Honestly, if you watched that Week 18 game against the New York Giants, you’ve probably got some feelings about how the Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their 2025-2026 season. It wasn't pretty. The final score for the Dallas Cowboys game was a 34-17 loss at MetLife Stadium, and while some folks might brush it off as a "meaningless" season finale, the reality is a lot more complicated than just a number on a scoreboard.
Dallas finished the year at 7-9-1. That’s a weird record.
Breaking Down the Giants Disaster
The game started with a bit of a spark when Jaydon Blue broke loose for a 14-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. For a second there, it looked like Dallas might actually end the year on a high note. But then the wheels basically fell off.
By halftime, the Giants had surged ahead 16-10, capped off by a 29-yard touchdown catch from Daniel Bellinger. That play was a gut punch. It was a 3rd-and-16—the kind of situation where you expect the defense to get off the field—but Jaxson Dart found Bellinger, who rumbled for 30 yards after the catch.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer made a choice that had fans screaming at their TVs: he pulled Dak Prescott after halftime.
Dak wasn't having a career day, but he was 7-for-11 for 70 yards and keeping things steady. Once Joe Milton III took over under center, the offense lost its rhythm entirely. Milton finished 7-of-13 for 73 yards and a late interception, and while he’s got a cannon for an arm, he just couldn't move the chains when it mattered.
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The defense didn't help much either. They gave up 103 rushing yards to Tyrone Tracy Jr. and allowed the Giants to put up 34 points—a team that entered the game with only three wins.
Why the Score for the Dallas Cowboys Game Matters for 2026
You might think a 17-point loss to a sub-.500 team doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but it actually solidified some pretty grim realities for Jerry Jones. This loss confirmed the Cowboys would miss the playoffs for the second straight season.
That hasn't happened in Dallas for a while.
The defense was the real culprit all season long. They allowed an average of 30.1 points per game. That’s dead last in the league. It's why defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was let go shortly after the finale. You can’t win in the NFL when you're giving up 30 points a night, no matter how many yards Dak Prescott throws for.
And Dak threw for a lot.
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- Dak Prescott 2025 Stats: 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns.
- George Pickens Impact: 93 receptions for 1,429 yards.
- Javonte Williams: 1,201 rushing yards and 11 scores.
Basically, the offense did its job most of the year. The score for the Dallas Cowboys game in Week 18 was just a microcosm of the season: a decent start, a defensive collapse, and a disappointing finish.
The Salary Cap Headache
Now, things get kinda messy. The Cowboys are currently sitting about $34 million over the salary cap. Jerry Jones is under immense pressure to "go all in," but he's got 22 pending free agents to deal with.
Names like Malik Hooker and Terence Steele are already being mentioned as potential salary cap casualties. Steele, in particular, has struggled since his injury, and with an $18 million cap hit coming up, the front office has to decide if he’s still the future at right tackle.
Then there's the Brandon Aubrey factor. He was one of the few bright spots this season, scoring 155 points and ranking third in the NFL for kickers. He's a restricted free agent, but losing him would be a disaster for a team that relies so heavily on him to bail out stalled drives.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
The 2026 schedule is already out, and because Dallas finished second in the NFC East, they've got a "second-place" schedule. That sounds easier, but they still have to face the Seahawks, Rams, and Packers on the road.
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Jerry Jones told reporters after the Giants loss that he’s looking to make "dramatic" differences this offseason. We've heard that before, right? But with the Super Bowl drought hitting the 30-year mark, the seat under the entire coaching staff is starting to smoke.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
If you're a fan trying to keep track of where this team is heading, here is what you need to watch over the next few months:
Watch the Defensive Coordinator Hire The Cowboys need someone who can fix the run defense. They were bullied at the line of scrimmage all year. If they hire a "retread" coach, expect more of the same. If they go after a young, aggressive schemer, things might actually change.
Monitor the Pickens Extension George Pickens proved he’s a true WR1. Getting him locked into a long-term deal is priority number one for the front office to keep Dak happy and the offense explosive.
The NFL Draft (April 2026) With the 2026 draft order mostly locked in, Dallas will likely be looking at linebacker and cornerback help early. They need speed on the defensive side of the ball. Period.
The score for the Dallas Cowboys game was 34-17, but the fallout from that loss will be felt all the way until next September. It's going to be a long, loud offseason in Arlington.
To stay ahead of the roster changes, start by tracking the "Post-June 1" cut designations. This is where Dallas will likely find the $34 million they need to get under the cap. Keep an eye on the official transactions wire for Malik Hooker and Terence Steele specifically, as their departures would signal a total defensive rebuild.