Jerry Jones expects the Cowboys to respond quickly after an opening-week loss that exposed problems on both sides of the ball and gave the Giants an emphatic NFC East victory. Dallas will try to avoid an 0-2 start, both overall and in the division, when it hosts the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Jones said New York outperformed Dallas’ expectations in the season opener, while also acknowledging that the Cowboys fell short of their own standard. The Giants never trailed, controlling the game for more than 13 additional minutes in possession and repeatedly finding breakdowns in Dallas coverage, including open receivers in the end zone and on critical downs.
“They did a good job everywhere,” Jones said of the Giants. “They were better than we thought they were. I’m interested to see how New York continues to play. We didn’t play as well as we should or can play, but they played better than I thought they could.”
Jaxson Dart led New York’s attack with 230 passing yards and three touchdown throws, completing 23 of 29 attempts. He also contributed on the ground alongside Cam Skattebo, with the pair combining for 135 rushing yards. Skattebo added a rushing touchdown as the Giants kept the Cowboys’ offense off the field for extended stretches.
The performance was particularly disappointing for a Dallas defense expected to take a step forward under new coordinator Christian Parker after an offseason of significant change. Instead, the Cowboys struggled to communicate in coverage and could not consistently slow an offense that dictated the pace throughout the afternoon.
Cowboys face urgency against Washington
Jones pointed to the adjustment period created by a new coaching staff, altered defensive concepts and players still settling into unfamiliar responsibilities. But he stressed that Dallas cannot allow that transition to become an excuse with another division opponent arriving in Week 2.
“We’re not at the level that we thought we would be,” Jones said. “There are logical reasons. You have a new coaching staff, a defensive scheme that is new to a lot of people, and players who are new to that scheme. It is a challenge to get it all together and have it ready from the start.”
Jones added that New York deserved more credit than he initially expected, while warning that Washington can create its own problems if Dallas does not raise its level. The loser of Sunday’s matchup will leave the weekend at 0-2 overall and 0-2 in NFC East play.
Despite the rough opener, Jones is confident the Cowboys will look markedly different at home against the Commanders. He cited the roster’s work rate, physical ability and motivation as reasons to expect a stronger showing.
“The improvement from where we played Sunday should be expected, and it will be there,” Jones said. “I know how hard these guys are working, I know their physical capabilities and I know their motivation. You will see improvement. I’ll go on the record saying that.”
