ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith looks on before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys always generate hype during the offseason, as is typical for the most valuable franchise in sports, but this year felt different. There were no bad optics or tense contract negotiations. The usual bluster surrounding this squad was replaced by genuine optimism and undeniably good vibes. There was little to praise once the actual campaign began, though.
A revamped defense performed eerily similar to last season's unit, Dak Prescott and the offense struggled to complete explosive plays and the team committed a back-breaking nine penalties for 90 yards. A hopeful trip to the Meadowlands ended in a 28-20 loss versus the New York Giants, forcing fans to adjust their expectations once again. Longtime Cowboys skeptic Stephen A. Smith wasted no time in celebrating this Dallas debacle.
He also fired a warning shot at one of the franchise's biggest legends.
“How many times I'm gonna be right?” A cackling Smith said in a video that he posted on X. “Just be patient. They won't let you down. By the way y'all, Michael Irvin will be in the house tomorrow on First Take. Perfect timing. See y'all in the morning.”
1-down……16 to go!!!!! pic.twitter.com/o2QMVbA4jM
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 14, 2026
Irvin is in for a rough couple of hours, as he does his best to withstand Smith's barrage of Cowboys quips. The Hall of Fame wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion will not have a strong counterargument to make on this day.
It is important not to overreact to one game, especially when that game is played in the first week of the season. Dallas has a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker and young players like Caleb Downs who are finding their NFL bearings. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are unlikely to combine for 75 receiving yards again. And the Giants may just be a much better football team than the one Dak Prescott has seen for most of his 11-year NFL career.
That being said, this performance was unacceptable. The defense posted almost no resistance during the entire second half, allowing Jaxson Dart to effortlessly connect with Isaiah Likely and Malik Nabers. No discernible adjustments were made, and when the team did do something positive on that side of the ball, costly penalties often wiped it away. The offense cannot be completely spared, however.
Pickens dropped a pass in the first half that could have given the Cowboys loads of momentum, and Prescott averaged only 5.1 yards gained per pass attempt. Fans expect room for improvement, but following this divisional defeat, the coaching staff might have to reconsider its 2026 blueprint. And yet, this was still a one-possession game.
Stephen A. Smith will have his laughs on Monday and taunt Michael Irvin, but a sleepy Week 1 showing on the road does not have to define Dallas. The Cowboys must wake up for next Sunday's home game versus the Washington Commanders.