, both teams looked to capitalize on their opportunities and gain momentum in what could prove to be a pivotal game for their respective seasons.