If you’re checking the headlines this morning, you probably already know the vibe in Dallas is... not great. The 2025-2026 NFL season didn't exactly go out with a bang for America’s Team. Actually, it was more of a thud.
The final score on the cowboys game against the New York Giants was 34-17, and honestly, it felt every bit as lopsided as that number suggests.
What Actually Happened at MetLife?
So, look. Going into this game on January 4, 2026, there was this tiny sliver of hope. Maybe the Cowboys could finish the year with some dignity? Maybe they could build a little momentum for next year?
Nope.
The Giants, who had only managed to scrape together three wins all year before this, basically treated the Cowboys defense like a turnstile. It started out okay—Dallas actually held a 10-6 lead at the end of the first quarter thanks to a 14-yard Jaydon Blue touchdown run. But then the wheels didn't just come off; they flew into the stands.
💡 You might also like: Nebraska Football Game Score: What Really Happened in the Las Vegas Bowl
New York’s quarterback, Jaxson Dart, found his rhythm. He hooked up with Daniel Bellinger for a 29-yard touchdown right before halftime, and Dallas never recovered. By the time Joe Milton III threw a late interception to Bobby Okereke, the writing was on the wall.
Dallas finished the season at 7-9-1. That’s a weird record. Not quite bad enough for a top-three draft pick, but definitely not good enough for January football.
Breaking Down the Final Score on the Cowboys Game
If you look at the box score, a few things jump out that explain why it got so ugly.
✨ Don't miss: Real Madrid v Manchester United: What Most People Get Wrong
- Rushing Disparity: While Jaydon Blue had a decent day with 64 yards and a score, the Giants' Tyrone Tracy Jr. absolutely shredded the Cowboys for 103 yards on the ground.
- The Red Zone Wall: Dallas struggled to turn drives into points. Phil Mafah did punch one in from a yard out in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late.
- The Kicking Game: Ben Sauls for the Giants was basically automatic, knocking through four field goals.
- Quarterback Play: Dak Prescott saw limited action, going 7-of-11 for 70 yards before Joe Milton III took over. Milton struggled, finishing with a 38.3 passer rating. That's... not what you want to see.
It’s kind of wild to think about where this team was a few years ago compared to now. The NFC East is a brutal division, and right now, the Philadelphia Eagles are clearly sitting at the top of that mountain at 11-6. Dallas is stuck in that "middle of the pack" purgatory that drives fans absolutely insane.
Why This Game Matters for 2026
You might be thinking, "It’s just one game, who cares?" But this specific final score on the cowboys game carries a lot of weight because of the coaching situation. Brian Schottenheimer has a lot of questions to answer this offseason. When you lose 34-17 to a team that was 3-13 entering the day, people start looking for the exit signs.
The defense, led by veterans like Jadeveon Clowney—who actually played great with three sacks—just couldn't hold up under the sustained pressure of the Giants' 96-yard scoring drives.
What Fans Should Watch For Next
If you're a Dallas fan, the "actionable" part of this isn't watching the highlights. It's looking at the cap space.
✨ Don't miss: English Premier League for Tomorrow: Why the Manchester Derby Changes Everything
- Draft Position: With a 7-9-1 record, Dallas is likely picking in the middle of the first round. They desperately need offensive line depth and perhaps a fresh look at the secondary.
- Quarterback Transition: Seeing Joe Milton III get those reps suggests the team is at least thinking about the post-Dak era, even if they aren't ready to say it out loud yet.
- Coaching Rumors: Keep your ear to the ground regarding the defensive coordinator. Giving up 34 points to a bottom-tier offense is usually a "update the resume" kind of event.
Honestly, the biggest takeaway from the final score on the cowboys game is that the "culture" in Dallas needs a reset. You can't stumble into the offseason by losing to your division rival's backup-tier roster. It’s going to be a long, loud spring in the DFW area.
For those looking at the broader picture, the NFL playoffs are moving forward without the star on the helmet. The focus now shifts to the scouting combine and whether the front office is willing to make the "uncomfortable" moves required to get back to double-digit wins. Keep an eye on the internal team reports over the next forty-eight hours; usually, the biggest news breaks right after the exit interviews.
Key Stats Recap
- Final: Giants 34, Cowboys 17
- Passing: Jaxson Dart (NYG) 230 yards, 2 TDs; Joe Milton III (DAL) 73 yards, 1 INT
- Rushing: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) 103 yards; Jaydon Blue (DAL) 64 yards, 1 TD
- Attendance: 74,395 at MetLife Stadium
If you're tracking the schedule for next year, the opponents are already set based on these final standings. Dallas will have a second-place schedule, which might provide a slightly easier path than the Eagles will face, but as we saw this week, there are no "easy" games for this current roster.