NFL News & Analysis

NFL Week 1 PFF ReFocused: Dallas Cowboys 35, New York Giants 17

Dak Prescott put together a strong performance in the Dallas Cowboys‘ 35-17 win over the New York Giants in Week 1.

PFF's ReFocused series features immediate takeaways from the two analysts who graded the game live. The two offer a detailed breakdown of the game's most notable performances before the grades and advanced stats are reviewed and finalized by Senior Analysts.

All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game and the other games played this week will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle. ELITE subscribers can view player grades, advanced statistics, positional snap counts and more in Premium Stats.

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Final Score

Dallas Cowboys 35, New York Giants 17

Dallas Cowboys

Jeff Heath was excellent in coverage, breaking up numerous passes, including an excellent hit on Evan Engram to jar the ball loose for an incomplete pass.

While the stat sheet might not show it sack-wise, DeMarcus Lawrence was living in the Giants' backfield all day. The Cowboys have to be thrilled to have the pass-rusher locked up for the next five seasons.

It was a historic opening day for the Dallas offense, and that was led by quarterback Dak Prescott. Dak was on the money all game long, dropping multiple dimes deep down the field, and perhaps most importantly, he never came close to turning the football over. If this a sign of things to come for the Cowboys' offense, it could be a big year for Dak and company.

Receivers Michael Gallup and Amari Cooper both went for 100-plus yards in this one, as they really abused the Giants' young secondary all game long. The focus this offseason has been on Ezekiel Elliott, but today it was about the outside receivers making plays all over the field.

Rookie Takeaways

Rookie running back Tony Pollard was unimpressive in limited action, and so was Miami (Fla.) defensive line product Joe Jackson.

New York Giants

After an opening play fumble, Saquon Barkley looked exactly like himself, breaking off long runs and breaking tackles. With the Giants trailing most of the game, it was hard for him to get many touches as they had to constantly pass the ball.

It was a tough game for right tackle Mike Remmers, as he allowed numerous pressures from the Cowboys' edge defenders, which led to the Giants using quick short passes for the majority of the game.

B.J. Hill was one of the few bright spots for the Giants' defense, as he was very solid in the run game, which is not an easy task against this Dallas' offense. He finished the game with four total tackles, good for sixth on the team.

This was a rude welcome to the NFL for rookie DeAndre Baker, as he was victimized early often by Dak and the Dallas receivers. Baker has a bright future in the NFL, but this was definitely a learning experience for the youngster.

Rookie Takeaways

Baker had a rough outing against Dallas' talented receiving corps. He really couldn't catch a break in coverage.

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