NFL News & Analysis

NFL Week 5 Game Recap: Dallas Cowboys 44, New York Giants 20

Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates with Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) after a touchdown by Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Behind a bruising rushing attack, vertical passing game and opportunistic defense, the Dallas Cowboys established their NFC East superiority in the second half, going on a 27-10 spurt to neutralize the New York Giants, 44-20, and advance to 4-1 on the season.

Running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combined for over 200 yards on the ground while quarterback Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes.

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Dallas Cowboys

Quarterback

Dak Prescott was efficient and productive behind a balanced rushing attack. This is what the Mississippi State product was able to produce on 38 dropbacks:

Player Passing Yards Touchdowns Big-Time Throws
Dak Prescott 313  3 5
Running back

Both Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard each surpassed 100 yards on the ground. Elliott racked up 71 yards after contact and Pollard tallied 65 such yards.

Wide receiver/tight end

While Amari Cooper is on track to earn a 70.0-plus receiving grade, it was CeeDee Lamb who showcased his versatility after the catch. Lamb accumulated 42 yards after the catch and 19 yards after contact, and he also had a touchdown grab. Tight end Dalton Schultz grabbed six balls for 79 yards en route to a pending 70.0-plus grade.

Offensive line

The Cowboys' offensive line was headlined by Tyron Smith, who didn't allow a sack or a hurry and is on track to finish with a 90.0-plus pass-blocking grade.

Defensive line

Randy Gregory led the way for the Cowboys' defensive line, recording a pending 90.5 pass-rushing grade that featured four hurries and four hits.

Linebackers

Six defensive stops and a tackle for loss headlined Micah Parsons‘ day, although he is on track to finish with a sub-60.0 run-defense grade.

Secondary

Trevon Diggs gave up four first-down catches on nine targets, but he did reel in his sixth interception of the year. The second-year cornerback also forced two incompletions.

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New York Giants

Quarterback

Daniel Jones exited with a concussion, forcing Mike Glennon into action in the second half. It was a mixed performance from Glennon, who made two big-time throws and three turnover-worthy plays.

Running back

Forty-five yards and a rushing score from Devontae Booker was serviceable as Saquon Barkley’s replacement, but he is still set to finish with around a 50.0 rushing grade.

Wide receiver/tight end

Rookie Kadarius Toney was the highlight of a Giants offense rattled by injuries. The Florida product caught 10 of his 13 targets for eight first downs, five explosive plays and 189 yards. Toney also forced three missed tackles. Tight end Evan Engram caught all four of his targets for four first downs.

Offensive line

The Giants' offensive line was no match for the Dallas front, allowing six hits and 12 hurries on the day. Nate Solder is on track to finish with a very poor grade after allowing five pressures on his own.

Defensive line

Leonard Williams recorded three stops and a sack, serving as the Giants' lone source of production along the defensive front.

Linebackers

Reggie Ragland posted four stops and one pressure. He fared much better as a pass-rusher (77.1 pass-rushing grade) than a run defender (61.1), pending review.

Secondary

Adoree' Jackson (51.1 coverage grade) and James Bradberry (61.0 coverage grade) each had long afternoons guarding the Cowboys’ weapons outside. Jackson gave up a touchdown catch, while Bradberry allowed four receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown the eight times he was targeted.

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