The Dallas Cowboys' defense got off to a less-than-promising start on Sunday Night Football, as Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley willed the Giants offense into the red zone without even passing the ball.
A late hit by Jayron Kearse on a sliding Jones didn't help matters, but a comedy of Giants errors ultimately saved Dallas from a disaster start.
On 3rd down (after a false start by Andrew Thomas), rookie center John Michael Schmitz threw a snap away that forced New York to settle for a field goal.
Safety Juanyeh Thomas had other ideas, however, as the second-year safety went untouched into the backfield to block the kick. Trade acquisition Noah Igbinoghene scooped up the football and returned it for a touchdown.
COWBOYS BLOCKED FG TOUCHDOWN
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2023
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Cowboys return blocked Giants field goal for touchdown on Sunday Night Football.
You couldn't have scripted a better start for the Cowboys. Brandon Aubrey missing the extra point deflated some of the celebration, but this is just what the doctor ordered for Dallas after the defense was on its heels on the opening drive.
This play is an encapsulation of the importance of cutdown day.
Juanyeh Thomas faced long odds to make the 53-man roster, but gave the coaching staff no other choice but to keep him.
Meanwhile, Igbinoghene -- acquired on cutdown day in the trade that sent Kelvin Joseph to the Dolphins -- was arguably the last player on the roster. He was active over rookie Eric Scott Jr. and delivered the first touchdown of the Cowboys season.
Aubrey shanked the XP. #Cowboys 6-0 after Juanyeh Thomas (second impact play in three plays) and Noah Igbinoghene returns for TD.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) September 11, 2023
After how that drive was going, the missed XP notwithstanding, you have to LOVE how that ended for the #Cowboys. That was demoralizing for NYG.
Aside from Micah Parsons, Thomas has been the best player on the field for either team. He's stopped a couple of potential big Giants runs by plugging the right hole and he timed this block to perfection. Not only that, but he rocked an incoming Graham Gano to give Igbinoghene a clear path to the end zone.