Cowboys win Monday night rivalry matchup behind impressive QB performance

Monday Night Football hosted an NFC Divisional rivalry. Which team became a step closer to winning their division? Slow offensive starts kept Monday Night’s game low-scoring for the first three quarters. A showdown between two NFC East rivals came to the final minutes – testing the will of both squads. Finding footing has not come easy, but new identities are helping the Giants and Cowboys rebuild.

Brian Daboll’s new philosophy continues to reshape the G men’s locker room. Disappointing results from 2021 didn’t sit well with the front office, and the team needed a change. News of Saquon Barkley added the anticipation that grew in the off-season, and Daniel Jones continued to show promise. An impressive draft class improved New York’s stock – warranting a new identity for the Giants.

Monday Night Football propelled the Cowboys to 2-1

Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys were also involved in off-season speculation. Expectations of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott remained high as fans demanded a more successful season. Dallas remained optimistic, providing support for their stars as the season drew near.

A disappointing loss to the Buccaneers sent America’s team into a frenzy. Kellen Moore’s offense looked stagnant, and Dak Prescott left the game with an injury to his thumb. A dark cloud consumed Dallas’ front office. Instead of searching for a free agent quarterback, the Cowboys relied on their backup quarterback to man the ship while Prescott heals.

Week two performances from both teams impressed the football community. Saquon Barkley carried the Giants passed the Panthers – advancing the team to a 2-0 start. Meanwhile in Dallas, Cooper Rush received help from his defense. Six sacks were enough to defeat the Bengals – giving the Cowboys their first win.

Monday Night Football came down to the fourth quarter

Defense determined the outcome of Monday Night’s rivalry. When the Giants needed a score, Saqoun Barkley provided the spark. His 36-yard scamper gave the Giants the lead in the late third quarter. Rush and the offense responded, relying on Elliot to power through the end zone in the Red Zone. A tie kept the game close entering the fourth quarter.

An intense fourth-down conversion played a part in the Cowboys opening fourth-quarter drive. A hard count caused the Giants to jump off-sides – resulting in an automatic first down. Cooper Rush’s connection with CeeDee Lamb took care of the rest. No .88’s one-handed touchdown snag gave Dallas the lead with less than nine minutes remaining.

Seven points remained the difference between the two teams leading up to the two-minute warning. A late-game interception ended hopes of a tying drive.

Here are some numbers that stood out after Monday’s game.

12: Micah Parsons and his teammates lived in the backfield Monday Night. Consistent pressure in the backfield made Daniel Jones uncomfortable – resulting in a game-ending interception. The Cowboys tallied five sacks against Daboll’s offense, demonstrating their dominance throughout four quarters.

87: An impressive game from CeeDee Lamb helped Cooper Rush become 3-0 as a starter. His eight receptions led to 87 yards receiving. His back shoulder, one-hand touchdown snag put the Cowboys up by seven – serving as the game’s last touchdown.

10: Cooper Rush led the Cowboys to another win. His 215 passing yards came without an interception. Confidence in the pocket helped Rush complete 21 passes – only missing ten total passes on the night.

105: Ezekiel Elliott found the end zone, but Tony Pollard accumulated the most yards. His 8.1 yards per carrying resulted in 105 yards. The dynamic duo of Pollard and Elliott kept New York’s defense guessing – helping the Cowboys secure a win on the road.

Monday’s rivalry game came down to the wire. While the Giants and Cowboys ended an eventful day, players throughout the league are preparing for this weekend. An impressive slate of games should keep fans entertained as they look forward to week 4.