National reaction to Cowboys' season-opening loss to Giants: Same old Dallas defense

Well, that didn't go according to the Cowboys ' plans.

After an offseason that featured a complete overhaul of the Dallas defense, led by new defensive coordinator Christian Parker and a host of new pieces on that side of the ball, the Cowboys offered little resistance to Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants in a 28-20 season-opening loss .

While the Giants' offensive numbers weren't overly gaudy, they were able to move the chains all evening and bleed the clock to the point that Dallas' offense only had two possessions in the second half. New York racked up 29 first downs, 394 yards and converted 9 of 11 third downs.

There was plenty of hope in Dallas throughout training camp and a definitive buzz that Parker had the Cowboys' defense back on track after a dismal 2025 season. Unfortunately for Parker, his debut as the Dallas defensive coordinator was reminiscent of last year's unit under Eberflus.

It's safe to say Cowboys fans and NFL media alike were harsh on the Dallas defense after Sunday night's performance.

See some of the national reaction below.