2026 Season | Week 1 | Gameday Chatter Thread | Cowboys @ Giants | 09/13/2026

[Cowboysrock55]

We saw flashes of potential-- the one drive where we got the sack and fumble recovery.

You just have to expect growing pains with 8 new starters and a new defensive scheme. It's no excuse for the cluelessness the players played with, but I also expected a slow start from the defense learning a complex scheme.

 

[Cujo]

I'm curious to see who all the teams are who didn't play any starters in the preseason and how they each performed week 1.

Here's what Grok said: Other NFL teams skipping starter preseason reps | Shared Grok Conversation

Of the teams who rested their starters heavily during the preseason, the overall record was 6-3.


Edit: Of the teams that had new D coordinators, the overall record was 2-2

 

[ravidubey]

You just have to expect growing pains with 8 new starters and a new defensive scheme. It's no excuse for the cluelessness the players played with, but I also expected a slow start from the defense learning a complex scheme.

Exactly, hence a work in progress.

But the talent gap at CB/EDGE is evident.

 

[Genghis Khan]

For it to have been a loss at all, they almost certainly wouldn't have looked great, right? The Giants are not that good.

No, there's a difference between making mistakes, being sloppy, dropping balls, committing penalties, and so forth and losing that way, as opposed to looking outclassed, overmatched, clueless, and physically overwhelmed.

 

[Smitty]

They scored touchdowns on every drive in the second half. The offense will be alright.

It needs to be better than alright.

 

[Bipo]

 

[ravidubey]

It needs to be better than alright.

They can't be expected to score TDs on every drive, but I agree they can't miss easy long TD passes or give up dumb interceptions either.

You can see the talent and how they shook themselves out of their slump for the most part, taunting aside.

The defense is flat-out concerning. They were out-physical'ed from the start.

 

[Bipo]

How does an 11 year vet QB making 40 mil per throw such a fucking retarded INT?

 

[Genghis Khan]

1992 added Charles Haley and Kevin Smith

And Thomas Everett, who was an underrated addition.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

And Thomas Everett, who was an underrated addition.

Loved that dude. As you say, very underrated.

 

[Genghis Khan]

Edit: Of the teams that had new D coordinators, the overall record was 2-2

That's probably a big part of it. Of course the opponent makes a difference also. But it doesn't seem wise to have no live action in preseason, especially when using a whole lot of young players including rookies, a new scheme, and a new coaching staff with a DC in his first time in that position.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I didn't think Lawrence looked bad, but did he seem a little slower than expected? He's also bigger. I wonder if they've asked him to gain more weight to play mostly the strong side on run downs and it's slowed him down some? Not even criticizing him so much, because he does seem bigger and stronger than I'd have expected as a rookie. He's just different than I thought he'd be. He does seem like he'll be able to set an edge.

 

[Smitty]

They can't be expected to score TDs on every drive

Why can't I expect them to do that?

The Giants did, basically.

If the Giants scored on 4 out of 6 drives, why can't I expect the Cowboys to score on 5 out of 6?

 

[Simpleton]

Why can't I expect them to do that?

The Giants did, basically.

If the Giants scored on 4 out of 6 drives, why can't I expect the Cowboys to score on 5 out of 6?

I'm sure our offense would if facing our defense.

 

[data]

And Thomas Everett, who was an underrated addition.

My Football Grid answer for Steelers/Cowboys

 

[Genghis Khan]

 

[bbgun]

I knew this meme was coming