Dallas Cowboys score an essential 20 - 15 divisional win over the New York Giants

East Rutherford, N.J. — After suffering back-to-back losses at home, the Dallas Cowboys have been the object of derision around the NFL. Media and fans alike have ranted and raved about Dallas' inability to run the ball and their ineptitude to stop the run. Some of the team's detractors have gone as far as calling the Cowboys the softest team in the league.

Well, there's nothing like a road trip to MetLife Stadium to ignite some momentary relief.

The Cowboys showed some grit Thursday by defeating the New York Giants, 20 to 15. It's Dallas' seventh straight win over New York. The Cowboys improve to 2-2 on the season. Meanwhile the Giants fall to 1-2.

Heading into the Thursday night showdown, all eyes were on CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys top wideout was visibly upset along the sidelines during last Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He finished that game with four catches for 67 yards. 

On Tuesday Lamb expressed remorse for allowing his frustrations to show last week against the Ravens. He called his behavior detrimental and vowed to make up for it.

It did not take Lamb very long to deliver on his promise. The Cowboys made Lamb a focal point of their offensive attack during the first half. Lamb received five touches during Dallas' second drive of the game, including a rushing attempt that went for 10-yards. The drive ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to running back Rico Dowdle, which gave the Cowboys a 7-3 lead. 

Lamb would continue his offensive onslaught during the second quarter. The Giants placed Deonte Banks in man-to-man coverage against Lamb. In hindsight, it's a decision New York probably regrets now. Lamb easily beat the one-on-one coverage. Prescott linked up with Lamb for a 55-yard scoring strike, making the score 14-6 in favor of the Cowboys.

Following the game, Lamb said he doesn't receive single coverage often but when he does, he has to make the defense pay. 

"I have a mentality that I can carry the load and that's always been me since the first time I stepped on the field," Lamb said. "So, if they're going to give me a one-on-one then I personally feel that's disrespectful, but I would love it." 

Lamb reminded everyone why the Cowboys rewarded him with a four-year, $136 million contract prior to the season.  He finished the game with seven receptions off of eight targets for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Prescott completed 21-27 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. With Thursday's victory, Dak has now won 13 consecutive games over the Giants. 

"It was huge, it was huge," Prescott said after snapping the team's losing skid. "After obviously, losing two especially at home, coming on the road, first division game, division wins are always tough. Before a long weekend, it puts a better taste in our mouth but at the end of the day, as I've said, even after those two losses, the past two weeks, it's a process. So, we're not going to get complacent. We're not going to get over excited about what we've done tonight. It's about building and it's about figuring out what we can do better in all phases. But it's a lot easier to do that with a win."

While the Cowboys offense led the way during the first half; their defense would pick up the slack in the second half.

Dallas entered Week 4 of the season dead last in run defense. The Cowboys allowed 464 yards on the ground during their previous two games... Not good. Thursday against New York, Dallas defended the run with a lot more purpose. The Giants ran the ball 24 times but only produced 26 yards. 

The Dallas defense did not surrender a touchdown all game long. New York had to settle for five field goals courtesy of kicker Greg Jospeh.

Despite a pedestrian showing from The Giants offense, they still had a chance to win. But Amani Oruwariye put a bow on the Cowboys victory with an interception near the goal line during the game's final seconds.

However, the Cowboys did not leave The Meadowlands unscathed.

In the 4^th Quarter, with 3:30 left in the game, Micah Parsons was helped off the field after sustaining a lower left leg/ ankle injury. He was later carted off the field and did not return. In the locker room Parsons told reporters he will have an MRI on Friday. Parsons went on to say he is going to do everything possible to get back for Week 5 match up against the Steelers

Cowboys star cornerback Trevon Diggs exited the game during the fourth quarter due to dehydration. After the game, Diggs said he felt fine and will be ready to play next week.

DeMarcus Lawrence, who is the team's best run defender, injured his right foot during the third quarter. He told media members after the game he's in some pain and will receive an MRI on Friday but should not miss any time. 

The Cowboys will have 10 days off to heal their bumps and bruises before traveling to face the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday night.