Instant Analysis: Giants fall to Cowboys, 27-20

WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE

Second-year cornerback Deonte Banks missed his first start of the season (and third of his career) with a rib injury. Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari, who was tied with Brian Burns for second on the team with six sacks, missed his first game of the year with a toe injury and was placed on injured reserve.

The Giants gave up 130 yards on the Cowboys’ first two possessions but kept them out of the red zone both times. However, Dallas capitalized with touchdowns on its next two trips inside the 20.

After leading the NFL for the majority of the season, the Giants failed to record a sack for the second consecutive game and for the third time in their last four outings.

The Giants’ depth was tested up front. Two-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence suffered an elbow injury in the third quarter and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Fellow defensive linemen D.J. Davidson (shoulder) and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (stinger) also sustained injuries.

WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS

Cornerback Art Green downed a Jamie Gillan punt at the one-yard line midway through the second quarter.

Graham Gano made both of his field goal attempts from 46 and 47 yards.

NYG: DL Dexter Lawrence (elbow), DL D.J. Davidson (shoulder), DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (stinger)

DAL: S Juanyeh Thomas (knee), CB Josh Butler (knee)

NYG: QB Tommy DeVito (right forearm/emergency 3^rd QB), TE Greg Dulcich, CB Deonte Banks (rib), S Anthony Johnson, CB Tre Hawkins III, G Jake Kubas, T Jermaine Eluemunor (quad)

DAL: RB Deuce Vaughn, G Zack Martin (ankle/shoulder), TE Jake Ferguson (concussion), DE Marshawn Kneeland (knee), WR Ryan Flournoy, CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee), CB Andrew Booth

NYG: OLB Azeez Ojulari (reserve/injured), DT Armon Watts (reserve/injured), TE Greg Dulcich (claimed off waivers from DEN), OLB Tomon Fox (free agent signing from NYG practice squad), T Joshua Miles (standard elevation), CB Greg Stroman Jr. (standard elevations)

DAL: TE Princeton Fant (free agent signing from DAL practice squad), WR Brandin Cooks (activated from reserve/injured), CB Caelen Carson (reserve/injured), T Asim Richards (reserve/injured), CB Andrew Booth (standard elevation), CB Kemon Hall (standard elevation)