By NFL Insider Staff | PML Network | Week 18, 2025 Season
Dallas Caps Regular Season with a Statement: 44–36 Over the Giants
The Dallas Cowboys entered Week 18 already playoff-bound — but that didn’t stop Coach Hirsch’s squad from unleashing one of their most complete offensive performances of the year. Under the bright lights at MetLife Stadium, the Cowboys closed the regular season with a thrilling 44–36 victory over the rival New York Giants, finishing the year at 11–6 and riding into the postseason with momentum, swagger, and a clear identity.
For Coach Hirsch, the message all week was simple: “Don’t let up.”
And his team didn’t. From the opening drive, Dallas set the tone with poise and precision, combining Joe Milton’s surgical passing with timely defensive plays to control the game’s rhythm. The Giants fought hard, but every time they closed the gap, the Cowboys answered — with explosive plays, veteran leadership, and championship-level resilience.
“We talk about finishing,” said Hirsch postgame. “You finish the season the same way you start it — locked in, together, and playing our brand of football. That’s exactly what this team did today.”
Joe Milton III — A Perfect Day, A Perfect Message
If there was ever any doubt about who the Cowboys’ quarterback of the future is, Joe Milton III erased it. The 6’5”, 246-pound rookie from Tennessee delivered a career-defining performance, completing 25 of 29 passes (86%) for 407 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions, finishing with a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
Milton looked unstoppable — dropping deep bombs, fitting tight-window lasers, and commanding the huddle like a seasoned veteran. He opened the game with back-to-back scoring drives, including a 40-yard strike to tight end Jake Ferguson and a perfectly thrown deep post to Jonathan Mingo that set up an early two-score lead.
But what made Milton’s outing special wasn’t just the numbers — it was the poise. The timing, the decision-making, and the leadership stood out. He read the Giants’ defense like a book, adjusting protections and spreading the ball to seven different receivers.
“Joe’s growth this year has been incredible,” Hirsch said. “He’s calm under pressure, confident in his reads, and the guys believe in him. That’s the difference.”
The game was Milton’s exclamation point on a rookie season that saw him grow from a strong-armed prospect into a true franchise quarterback — one who can win with both power and precision. His chemistry with his playmakers, particularly Jonathan Mingo and Jaydon Blue, gives Dallas a balanced, dangerous offense entering the postseason.
A Backfield by Committee — And by Design
Coach Hirsch’s backfield rotation has been one of the most effective in the league, and Week 18 was another example of why. Javonte Williams ran with purpose, turning 11 carries into 87 yards (7.9 avg) and consistently moving the chains with his physicality. His ability to wear down defenders in the second half opened up play-action lanes that Milton exploited beautifully.
Jaydon Blue, the rookie sensation from Texas, didn’t find much room on the ground (7 carries for 16 yards), but his impact came through the air. His versatility continues to redefine how Dallas uses its running backs — and his connection with Milton looks like something out of a veteran QB-RB tandem.
Phil Mafah chipped in a short-yardage carry, rounding out a balanced attack that kept New York guessing. Together, the trio accounted for over 100 total yards and, more importantly, gave the Cowboys offensive flexibility that’s hard to defend.
Jaydon Blue: The Rookie X-Factor
If Joe Milton was the conductor, Jaydon Blue was the rhythm section. The rookie running back has become one of Coach Hirsch’s favorite weapons, and against the Giants, he once again showed why. Blue caught 8 passes for 98 yards, breaking tackles, slipping out of the backfield, and creating mismatches against linebackers all game long.
Blue’s production as both a runner and receiver gives Dallas something special — a player who can function as a safety valve one play and a home-run threat the next. He led all Cowboys in receptions and yards, highlighting how integral he’s become to Milton’s progression.
“Jaydon’s like a point guard,” said Milton. “He finds the soft spot in the defense and turns little plays into big ones. That’s huge for me as a quarterback.”
His 75 yards after the catch spoke volumes about his burst and toughness. It’s not just about what he does with the ball — it’s when he does it. Third downs, two-minute drills, red zone moments — Blue has become the guy Milton looks for when it matters most.
Air Attack: Mingo, Ferguson, and Lamb Light Up the Giants
When you throw for 400+ yards, your receivers are usually having a day — and that was certainly the case here.
- Jonathan Mingo (4 catches, 92 yards, 2 TDs) — the deep threat, the separator, and the big-play receiver Milton trusted all afternoon. His 78-yard touchdown down the sideline was a dagger that shifted momentum back to Dallas.
- Jake Ferguson (4 catches, 77 yards) — once again the reliable chain-mover and middle-of-the-field presence, keeping drives alive with clutch catches.
- CeeDee Lamb (4 catches, 64 yards) — playing with focus and professionalism, he showcased veteran poise, turning key third downs into scoring opportunities.
- Luke Schoonmaker (1 catch, 55 yards) — his lone reception came on a seam route that set up another Milton touchdown, a reminder of how deep this Cowboys passing arsenal runs.
In total, six different players caught passes of 20+ yards — a testament to how dynamic and unpredictable the Dallas offense has become.
Defense Delivers When It Counts
While the offense was electric, the defense once again embodied the Cowboys’ toughness and discipline.
Damone Clark, the captain and heartbeat of the defense, finished with 10 total tackles (2 solo, 8 assists). His sideline-to-sideline pursuit and communication kept the unit organized against a Giants team that refused to quit.
Malik Hooker played arguably his best game of the year, recording 7 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble — single-handedly changing the game’s momentum. His range and instincts continue to make him one of Coach Hirsch’s most trusted veterans on the back end.
Shavon Revel Jr. added 6 tackles and tight coverage on multiple key downs, continuing to earn praise in his return from injury. Marist Liufau (5 tackles) and Donovan Ezeiruaku (0.5 sack, TFL) rounded out a front seven that controlled the line of scrimmage for much of the afternoon.
Even with the Giants’ late push, Dallas never lost composure. The defense forced timely stops and sealed the game with resilience — something that’s become their calling card under Clark’s leadership.
“We’re built for moments like that,” Clark said after the game. “We bend, but we don’t break. We play for each other.”
Balanced, Disciplined, and Dangerous
The box score told the full story of the Cowboys’ dominance:
- Total yards: 634 (396 passing, 104 rushing)
- First downs: 24
- Turnovers: 0
- Third-down conversions: 80%
- Red zone TDs: 2-for-2
Those numbers aren’t just gaudy — they’re the product of identity. Coach Hirsch has built a team that’s balanced, physical, and intelligent. They can win in the trenches or through the air, grind out drives or strike fast, and most importantly — they play complementary football.
This was a statement that the Cowboys aren’t sneaking into the playoffs — they’re arriving.
Looking Ahead: The Postseason Awaits
The Cowboys finish the 2025 regular season at 11–6, and with that record comes opportunity. They’ve already clinched their playoff berth, but the real story is how they’re playing heading into January — with unity, health, and belief.
Joe Milton is no longer the “rookie quarterback with upside.” He’s the unquestioned leader of a team that’s found its rhythm. Jaydon Blue is the rookie spark plug. Jonathan Mingo and George Pickens form one of the most physical receiving tandems in the NFC. And on defense, Damone Clark, Malik Hooker, and Shavon Revel Jr. are anchoring a group that thrives on takeaways and discipline.
Coach Hirsch addressed his team in the locker room after the win with one clear message:
“This isn’t the finish line — it’s the start of our next chapter. We’ve been through ups and downs, and we’re stronger for it. Now, it’s time to go make history.”
The Cowboys are entering the playoffs not just as participants — but as contenders. A balanced roster, a red-hot quarterback, and a locker room that’s bought in completely — that’s the formula for a team no one wants to see in January.
Final Score:
🏈 Dallas Cowboys 44, New York Giants 36
Record: 11–6 (Playoff Berth Clinched)
Key Performers:
- QB Joe Milton III: 25/29, 407 YDS, 5 TD, 158.3 rating
- RB Javonte Williams: 11 CAR, 87 YDS (7.9 AVG)
- RB Jaydon Blue: 8 REC, 98 YDS; 7 CAR, 16 YDS
- WR Jonathan Mingo: 4 REC, 92 YDS, 2 TD
- TE Jake Ferguson: 4 REC, 77 YDS
- S Malik Hooker: 7 TAK, 2 INT, 1 FF
- LB Damone Clark: 10 TAK, captain’s performance
