If you were looking for a miracle finish to a rollercoaster season, last night’s news probably felt like a cold splash of water. The Dallas Cowboys football score last night isn’t exactly what fans in North Texas wanted to see on the ticker. Dallas wrapped up their regular season with a thud, falling 34-17 to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Honestly, it was a weird game.
The Cowboys finished the 2025-2026 campaign with a mediocre 7-9-1 record. That’s the kind of record that leaves a fan base in a state of perpetual "what if?" One week they look like world-beaters, and the next, they're letting a four-win Giants team run up the score in the fourth quarter.
Breaking down the Dallas Cowboys football score last night
The game started with a bit of a spark. Actually, it started with KaVontae Turpin doing what he does best—breaking records. He ripped off an 84-yard kickoff return that set up a 14-yard touchdown run by rookie Jaydon Blue. At that moment, Dallas led 10-6 and things felt okay. Stable, even.
Then the wheels came off.
New York’s Jaxson Dart looked like a seasoned vet, carving up a Cowboys defense that has been, frankly, a sieve for much of the year. By the time halftime rolled around, Dallas was trailing 16-10. It only got uglier from there. Between a rookie being ejected for ripping off a helmet and a series of back-breaking penalties, the Cowboys basically handed the Giants the keys to the stadium.
Key Stats from the MetLife Meltdown:
- Final Score: Giants 34, Cowboys 17
- Total Yards: Dallas was outpaced 380 to 286.
- Turnovers: A muffed snap and a late interception by Joe Milton III (who came in for Dak) sealed the deal.
- Penalties: 9 flags for 94 yards. You just can’t win like that.
Why the defense couldn't get off the field
Most people talk about Dak Prescott or the offensive line, but the real story of the Dallas Cowboys football score last night was the lack of discipline on the other side of the ball. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney actually had a monster game—three sacks and a forced fumble—but he was a lone wolf.
The Giants converted 8 of 14 third downs. That’s over 57%.
When you can't get a stop on third-and-long, you're doomed. There was one specific play where Dallas had New York pinned at third-and-21. Instead of a punt, linebacker Kenneth Murray drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for a late hit out of bounds. The Giants scored a touchdown a few plays later. It was a perfect microcosm of the entire season.
What this means for the off-season
Since the Cowboys finished 7-9-1, they are officially in "evaluation mode." No playoffs. No January heroics. Just a lot of questions for Mike McCarthy and the front office.
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The silver lining? The rookies. Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah both found the end zone last night. It’s the first time two Dallas rookie running backs have scored in the same game since 2016. That was the year of Dak and Zeke, for those keeping track at home.
If you're wondering what's next, the focus shifts immediately to the 2026 NFL Draft. Dallas is sitting in a spot where they can actually snag some much-needed defensive help. They need a ball-hawk in the secondary. The team finished the year with only six interceptions, tying a franchise low.
Actionable steps for Cowboys fans:
- Watch the Senior Bowl: It's happening on January 31 in Mobile, Alabama. This is where the Cowboys usually find those mid-round gems.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: With the season over, keep an eye on Brian Schottenheimer’s status. The offensive inconsistency was a major theme in the post-game locker room.
- Check the Cap Space: Dallas has some tough decisions to make with aging veterans. Free agency begins in March, but the "legal tampering" period starts March 9.
The Dallas Cowboys football score last night was a disappointing end to a year that promised much more. While the 34-17 loss hurts, the focus now turns to whether this roster needs a light polish or a complete sledgehammer.