EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- CeeDee Lamb made a one-handed touchdown catch with 8:30 to play to cap a go-ahead drive that featured a big fourth-down gamble by Mike McCarthy, and the Dallas Cowboys beat the New York Giants 23-16 Monday night.
Ezekiel Elliott scored on a 1-yard run to ignite a comeback from a seven-point deficit and Brett Maher kicked three field goals as the Cowboys (2-1) beat the Giants (2-1) for the 10th time in 11 games.
Cooper Rush threw for 210 yards, including the 1-yarder touchdown to Lamb, in winning his second straight game filling in for the injured Dak Prescott (thumb).
Saquon Barkley scored on a weaving 36-yard touchdown run that gave the Giants a brief 13-6 lead. Graham Gano added three field goal, including a 51-yarder with 3:37 to play to make it a one-score game.
The Giants got the ball back with 1:45 to play, but the series ended quickly with an interception by Trevon Diggs, sending New York Coach Brian Daboll to his first defeat.
If there was a big play in the game, it came from McCarthy. Faced with a fourth and 4 at the Giants 41 with the score tied 13-13 and 10:27 to play, the Dallas coach went for the first down. Rush hit Lamb right at the sticks on the next play and then hit tight end Peyton Hendershot for 10. He then found Lamb on consecutive passes of 26 and then the sensational one-hander on a fade route for the go-ahead score.
A 28-yard punt return by KaVontae Turpin set up a 44-yarder by Maher that stretched the lead to 23-13.
Dallas came into the game having allowed only one touchdown in each of its first two games, and the trend continued Monday night. The defense hounded Daniel Jones, sacking him five times, with DeMarcus Lawrence tying his career high with three.
Maher sandwiched field goals of 26 and 28 yards around a 42-yarder by Gano to give Dallas a 6-3 halftime lead.
The Cowboys also got a big play on special teams as defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong blocked a 47-yard field goal attempt by Gano on New York's opening possession.
Lawrence was injured early in the third quarter when he hurt a foot on a play that Jones was sacked by safety Donovan Wilson. The Giants had Sterling Shepard seemingly hurt a leg on New York's final offensive play.
The Cowboys return home to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday, while the Giants complete a three-game homestand with a game against the Chicago Bears, also on Sunday.
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) grabs the face mask of Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) tries to avoid a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is tackled by the New York Giants during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder (48) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (3) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brett Maher (19) is congratulated by defensive end Chauncey Golston (99) after kicking a field goal against the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown against New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown against New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) beats Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) to the goal line for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)