EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Dallas Cowboys end the season in the Meadowlands, losing 34-17 to a division rival in the New York Giants.
In the first quarter, both sides traded field goals, and the Giants added a second, before one of the longest kick returns of the season set up running back Jaydon Blue’s first touchdown as a Cowboy. Blue can thank wide receiver KaVontae Turpin for setting that up for him—his 84-yard kickoff return was Turpin’s longest kick return of the season, and the second-longest of his career.
Another field goal for the Giants and a tight end Daniel Bellinger TD to close the half after quarterback Jaxson Dart’s shovel pass, shutting out Dallas during the second quarter.
QB Joe Milton replaced Dak Prescott in the second half—something head coach Brian Schottenheimer said was a judgement call. Prescott’s 70 yards the day could help him become the first in Cowboys history to lead the league in passing yards, but if it’s enough to beat the LA Rams’ Matthew Stafford is to be seen.
Dallas also did not score in the third quarter and another Giants TD, this time from running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., made the score 22-10, New York. Then a wide receiver Darius Slayton two-point conversion added another two onto the score. Tracy totaled 103 yards, the first time the Giants had a 100-yard rusher all season, out of his 158 yards from scrimmage a personal best.
17 points were scored in total on the fourth quarter, only seven of those being Dallas’.
Milton went 7 of 13 for 73 yards and an interception, and Jadeveon Clowney had a career-high three sacks in the game, and impressive showing for the 32-year old defensive end who says he wants to be back in Dallas next season. RB Phil Mafah also finished the day with a touchdown, while kicker Brandon Aubrey went 1 of 2 on field goals.
