A tough, close win keeps the Cowboys out of crisis mode, but Micah Parsons’ health is questionable

DALLAS (AP) – A tough and narrow victory Because the Dallas Cowboys over the New York Giants kept Dak Prescott and Co. out of crisis mode for the time being.

The Cowboys did the same thing twice last season en route to their third straight 12-win season and a trip to the playoffs. It remains to be seen how the latest nerve-wracking victory will be reflected.

Dallas (2-2) is getting extra rest after a 20-15 win over the Giants before traveling to Pittsburgh for another prime-time game on Oct. 6 Health of star pass rusher Micah Parsons.

“I think we’re doing a really good job internally and staying focused on what we do every day,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “I think sometimes our guys give honest answers to outsiders’ questions and sometimes things are said that really don’t reflect what’s going on inside.”

After consecutive home losses to New Orleans and Baltimore with large deficits in the first half and little resistance from the defense, Prescott wasn’t alone in questioning the team’s professionalism, focus and practice habits.

The star quarterback’s 13th consecutive win over the Giants wasn’t exactly brilliant.

But it was similar to last season’s 20-17 win at the Los Angeles Chargers, a week after another trip to California ended with a crushing loss in San Francisco. And a 20-19 home win over Detroit late in the season after the Cowboys lost consecutive road games to Buffalo and Miami.

Granted, Dallas got a gift in the final seconds against the Lions when the officials nullified a 2-pointer by Detroit that should have counted.

The Cowboys didn’t apologize then, and they don’t apologize now.

“Huge, especially when you compare it to the alternative,” Prescott said. “What that would have been like.”

Next on the list of important things after the win for Dallas is the condition of Parsons’ left ankle, which was injured in the fourth quarter when the two-time All-Pro said someone fell on him as he tried to plant his leg.

Parsons is expected to suffer a serious ankle sprain week to week, while fellow pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence could be out longer after spraining his left ankle against the Giants, two people with knowledge of the injuries said Friday. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details of the injuries have not been released.

What works

The offensive efficiency remained fairly stable through the wild ups and downs of the first few weeks. While the Cowboys kept the Giants out of the end zone, they had difficulty stopping drives. So that means Prescott’s crew made good use of the time they had.

Prescott was 22 of 27 for 221 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and one sack. The Cowboys scored a TD on their only trip inside the 20-yard line.

CeeDee Lamb had a 55-yard scoring catch four days after the sideline antics 28:25 loss to Baltimore That essentially led to the All-Pro receiver apologizing.

“We have to continue to be professionals,” Prescott said. “That doesn’t get done when you get a win and that’s what I’m talking about, how we don’t get overly excited and hopefully don’t listen to everything that’s written about, good or bad.”

What needs help

Things will be a little difficult for Dallas at cornerback due to injuries.

Andrew Booth, acquired late in the preseason in a trade with Minnesota, was supposed to fill in for rookie Caelen Carson, but was badly beaten several times in the first half and was benched after halftime. Carson was inactive due to a shoulder injury.

Booth was a 2022 second-round pick who never thrived for the Vikings, and things aren’t looking very promising for the Cowboys either. Amani Oruwariye, who was called up from the training squad before the game, replaced Booth and secured the victory in the final seconds.

DaRon Bland, who set an NFL record with five interception returns for touchdowns last season, is eligible to return from injured reserve after undergoing surgery late in the preseason for a stress fracture in his foot. The Cowboys were hoping he might be ready for the Steelers.

Stock up

The run defense bounced back from two brutal games, holding the Giants to 26 yards rushing and 1.1 yards per carry. Sophomore defensive tackle Mazi Smith finally showed some promise with a tackle for loss, one of six for the Cowboys.

Inventory reduced

LT Tyler Guyton was held three times as the Cowboys finished with 11 penalties for 89 yards. When C Cooper Beebe and LG Tyler Smith were stopped on the same play, the officials had to decide between taking penalties. The common denominator is youth. Smith is in his third season, while Guyton and Beebe are freshmen.

Injuries

Parsons and Lawrence are the top two pass rushers for Dallas. Longer absences for both will be a problem. … Diggs had to leave the game against the Giants with cramps and was treated for dehydration. He is also not expected to miss time.

Key number

16 – This is the final tally of K Brandon Aubrey’s NFL record for consecutive field goals made of at least 50 yards early in his career. After hitting a 60-yarder in the first half, the 29-year-old missed the ball from 51 yards in the final minute in his second season.

Next Steps

The Cowboys last visited Pittsburgh in 2016, when Prescott was in the midst of leading them on an 11-game winning streak. He was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year that season.

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