The September 2024 NFL matchup between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys drew considerable attention, not only for the action on the field but also for the pressure it placed on Giants head coach Brian Daboll. As the Cowboys dismantled the Giants in a decisive 40-0 victory, fans expressed growing frustration with Daboll’s leadership, amplifying speculation about his job security. This marked a low point for a team that came into the season with hopes of competing in a tough NFC East division. Meanwhile, the game’s significance extended beyond the scoreboard, as it became the most-streamed NFL game in history, setting a record with 16.2 million viewers on Amazon Prime.
### Giants’ Struggles Under Daboll
Brian Daboll, hired before the 2022 season, brought optimism to a franchise that had struggled in recent years. In his first season, the Giants surprised many by making the playoffs, and Daboll was widely praised for his offensive-minded approach and ability to maximize the talent of players like quarterback Daniel Jones. However, entering the 2024 season, expectations had risen, and fans anticipated a more competitive team. The loss to the Cowboys, however, revealed glaring weaknesses in both the offense and defense.
The Giants were unable to score even a single point, a humiliating defeat that exposed issues with the offensive line, the consistency of Daniel Jones, and a defense that struggled to contain the Cowboys’ high-powered attack led by quarterback Dak Prescott. The 40-0 blowout loss was the team’s worst in years, and frustration boiled over among fans. Many took to social media and sports talk shows, openly questioning whether Daboll was the right person to lead the team forward.
### Pressure on Brian Daboll
Coaching in New York comes with immense scrutiny, and Daboll’s seat has grown hotter as the season progresses. While the Giants have historically been patient with head coaches, the modern NFL is increasingly impatient, and teams are quicker to make changes when expectations are not met. Daboll is now under pressure to turn things around, with fans and media calling for improvements in the offensive game plan, particularly in how Daniel Jones is utilized. Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract in the offseason, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent, raising questions about whether Daboll can fully unlock his potential.
The Giants’ schedule doesn’t get any easier, with more tough games ahead. If the team continues to struggle, the call for change could grow louder, leaving the front office to decide whether Daboll is truly the right fit for the long term.
### Historic Streaming Numbers
While the game itself was a disaster for the Giants, it set a milestone for the NFL in the world of sports media. Amazon Prime’s exclusive broadcast of the game attracted 16.2 million viewers, making it the most-streamed game in NFL history. The record-breaking viewership demonstrates the growing shift in how fans consume live sports, with streaming platforms like Amazon Prime increasingly playing a central role in broadcasting.
This game also highlighted the importance of marquee matchups in driving viewership. The Cowboys and Giants are two of the league’s most storied franchises, with passionate fan bases that span the country. The intense rivalry and high stakes, even in a one-sided game, helped draw in viewers. The previous streaming record had been set in 2023, also during a Thursday Night Football game on Amazon Prime, but this game significantly surpassed that figure, reflecting the broader trend of streaming services taking a bigger share of live sports.
### Conclusion
As the fallout from the Cowboys’ blowout victory over the Giants continues, the focus remains on both the immediate and long-term futures of both teams. For the Giants, head coach Brian Daboll finds himself under increasing pressure to fix the team’s issues before it spirals out of control. On the other hand, the Cowboys demonstrated why they are considered a contender this season, showcasing their talent in a dominating performance. Off the field, the game’s 16.2 million viewers mark a significant achievement for Amazon Prime and the NFL, underscoring the growing importance of streaming in modern sports consumption.
