Dallas opened the season with a 28-20 loss to the Giants as penalties, defensive breakdowns and a costly Dak Prescott interception spoiled Week 1.

The Dallas Cowboys opened the 2026 season with a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants, and the bigger concern wasn’t just the final score. Dallas looked undisciplined, inconsistent and vulnerable in many of the same areas that haunted the team last year.

New York gave John Harbaugh a win in his Giants debut behind a poised night from Jaxson Dart, who completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns while adding 54 rushing yards. His ability to extend plays and make smart decisions kept Dallas off balance throughout the night.

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Dart’s favorite target was Isaiah Likely, who caught all eight of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Malik Nabers, back from last season’s torn ACL, added six catches for 69 yards.

The Giants also got 81 rushing yards and a touchdown from Cam Skattebo, who returned after missing more than 10 months with a serious leg injury.

Dallas had chances to stay in control but repeatedly hurt itself.

Dak Prescott finished 22 of 34 for 175 yards and two touchdowns, finding CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams for scores. Prescott also threw a damaging interception just before halftime, helping New York maintain momentum.

The Cowboys committed eight penalties for 85 yards, including a taunting penalty on Williams following a touchdown and a late facemask call on Donovan Ezeiruaku. Those mistakes extended drives, changed field position and helped prevent Dallas from building any sustained rhythm.

The defensive performance may be even more troubling.

Dallas entered the season hoping new coordinator Christian Parker could stabilize a unit that allowed an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game last season. Instead, the Giants repeatedly found favorable matchups, moved the football consistently and scored four touchdowns.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged afterward that Dallas suffered from too many self-inflicted mistakes and failed to meet its standard.

It’s only one game, but the opener provided an early warning.

Dallas still has plenty of offensive talent, but penalties, defensive breakdowns and inconsistent execution are problems that can quickly become a season-long pattern.

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The Cowboys now return home to face Washington in Week 2 needing more than a better result.

They need to look like a better football team.