If you turned off the TV at halftime during the season finale against the Giants, I honestly don't blame you. Most of us did. By the time the clock hit zero at MetLife Stadium on January 4, 2026, the score in the dallas cowboys game was a definitive 34-17 in favor of New York. It wasn't just a loss; it was a thumping by a four-win team that basically treated the Cowboys like a practice squad.
The final score leaves Dallas at 7-9-1 for the 2025-2026 season. That’s back-to-back losing years for the first time since the early 2000s. If you’re looking for a silver lining, you’re gonna have to dig through a lot of dirt. This game was supposed to be a "get right" moment before the long offseason, but instead, it felt like a final exhale of a team that had given up weeks ago.
Breaking Down the Score in the Dallas Cowboys Game
The game started with a glimmer of hope, which is usually how the Cowboys hurt you the most. KaVontae Turpin, doing what he does, ripped off an 84-yard kickoff return that set up a Jaydon Blue touchdown. For a second there, Dallas actually led 10-6. It felt like maybe, just maybe, they’d finish the year with some pride.
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Then the wheels didn't just fall off—they disintegrated.
The Turning Points
- The 96-yard Drive: The Giants marched nearly the entire length of the field just before halftime. Jaxson Dart found Daniel Bellinger for a 29-yard score. That made it 16-10, and you could practically see the life leave the Cowboys' sideline.
- The Ejection: Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku lost his cool in the third quarter and ripped a helmet off a Giants lineman. He got tossed. The Giants scored shortly after, used a "Wildcat" look for a two-point conversion to Darius Slayton, and suddenly it was 24-10.
- The Interception: Any hope of a comeback died when Joe Milton III (filling in late) threw a pick to Bobby Okereke with six minutes left. Devin Singletary punched in a 6-yarder a few plays later to seal the 34-17 burial.
Where the Cowboys Go from Here
Honestly, the score in the dallas cowboys game is just a symptom of a much deeper flu. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer is facing some serious heat right now. You can't lose by 17 to a New York team that was 3-13 entering the day and expect people to stay quiet.
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The defense, despite Jadeveon Clowney’s massive game—the guy had three sacks and a forced fumble—is leaking oil. They gave up 380 total yards to an offense that has struggled to move the chains all year.
Looking Toward the 2026 Offseason
The 2025 season is buried. The 2026 schedule is already looking like a gauntlet. Because the Cowboys finished second in the NFC East, they're slated to face other second-place finishers like the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also have to travel to face the 49ers and the top-seeded Seahawks.
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If you're a fan, the next few months are going to be about the draft and whether Jerry Jones is willing to blow up the coaching staff. We’ve seen this movie before, and the ending usually involves a lot of "we’re close" speeches that don't match the reality on the field.
Actions to Take Now
- Watch the Draft Order: With a 7-9-1 record, Dallas isn't in the top five, but they're high enough to snag a blue-chip defensive tackle or a franchise tackle. Keep an eye on the mock drafts starting in February.
- Cap Space Audit: The Cowboys have some massive decisions to make regarding aging veterans. Look for potential "June 1" cuts that could free up room for a younger, faster roster.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: If Schottenheimer is out, the search will be fast and loud. Check local Dallas outlets like the Star-Telegram for the most immediate updates on staff changes.
The scoreboard doesn't lie, even when we wish it would. 34-17 is a loud, clear message that the current formula isn't working in Arlington.