The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants squared off in NFL Week 2. The game turned into an instant classic.
The Cowboys and Giants combined for a whopping 41 points during a back-and-forth fourth quarter that saw five lead changes. The game went to overtime and nearly ended in a tie before Dallas won 40-37 thanks to a last-second Brandon Aubrey field goal.
Just how crazy was the end of the Cowboys vs. Giants game? Below is a look at the highlights that swung the action over the last 11 minutes of action in regulation and overtime.
Russell Wilson’s moonball TD to Malik Nabers
Many counted the Giants out after the Cowboys scored a go-ahead touchdown with 54 seconds remaining in regulation. However, just 27 seconds later, New York managed to find its way into the end-zone to retake the lead.
How did the Giants do it? Wilson unleashed a deep pass to Nabers, dropping it perfectly into the 22-year-old’s arms in stride for the 48-yard touchdown.
Nabers managed to make the catch despite being grabbed by the facemask just before the ball arrived. The play, and the ensuing extra point, gave the Giants a 3-point lead with 25 seconds left in regulation.
Brandon Aubrey’s game-tying 64-yard field goal
Dallas was able to erase New York’s lead just as quickly as the Giants had erased theirs. Dak Prescott and Co. managed to gain 25 yards, most of which came on an 18-yard completion to Jake Ferguson, to put Aubrey on the outer edge of his field goal range.
Aubrey managed to put the ball through the uprights from 64 yards as time expired in regulation to force overtime.
Aubrey is regarded as one of the league’s best kickers from long-distance and entered Sunday’s game having made 25 of his 28 career attempts from 50-plus yards out.
Russell Wilson throws deep-ball interception
Wilson’s deep ball giveth, but it also taketh away. Giants fans got a taste of that in overtime, when the veteran quarterback decided to launch another deep pass in the direction of Nabers.
This time, Wilson threw the ball too far to the inside. That allowed safety Donovan Wilson to easily go up and catch the pass, while Nabers came flying in to make the tackle.
Wilson’s pass was a long one, so it had the same impact as a punt. However, with so little time remaining in overtime, the interception all but guaranteed the Giants wouldn’t have a chance to get the ball back unless they could quickly force a three-and-out.
Dak Prescott scrambles to set up Cowboys field goal
Prescott missed more than half of the 2024 NFL season after tearing his hamstring off the bone. The 32-year-old showed against the Giants that he still has mobility despite the injury.
With just 37 seconds left in overtime, Prescott saw a running lane open in the middle of New York’s defense. He took advantage of it, scrambling for 14 yards and putting Dallas well within Aubrey’s field goal range.
The Cowboys decided not to run another offensive play after Prescott’s all-important run. Instead, they took a timeout with four seconds left and decided to let Aubrey try to win the game.
Brandon Aubrey seals Cowboys win with 46-yard field goal
Aubrey made a game-tying field goal as time expired in regulation. He did the same at the end of overtime, guaranteeing the Cowboys and Giants would avoid the tie.
Aubrey’s game-winning attempt was from 46 yards, making it easier than his 64-yarder at the end of regulation.
Aubrey’s make gave Brian Schottenheimer his first win as Dallas’ coach and allowed the Cowboys to extend their winning streak over the Giants to nine games.