Was the Cowboys’ win over the Giants the biggest NFL Week 1 blowout ever?

The New York Giants’ much-anticipated season opener against their rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, turned into a nightmare at a rain-drenched MetLife Stadium on Sunday night. Fans hoped this game would mark a turning point for the Giants, but the Cowboys seized control early and cruised to a shocking and unexpected 40-0 victory.

The Giants’ performance on the field was beyond disappointing, and the Cowboys capitalized on their weaknesses.

This was the fifth consecutive win for Dallas against the Giants and the 12th victory in their last 13 meetings. It was also the worst regular-season loss for the Giants in half a century, harking back to their 42-0 defeat to the Oakland Raiders on November 4, 1973, and the worst-ever opening-day loss for the franchise.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll acknowledged the humbling nature of the NFL and emphasized that the league can swiftly bring teams back to earth, regardless of their recent successes. He cited the emotional investment of players and coaches, their diligent preparation, and the lackluster execution on all fronts as contributing factors to the devastating 40-0 outcome.

The Giants’ offensive line shouldered a significant portion of the blame, with quarterback Daniel Jones bearing the brunt of the Cowboys’ relentless defensive pressure. Jones endured seven sacks, the second-highest total in his career, and he faced constant harassment with 12 hits and numerous hurried throws.

Other notable NFL Week 1 blowouts

The Dallas Cowboys’ resounding 40-0 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday night set a new NFL record for the most considerable shutout loss in the history of clashes between these two storied franchises and the NFL history of the Super Bowl era. This surpasses their previous record of a 35-0 triumph over the Giants in 1995, which also occurred in a season opener at the Meadowlands.

In addition, the Cowboys’ dominance on the field marked their most significant season-opening shutout win, surpassing their earlier record set in 1978 when they secured a 38-0 victory against the Baltimore Colts. This victory sends a resounding message about their readiness for the 2023 NFL season and continued prowess in this historic rivalry.

Until last night, one of the most notable Week 1 blowouts occurred on September 9, 1973, when the New England Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills with an astonishing score of 31-0. This 31-point victory is one of the largest margins of victory in an NFL Week 1 game. The Patriots’ dominant performance on both sides of the ball left a lasting impression on fans and pundits alike.