EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The Dallas Cowboys have become accustomed to trailing in the first quarter through four games, thanks to generous defense.

Unlike the past two losses, against the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens, the Cowboys offense was able to respond after the New York Giants opened with a field goal. It wasn’t always pretty thanks to some penalties, but the drive ended with a 15-yard screen pass from Dak Prescott to running back Rico Dowdle, giving Dallas a 7-3 lead.

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The Giants might have thought the Cowboys should have had a third penalty on the drive, with tight end Jake Ferguson getting away with what could have been called a hold while blocking for Dowdle.

Prescott completed all nine passes on the drive to six different players: CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, Ferguson, Brandin Cooks, Hunter Luepke and finally Dowdle.

As a result, the Cowboys have their first first quarter lead since the opener. After allowing a field goal on the opening drive against the Browns, the Cowboys answered with a six-play, 70-yard drive that lasted 6:55.

Against the Giants, they went 75 yards in 12 plays and ate up 6:57.

The Cowboys scored again in the second quarter.

Granted, last week wasn’t a good week for receiver CeeDee Lamb, who fumbled, dropped a pass and was assessed a penalty, while also getting into a brief altercation with Prescott.

So far everything is going well tonight. Lamb and Prescott connected on a 55-yard touchdown in the second quarter when he walked away from cornerback Deonte Banks along the sideline and then saw safety Tyler Nubin slip.

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Lamb threw the ball toward Banks after crossing the goal line, which drew a taunting flag, but Brandon Aubrey was able to make the 48-yard extra point.

It was Lamb’s fifth catch of the game, matching his season high, for 85 yards.