One of the focal points for the Cowboys this offseason was getting better on defense, but their first outing of the year didnâÂÂt show the kind of improvement they were looking for in Dallas.
The Giants put up 394 yards and drove for four touchdowns over the course of Sunday nightâÂÂs 28-20 win. They converted nine of their 11 third down opportunities, which gave them possession of the ball for nearly 37 minutes and was the thing defensive tackle Quinnen Williams identified as the biggest problem with the unitâÂÂs effort.
âÂÂI think we definitely gotta be critical [of ourselves] in our approach, when we get to [preparing for Week 2]. And itâÂÂs a great week to learn, and to get things better,â Williams said, via the teamâÂÂs website. âÂÂThe guys we got in our locker room, especially on defense, are unbelievable when it comes down to taking constructive criticism and accountability, first of all, and letâÂÂs move,â he said. âÂÂWe had a lot of mental errors, a lot of busts today, and just really need to be critical with that going into this week; and focus on getting better.âÂÂ
A Week 1 loss doesnâÂÂt close many doors â the Patriots and Seahawks were both 0-1 last season â but teams canâÂÂt be shy about addressing what didnâÂÂt work as they move toward future games. The Cowboys will put that to the test as they get ready for the Commanders in Week 2.