Cowboys 36, Giants 30: Javonte Williams’ three TDs power Dallas past New York

ARLINGTON, TX - The Dallas Cowboys leaned on big plays from Javonte Williams, CeeDee Lamb, and a momentum-shifting kickoff return by KaVontae Turpin to outlast the New York Giants 36-30 in a Week 2 thriller.

Game Recap

The Giants struck first behind a short touchdown run and later a 15-yard scoring strike from Russell Wilson to tight end Daniel Bellinger, taking a 21-17 lead late in the second quarter. But Dallas responded with power and speed.

Williams was unstoppable on the ground, breaking off a 66-yard touchdown run on his way to 168 rushing yards and three scores. His bruising style wore down the Giants' front seven and set the tone for Dallas' offense.

One of the game's pivotal moments came in the third quarter. After Graham Gano's field goal extended New York's lead, Turpin immediately answered with an 83-yard kickoff return to the house. Though the two-point try failed, the play flipped momentum back to Dallas and ignited the home crowd.

Early in the fourth, Dak Prescott found Lamb for a 31-yard touchdown strike, pushing the Cowboys' lead to double digits. The Giants clawed back with Gano's fourth field goal, but their rally fell short in the final minutes.

Key Stats

Javonte Williams was the star of the night, gashing the Giants' defense for 168 rushing yards on just 15 carries. His three touchdowns, including a 66-yard breakaway in the second half, gave Dallas the balance it needed to keep pressure off the passing game.

Dak Prescott played a controlled, efficient game, completing 12 of 17 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown without turning the ball over. His biggest strike came early in the fourth quarter, when he hit CeeDee Lamb in stride for a 31-yard score that extended Dallas' lead. Lamb finished with that lone reception, but it proved to be a decisive blow.

For the Giants, Russell Wilson was sharp through the air, going 22-for-29 for 255 yards and a touchdown. He also showed his legs still matter, adding 49 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. complemented him with a hard-nosed 129-yard performance on 22 carries, keeping New York within striking distance all game.

Quotes

After the game, Javonte Williams spoke about his career night and the offensive line that paved the way. "Coach told us all week this was going to be a physical game, and I felt that from the first snap. Our line opened lanes, and once I got to the second level, I just tried to finish runs the way I know how. The touchdowns are nice, but really it's about wearing down a defense and helping us get that win."

Dak Prescott praised the balance of the offense and singled out KaVontae Turpin's kickoff return as a spark. "That return was a huge momentum swing. We had just given up a score, and Turp brought the sideline back to life. From there, we knew we had the edge. Our run game kept pounding, and when we needed a play through the air, we found it."

On the Giants' side, Russell Wilson reflected on the effort but admitted the sting of falling short. "We moved the ball well, put up over 400 yards, but we didn't capitalize enough in the red zone. Credit to Dallas - they answered every punch we threw. We've got a resilient group, and there's no doubt we'll bounce back next week."

Up Next

The Cowboys (2-0) head to Chicago in Week 3 to face the Bears. The Giants (0-2) will look to rebound at home when they host the Kansas City Chiefs.