Was Not Expecting Worst to First

Giants 28 • Cowboys 20 By A. Govea — alberto@holatexas.us

Cowboys fans—what’s left of us—went into Sunday night expecting the defense to look at least a little better. Instead, what we saw was the exact opposite. They were terrible. And it wasn’t just the fans who expected improvement. Former Cowboy Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin were also anticipating a stronger defensive showing.

All offseason, analysts pointed to what they called an elite, high‑powered offense paired with major defensive upgrades. Dallas replaced nine starters on defense and brought in a young, hot‑shot defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, formerly of the Eagles. He was hailed by many as the Cowboys’ new savior. His 3–4 scheme, combined with rookie phenom Caleb Downs and others, was supposed to push the defense into at least the middle of the pack.

Pero instead, they let the Giants’ top receivers run free all night. Anyone 2nd‑year QB Dart looked at seemed open. The running game was just as bad—big, bruising Skattebo and anyone else in the backfield had their way. Third downs were automatic for the Giants against this pitiful Dallas defense. And of course, a pile of dumb penalties didn’t help.

The offense that Dak labeled “the GOATE” (Greatest Offense Ever) was nowhere near that moniker Sunday night. And I don’t think it was just the on‑field performance. Surely they had a better game plan than what they showed. Yes, falling behind early changes things, but come on now—they can do better than that.

Special teams didn’t look improved either, nor did the coaching. And to add insult to injury, their ten‑million‑dollar kicker missed a 48‑yard extra point—made 48 yards only because of a ridiculous taunting penalty by Williams as he went into the end zone.

All in all, they stunk it up against the Giants. Pero it’s only game one. Can they do better in the next sixteen? I think they can. How much—who knows? But I’m willing to give Christian Parker’s new defense a little more time to gel. Not much, but some.

As I tried to doze off Sunday night after the game, I kept hearing Willie’s old song in my head: “Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be Cowboys.”