3 standouts (and 2 duds) in Cowboys blowout win vs Giants

What a difference a year makes. At this same point in 2022, it felt as though the wheels were falling off for the Dallas Cowboys. They were embarrassed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and even lost Dak Prescott to an injury. Sure, they turned things around, even thriving with Cooper Rush under center, but it was a bleak feeling after one game.

Now in 2023, they're flying high after a 40-0 statement win over the New York Giants.

Dallas went into MetLife Stadium and completely dominated their divisional rivals. They scored on offense, defense, and special teams and had the game wrapped up in the second quarter.

Now, the Cowboys are 1-0 and will be preparring for a showdown with the New York Jets in Week 2. For us, we can take the time to look back at this one and identify three standouts and two duds from the victory.

Cowboys standout: Juanyeh Thomas, S

Undrafted out of Georgia Tech, Juanyeh Thomas spent his rookie season on the Cowboys practice squad. Now in year two, he was a standout in the preseason, even picking off Trevor Lawrence in their first game against the Jaguars.

Thomas then made the 53-man roster and we saw quickly that he wasn't a bottom-of-the-roster player. Instead, he was on the field often and made his share of plays right out of the gate.

After already showing he was great in coverage, even knocking down a pass intended for Darren Waller, Thomas made a momentum-changing play on special teams. New York was stopped in the red zone and Graham Gano had to attempt a 45-yard field goal but Thomas jumped into the backfield and blocked the kick.

It was recovered by Noah Igbinoghene, who ran it back 58 yards for a touchdown to give Dallas the lead 6-0.

Thomas was asked to step up with Donovan Wilson out — as was Markquese Bell. Both played exceptionally well with Thomas making the splash plays that will be seen on highlight reels.