NFL: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys
Aug 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on before the game between the Cowboys and the Saints at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Dallas Cowboys opened the 2026 NFL season with a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants. After the loss, head coach Brian Schottenheimer blamed poor execution and highlighted mistakes from several young players.
Schottenheimer did not hide his frustration after Dallas struggled on both sides of the ball. He called the Cowboys’ performance “pretty poor” and said they failed to meet their standard.
“One of the things, not excuse guys, we did not play well,” Schottenheimer said. “But you got young players and young player closes, and Jackson Dart boots and gets outside. We don’t push three different times to the f—ing flat route, excuse my language.”
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However, the coach understands that it takes patience. He said, “Those are going to happen, and we have to coach the young players better, but when you play young players, it’s part of the deal, and they need to learn quickly.”
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer wasn't too happy with the young guys in their loss pic.twitter.com/shQY2pVXiM
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 14, 2026
The Giants found success behind rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who threw for 230 yards and added 54 rushing yards. His mobility created problems for a Dallas defense that needed a better start after a poor 2025 season.
“Overall as a football team, we were pretty poor,” the coach said.
Dallas also hurt itself with eight penalties for 85 yards. A taunting penalty on Javonte Williams came after his touchdown and pushed Brandon Aubrey’s extra point attempt back.
Cowboys coach talked about ‘self-inflicted wounds’
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Cowboys coach accepted responsibility for the team’s discipline issues while stressing quick improvement. Dallas entered the season with several new defensive pieces and high expectations for a revamped unit.
“We had some self-inflicted wounds,” Schottenheimer said about penalties, and added, “I own that, and they own that.”
Dallas also struggled to contain Dart’s ability to extend plays. The Cowboys repeatedly failed to finish defensive opportunities, allowing the rookie to create additional space outside the pocket.
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Schottenheimer called the loss a “humbling” experience, and clarified that, “That’s certainly not our standard. We certainly didn’t come out of the gate fast enough on either side of the ball… we got humbled.”
Dak Prescott completed 22 of 34 passes for 175 yards and threw touchdowns to CeeDee Lamb and Williams. Williams also scored on the ground, but Dallas could not generate enough offense to overcome its mistakes.
The loss adds pressure on a Cowboys team seeking improvement after allowing an NFL-high 30.1 points per game last season. Dallas will host Washington next Sunday, giving Schottenheimer and his young players an immediate chance to respond.
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