Top 5, Bottom 5 Cowboys defensive grades from Wk 1 loss: LBs need work

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 season opened Sunday night with a loss to the New York Giants, and Pro Football Focus early grades highlight defensive issues from Week 1. Dallas struggled to get off the field, with the Giants converting 9 of their first 10 third-down plays. PFF limited consideration to players who appeared in at least 20 of the 69 defensive snaps, excluding Malik Hooker, rookie DT LT Overton, and pass-rushing veterans Von Miller and James Houston. CB Cobie Durant led the top group at 63.3. Donovan Ezeiruaku (86.8) was the best defender, though his pass-rush grade was 65.7. The bottom list begins with DT Jonathan Bullard (33.4).