Cowboys executive admits to being 'surprised' after Giants upset
Stephen Jones says the Dallas Cowboys' 28-20 opening loss to the New York Giants was a shock, but insists the team's culture remains intact as it seeks a quick fix for Week 2.
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL season with elevated expectations following a significant defensive overhaul, yet the franchise stumbled in its opening fixture. A 28-20 defeat to division rivals the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium left the organisation’s leadership searching for answers, with executive vice-president Stephen Jones publicly acknowledging the shock of the result.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones did not mince words regarding the team's flat performance on Sunday Night Football. "I’d be the first to admit that I was very surprised and disappointed," Jones stated. He noted that while the issues could potentially be a "quick fix," the organisation must also recognise that the squad is still a "work in progress."
The statistical breakdown of the loss highlights the struggles on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Dak Prescott completed 22 of 34 passes for 175 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while wide receiver CeeDee Lamb recorded five receptions for 44 yards and a score. However, the ground attack sputtered, managing only 69 rushing yards on 18 carries.
Defensively, the revamped unit failed to contain the Giants, surrendering 395 total yards and four touchdowns to quarterback Jaxson Dart. Despite these defensive lapses, Jones maintained that the team's internal culture and DNA remain strong, expressing confidence that the roster possesses the necessary talent and leadership to right the ship.
Jones predicted an immediate response in the team's next fixture, emphasising that the players will answer the bell with urgency. "I think we’ll see a much better product on Sunday," he said. The Cowboys now face a critical Week 2 match, needing a sharp performance to avoid falling into an early 0-2 hole in the season.
