The Cowboys have moved the ball rather easily against the Giants defense right until they get close to the end zone, which is when things stall out and they settle for field goals.
The Giants haven’t had the same problem. They’ve scored two touchdowns on their three possessions, showing the kind of quick-strike ability that will make them an NFC East contender if they can sort things out on defense. Eli Manning hit rookie Sterling Shepard with a 10-yard touchdown pass with seconds to play in the second quarter and the Giants lead 13-9 at halftime after Randy Bullock missed an extra point.
Manning also threw a 15-yard touchdown to Will Tye that was set up by a 45-yard strike to Odell Beckham. Beckham beat Orlando Scandrick on the play and Scandrick, who missed all of last year with a torn ACL, soon departed for the locker room with a hamstring injury. He is questionable to return.
Manning also found Victor Cruz three times in his return to the lineup after nearly two seasons on the shelf with injuries. One was a 23-yarder for a first down before Shepard’s touchdown, which made for a nice moment after so much doubt about Cruz’s ability to return to the field.
Dak Prescott had nice moments while going 14-of-19 for 134 yards in his regular season debut and the Cowboys had the ball for 22:04 of the half. They still trail, though, and touchdowns will be a must in the second half given how quickly the Giants have put points on the board.