The New York Giants wasted no time making John Harbaugh’s first game as head coach one to remember.
New York defeated the division-rival Dallas Cowboys 28-20 on Sunday Night Football at MetLife Stadium, giving Harbaugh a statement victory in his Giants debut.
Harbaugh also made sure his first night on the Giants sideline had a distinctly New York feel. He wore an NYPD cap during the first half before switching to an FDNY hat in the second, visually tying his debut to two of the city’s most recognizable institutions.
On the field, quarterback Jaxson Dart powered the Giants’ offense with three touchdown passes. Two went to Isaiah Likely, while Devin Singletary hauled in the other.
Cam Skattebo added a short-yardage rushing touchdown as New York built enough separation to withstand Dallas’ late push.
The Cowboys answered through Dak Prescott, who connected with CeeDee Lamb for a touchdown, while Javonte Williams scored twice on the ground.
But Dallas left points on the field at a crucial moment.
Williams’ second touchdown was followed by a taunting penalty, which pushed the extra-point attempt back. The Cowboys missed the kick, leaving them eight points behind late in the fourth quarter instead of potentially cutting the deficit to seven.
New York’s defense also played a major role in the win.
The Giants’ pass rush, led by Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns and rookie Abdul Carter, repeatedly pressured Prescott and disrupted Dallas’ rhythm. That pressure helped produce a pivotal interception by safety Jevon Holland late in the second quarter, preventing the Cowboys from carrying momentum into halftime.
The Giants were not flawless. They put the ball on the ground four times but recovered three of their own fumbles.
Still, they made the important plays when the game demanded them.
“This was really special because these guys, these players, these guys who have believed from the beginning, they don’t bat an eye,” Harbaugh said after the game. He praised the team’s ability to correct mistakes and respond with plays when things went wrong.
New York then controlled the clock during the final stretch, draining roughly five minutes and shutting down Dallas’ comeback attempt.
For Harbaugh, it was a debut with everything a new coach could want: a division victory, a productive young quarterback and a defense that delivered pressure when it mattered.
And for the Giants, 28-20 over Dallas was an opening-night statement in the NFC East.
