Dallas Cowboys 20, New York Giants 15

It’s been forever and a day since the New York Giants beat the Dallas Cowboys. The last time Daniel Jones faced them, the G-Men were shelled by 40. But heading into Thursday’s game, Jones told reporters that he’d learned from those setbacks. That these Giants were ready.

“I’ve played more, seen more, studied and improved,” he said. “Obviously, didn’t go great last time, but we’re confident, it’s a new team. We’re a new team, they’re a new team, and we’re excited for the opportunity.”

After the Giants went to Cleveland and won last week, there was a spark. A flicker of hope. Maybe these Giants really are different.

You can make the argument that the Giants actually out-played the Cowboys in several areas in Week 4. But while Jones didn’t make any back-breaking mistakes, he also couldn’t get the Giants into the end zone. In fairness, a non-existent run game did him no favors. But Jones missed multiple throws deep that could have changed the complexion of the game.

For as great as rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been the past few weeks, his stat line Thursday tells you everything you need to know about “Danny Dimes.”

Nabers caught 12 passes—for 115 yards. Wan’Dale Robinson pitched in 11 catches—for 71 yards.

The offensive line isn’t good, but it’s better. The secondary remains a mess. It’s not all on Jones.

But this was a winnable game lost because of New York’s limitations at quarterback.

Until that changes, neither will the Giants’ long-term fortunes.