The Dallas Cowboys’ annual Thanksgiving game is typically one of the most anticipated events in the NFL calendar. However, this year’s matchup against the New York Giants is shaping up to be one of the least exciting in recent memory. With both teams struggling and their seasons hanging by a thread, the buzz surrounding the game has significantly diminished.
Dallas is set to host the Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and the stakes couldn’t be lower. As of Week 12, the Cowboys and Giants have combined for just five wins. This lack of success has left fans feeling disillusioned, and many are opting to stay home rather than attend the game.
The excitement that usually accompanies Dallas’ Thanksgiving game seems to be absent this year. According to reports, tickets are reportedly selling for as little as $25 each, a price that is "less than a turkey," as noted by NFL reporter Dov Kleiman. This drastic drop in ticket prices reflects the dwindling interest among fans, who are apparently boycotting the game in droves.
The Cowboys have faced a particularly rough season, losing every home game by significant margins. To make matters worse, starting quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the year, leaving Cooper Rush to take the reins. Meanwhile, the Giants have also made a quarterback change, benching Daniel Jones in favor of rookie Tommy DeVito. With both teams in turmoil, the Thanksgiving showdown has failed to capture the imagination of fans in Texas.
This year’s Thanksgiving game stands in stark contrast to previous years. Just two years ago, over 40 million fans tuned in to watch the Cowboys take on the Giants. This year, however, fans might be tempted to take a break from football when the game kicks off at 4:30 PM ET. Instead, they may prefer to watch the earlier matchup between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears, which promises to be much more exciting.
The Thanksgiving Day lineup also features the Green Bay Packers hosting the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field, adding to the appeal of alternative viewing options. With the Cowboys-Giants game airing on Fox, it’s clear that the network has its work cut out for them to generate interest in a matchup that lacks the usual luster.
Changing the Narrative
As the Cowboys struggle on the field, discussions surrounding the future of the franchise are heating up. Many fans and analysts are calling for a change in leadership, and one name that keeps coming up is Deion Sanders. The former Cowboys star has been making waves as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, leading them to new heights in both performance and popularity.
Could Sanders be the spark that the Cowboys need? With 30 years having passed since the Cowboys last won a Super Bowl, fans are eager for someone to restore the team’s former glory. Sanders, known for his electrifying playing style and charisma, could be the perfect candidate to take over from current head coach Mike McCarthy.
Sanders is not just a legendary player; he embodies the spirit of the Cowboys. He was part of the last team to bring home the Lombardi Trophy, making him a beloved figure among fans. Now, with his son, Shedeur Sanders, in his senior year at Colorado, the timing may be right for Deion to make a leap to the NFL. The opportunity to coach the Cowboys may not come around again, and it could be the perfect fit for both parties.
The Thanksgiving Tradition
Despite the current struggles, the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game remains a cherished tradition in the NFL. Fans across the nation look forward to this annual event, and the atmosphere at AT&T Stadium is usually electric. However, this year, the excitement is notably absent.
Coverage of the game will begin with a pregame show starting at 4 PM ET, leading into the matchup. The Fox crew will have a busy Thanksgiving, with Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt calling two games over the weekend, while Michael Strahan and Terry Bradshaw will also be on hand for their usual programming.
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Giants, one can only hope that the game will provide some unexpected thrills. Will the teams rise to the occasion, or will this Thanksgiving clash be remembered as a lackluster affair? Only time will tell, but for now, fans are left to ponder what could have been.
