WATCH: Cowboys Get TWO Return TDs To Start at Giants

In the first big play of the Dallas Cowboys season-opener, second-year safety Juanyeh Thomas blocked the New York Giants field goal attempt. And then came another ...

The Dallas Cowboys got the new season off to a unique start as they open the season on the road inside MetLife Stadium, facing NFC East rival, the New York Giants. ... by taking a 16-0 first-quarter lead without an offensive TD.

After the Cowboys won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, the Giants offense got the ball first and put together a promising drive. Coach and play-caller Brian Daboll leaned on the run heavily in the opening drive against the Cowboys' defense as they ran it five times on the 11-play drive. 

Although, following a bad snap that never got off the ground and rather rolled past quarterback Daniel Jones on third-and-seven, the Giants were forced to bring on the field goal unit to attempt a 44-yarder, which ended up being blocked by training camp standout Juanyeh Thomas and then returned 58 yards by the former Miami Dolphins Noah Igbinoghene 58 yards for the game's first touchdown. 

WOW, what a way to get the first TD of the year if you're the #Cowboys.

Former #Dolphins CB Noah Igbinoghene, who came via trade with the scoop-and-score off the blocked FG.https://t.co/LQM2Nh1axV

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 11, 2023

And then the Dallas defense did something akin to that, with a DaRon Bland interception for a TD after a hard hit on Saquon Barkley - by Trevon Diggs! - popped the ball loose.

#Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs with a huge hit on Saquon Barkley. DaRon Bland with the INT and TD. #Giants #SNF pic.twitter.com/Ex34XpFV07

— Dominic White (@DomWWhite) September 11, 2023

Thomas managed to be a standout in their preseason action, as he even recorded an interception against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the first of three games. 

From there, the former Yellow Jacket made the 53-man roster and, this time, looks set to feature on the Cowboys' defense in addition to special teams. And of course, right now, Bland - along with Micah Parsons and Dallas' defensive front - are in control.

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