If you were hoping for a late-season miracle or at least a respectable exit for America's Team, I've got some rough news. The Dallas Cowboys lost to the New York Giants 34-17 in their final game of the 2025-2026 regular season. Honestly, it wasn't even as close as that score makes it look.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the vibe at MetLife Stadium felt more like a funeral for the Cowboys' season than a competitive football game.
They finished the year with a bizarre 7-9-1 record. Yeah, that tie against Green Bay back in September really stands out now, doesn't it? It’s the kind of season that leaves fans staring at the TV wondering how a roster with this much talent ends up second in the NFC East but effectively miles away from being a real contender.
Breaking Down the Giants vs. Cowboys Score
The game started with a bit of a back-and-forth kicker battle. Ben Sauls and Brandon Aubrey traded field goals like they were playing a game of H-O-R-S-E. Dallas actually had a lead for a minute there. Jaydon Blue punched in a 14-yard touchdown run in the first quarter that gave the Cowboys a 10-6 edge.
Then the wheels fell off.
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New York’s rookie sensation Jaxson Dart—who looks like the real deal, by the way—started carving up a Cowboys secondary that looked like they were already thinking about their vacation plans in Cabo. Dart found Daniel Bellinger for a 29-yard score just before halftime, and Dallas never recovered.
Key Stats from the Season Finale:
- Final Score: Giants 34, Cowboys 17
- Dak Prescott's Line: 7/11 for 70 yards (exited at halftime)
- Turnovers: Dallas lost the battle here, including a brutal interception by Joe Milton III late in the game.
- Third Down Efficiency: This was the killer. The Cowboys went 2-for-8. You just can’t win in the NFL if you can’t stay on the field.
Why Dak Prescott Left the Game Early
One of the biggest questions people had during the broadcast was why Dak Prescott spent the second half wearing a parka on the sideline. Since the Cowboys were already eliminated from playoff contention thanks to the Eagles' win over Washington in Week 16, head coach Brian Schottenheimer decided to pull the starters.
It was basically an exhibition game for the second half.
Joe Milton III came in to take the snaps, and while he’s got an arm like a cannon, the results were... let's just say "inconsistent." He finished 7-of-13 for 73 yards and a pick. It gave the front office a look at the depth chart, but it didn't do much to help the scoreboard.
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The Matt Eberflus Problem
You can’t talk about who won the Cowboys football game without talking about the defense. Or the lack of it. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is going to be under a massive microscope this offseason.
They gave up over 30 points. Again.
The Giants came into this game with only three wins all year. Three! And yet, they moved the ball like they were the '07 Patriots. Devin Singletary put the nail in the coffin with a 6-yard touchdown run with about five minutes left. It was a physical, "we want it more than you" kind of play that really summed up the Cowboys' defensive identity this season.
They were 32nd in the league in points allowed. That’s dead last. You can have the best kicker in the world (and Brandon Aubrey really is a weapon), but if you can't stop a 3-win team from hungrily marching down the field, the playoffs are going to remain a dream.
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What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys?
Now that the season is officially dead and buried, the real drama starts in the front office. Jerry Jones wasn't exactly smiling in the owner's box.
First off, the coaching staff is on the hot seat. Brian Schottenheimer finished his first year at 7-9-1, which isn't going to cut it in Arlington. There's already rumblings about whether the team needs a total culture reset.
Then you’ve got the draft. By losing this game, the Cowboys actually helped their draft position, though I doubt that makes any fan feel better today. They’ll likely be looking at heavy defensive reinforcements or perhaps a game-changing wide receiver to pair with George Pickens, who was one of the few bright spots this year.
Actionable Steps for Cowboys Fans:
- Watch the Coaching Carousel: Keep an eye on local Dallas sports radio (The Ticket or 105.3 The Fan) over the next 48 hours. If changes are coming, they usually happen fast.
- Draft Order Check: Look at the updated 2026 NFL Draft board. Dallas will likely pick in the top 15, which puts them in range for a premier defensive tackle or edge rusher.
- Free Agency Preview: Start looking at the 2026 free agent list. The Cowboys need defensive help, specifically at linebacker and safety, where they were consistently exposed all season.
The 2025-2026 season wasn't the "All In" year fans were promised. It was a messy, high-scoring, defensive nightmare that ended with a whimper in the New Jersey cold.