The first half of the Cowboys' and Giants' season opener in the Meadowlands couldn't have gone any better for America's Team.
listen to WFAN all day Monday for Cowboys-Giants reaction
Just when it appeared as if the G-Men were going to march their way all the way down the field for an opening score to start the year, the Cowboys defense held up to force a field goal attempt.
Giants kicker Graham Gano's 45-yarder was blocked by Cowboys rookie safety Juanyeh Thomas, who got the start in place of Donovan Wilson, who was inactive on Sunday night with a calf injury. The ball was scooped up by reserve cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, who returned it 58 yards the other way for a score.
While the celebration ensued, Cowboys rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey shanked his first career extra point attempt, giving Cowboys' fans nightmares from when former kicker Brett Maher missed five extra points in two playoff games last season.
However, on the Giants' ensuing drive, quarterback Daniel Jones threw a pass to running back Saquon Barkley, who was immediately truck-sticked by Cowboys corner Trevon Diggs, causing the ball to pop up in the air. Cornerback DaRon Bland came down with the ball and returned it 22 yards to the end zone for a pick-six.
According to ESPN Stats and Info, the Cowboys became the third team in NFL history to record a special teams touchdown and a defensive touchdown in the first quarter of the season, joining the 1986 Bears and 1967 Bears.