The Dallas Cowboys closed their 2025 campaign with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, ending a season that began with Super Bowl ambitions but finished in bitter disappointment.
After winning three straight in November against the Raiders, Eagles, and Chiefs, the Cowboys looked poised for a playoff push. But back-to-back December defeats to the Lions and Vikings crushed those hopes, leaving only pride to play for in the finale.
Schottenheimer’s Honest Assessment
First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer admitted his frustration after the game:
“I’m disappointed. I did not think that we would be 7-9-1. I didn’t think that we wouldn’t be in the playoffs. I expected to be in the playoffs and competing for the Super Bowl.”
The Cowboys missed the postseason for the second consecutive year, finishing with a losing record in Schottenheimer’s debut season.
Game Highlights
- Giants snapped a nine-game losing streak against Dallas.
- QB Jaxson Dart threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns.
- RB Tyrone Tracy rushed for 103 yards — the Giants’ first 100-yard rusher of the season.
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott played only the first half, completing 7 of 11 passes for 70 yards.
- A third-quarter scuffle saw Donovan Ezeiruaku ejected as tensions boiled over.
Defensive Struggles & Roster Decisions
The Cowboys’ defense ranked near the bottom of the league, allowing 511 points (30.1 per game) — the worst in franchise history. Controversial roster moves added to the turmoil, including trading star pass rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay and releasing cornerback Trevon Diggs days before the finale.
Looking Ahead
Schottenheimer promised sweeping evaluations across offense, defense, and special teams:
“We’re gonna get to the bottom of it. We’re gonna adjust and make changes that we need to do to help us get there.”
The Cowboys now face a critical offseason at 7-9-1, with their 2026 schedule set to test whether adjustments can restore the franchise to contention.
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