Eli Manning threw for three touchdowns, including the go-ahead touchdown to Victor Cruz as the New York Giants topped the Dallas Cowboys 20-19 at AT&T Stadium.
Making his head coaching debut, Giants coach Ben McAdoo picked up his first win after taking over for Tom Coughlin and spoiling the debut of the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.
With Tony Romo out with another injury, the duo of Prescott and Elliott were the first rookie quarterback-running back combo to start an opener for the Cowboys since 1969.
Cruz, who missed the past two season due to injuries, caught a three-yard touchdown with six minutes remaining left in the game as the Giants held on for the win.
The Cowboys had one last chance with just under a minute left in the game to set up a potential game-winning field goal, but simply ran out of time. Wide receiver Terrance Willaims didn’t get our of bounds with eight seconds left on the clock and before Prescott could spike the ball, the horn had already sounded.
Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey already had four field goals on the day and connected with his career long of 56 yards and another from 54 yards. If Williams had gotten out of bounds, the Cowboys would have been in position for roughly a 58-yard field goal attempt.
Manning completed 19 of 28 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns.
Prescott went 25 of 45 for 227 yards. Elliott was limited to just 51 yards on 21 carries, but did score his first touchdown, and the only one for Dallas on Sunday.
Streak Ended: The Giants defeated the Cowboys in an opener for the first time in nine tries.
Next Opponents
New York: The Giants will welcome the New Orleans Saints in their first home game of the NFL season. The Saints are coming off a heartbreaking 35-34 loss to Oakland after blowing an 11-point fourth quarter lead.
Dallas: The Cowboys will look for their first victory of the season as they go on the road to face the Washington Redskins Sunday.
