The opening Sunday of the 2026 NFL season concludes with the Giants hosting the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Twelve games have already been played, and we'll follow this matchup while also providing reaction and analysis from the earlier slate.
The Cowboys have looked out of sorts early. They ranked last in the NFL in penalties last season, meaning they committed the most in the league, and they already have six penalties in the first 21 minutes. Their offense has managed only two first downs from their first two possessions, with a big drop from George Pickens and just two yards per carry. Dallas has six penalties for 50 yards so far.
The Giants lead 7-0 with 12:28 left in the second quarter. The Cowboys' defense held on third-and-2 when Cam Skattebo ran into Kenny Clark, and Clark won the matchup. New York then attempted a fourth-down try, but Jon Runyan Jr. was called for a false start, spoiling the chance. Jordan Stout's punt was nearly perfect, a 46-yard boot that landed at the Cowboys' 15-yard line.
Elsewhere, the Bears beat the Panthers 59-37 on the road. Ben Johnson wants Chicago to have a historic offense, and if today was any indication, that goal may be within reach. Caleb Williams threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding two more scores on the ground. D'Andre Swift rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns, and Kyle Monangai added 100 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers' defense struggled, but their offense kept pace as Bryce Young threw for 361 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Chuba Hubbard scored twice, and Jalen Coker caught eight passes for 138 yards with two scores.
The first quarter at MetLife Stadium was lively. Patrick Ricard recovered a fumble by his former Ravens teammate Isaiah Likely, and that recovery ended the first quarter with the Giants firmly in control. The Giants' power rushing attack has been gashing the Cowboys' new-look front seven. Dallas has just two first downs and 41 yards in the opening quarter, while the Giants have seven first downs and 82 yards.
We'll keep you updated on key plays at MetLife Stadium and bring you the big takeaways from a busy opening Sunday. And remember you can keep your thoughts coming right here.
Source: www.nytimes.com — Read the original article
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