Giants Rally Past Cowboys on Malik Nabers’ Late Catch as Russell Wilson Shines, Defense Stumbles
Russell Wilson connects with Malik Nabers for go-ahead touchdown with 25 seconds left as New York ends long losing run in Arlington amid defensive lapses
ARLINGTON, Texas — Malik Nabers hauled in a high-arching Russell Wilson pass in the end zone with 25 seconds remaining, lifting the New York Giants to a 37-34 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and ending a near-decade stretch of defeats to their NFC East rivals.
The winning play capped a game that featured a resurgent Giants offense and a defense that repeatedly allowed Dallas back into contention, leaving the outcome in doubt until the final minute. Wilson, criticized after New York’s uneven Week 1 performance, produced one of his most effective outings of the season and delivered the decisive throw at AT&T Stadium.
New York took the lead on the Nabers touchdown after assembling a late drive that relied on Wilson’s arm and timely completions. The Cowboys countered with scoring drives of their own, and the game featured multiple lead changes in the fourth quarter. Dallas had opportunities to seize control earlier but could not protect a slim margin in the closing moments.
The Giants’ offense, which struggled in the season opener and drew criticism from the fan base and media, showed a marked turnaround. Wilson completed multiple high-impact throws downfield and sustained several drives, connecting repeatedly with his primary receivers. Nabers’ go-ahead catch came on a lofted pass into the end zone that he secured amid tight coverage.
New York’s defense, however, repeatedly allowed Dallas to close deficits and extend possessions, forcing the offense to shoulder the final responsibility for the win. The unit surrendered consecutive scoring drives in the second half and allowed the Cowboys to remain within striking distance until the final possession.
The victory ends a long run of losses to Dallas that had weighed on the Giants’ season narratives and fan expectations. It also provides a stark contrast to last week’s opener, when New York’s offense underperformed and raised questions about play-calling and execution.
Coaching staff and players noted the game’s swingy nature after the final horn, pointing to the offense’s ability to respond under pressure and the defense’s need for sharper situational play. The win moves the Giants to 1-1 on the young season and serves as an early test of whether the team can sustain offensive momentum while tightening defensive play.
The Cowboys, now also 1-1, will regroup after a narrow loss that featured several missed chances late. Both teams will turn their focus to divisional matchups next week as they seek consistency and clearer identities through the early NFL schedule.