Here's NBC 5 Cowboys Insider Jean-Jacques Taylor's instant analysis of the Cowboys' 20-13 win over the New York Giants Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
WHAT IT MEANS
The Cowboys avoid the dreaded 0-2 start, which is often the kiss of death when it comes to making the playoffs. The Cowboys started fast on offense and allowed their defense to keep the Giants in check after they grabbed an early lead with six sacks and an overall stellar defensive effort.
TURNING POINT
Leading 13-3 in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys embarked on a 14-play, 82-yard drive with 8:23.They converted to third-down conversions and one fourth-down conversion on the drive that culminated with Ezekiel Elliott diving into the end zone at the end of a six-yard run.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Dak Prescott showed how he can be a winning quarterback for the Cowboys with his performance Sunday against the Giants. He wasn’t spectacular by any means but he was good enough and his decision-making was superb. He passed for only 160 yards, but he connected on a 64-yard touchdown pass to Tavon Austin that let the Giants know Dallas would attack deep. He also ran the zone read to perfection, gaining a career-high 46 yards on six carries and helping the Cowboys control the game. He also protected the ball and did not have a turnover.
KEY STAT
The Cowboys sacked Eli Manning six times. It’s their second-highest sack total ever against Manning. In December 2008, they sacked him eight times in a 20-8 win.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Cowboys head to Seattle with few questions about their defense that has been outstanding the first two games and with fewer questions about their offense, though much work remains. It was better, but they still didn’t get 300 yards in total offense.
