Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott was hectored into two interceptions, and he threw for only 165 yards while completing just 17 of 37 passes. The Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 107 yards on 24 carries, but it was an arduous day from start to finish against a swarming Giants defense that yielded just 13 first downs.

The physical nature of the Giants’ defensive effort, their players said after Sunday’s game, was a result of at least one demanding practice last week when the team took the unusual in-season step of putting players in pads and running drills that stopped just short of all-out live contact.

“It was a very intense week, and we were on each other pretty good,” Beckham said. “It was an eye-opener and probably good for us.”

The Giants, after winning six consecutive games, had been manhandled in a defeat in Pittsburgh Dec. 4.

While the team’s defense, which has led the way all season, came out with energy and aggression, the Giants’ offense, somnolent in so many games, was once again floundering. And as much as the Giants remain primary playoff contenders, the state of their offense continues to be a concern.

Like the Cowboys, the Giants gained only 260 yards. Quarterback Eli Manning fumbled twice, albeit under pressure, and threw an interception. Another Manning pass was nearly intercepted at a critical juncture. Manning threw for 193 yards and completed 17 of 28 passes.