For the first time since 2022, the New York Giants started their season with a win, beating the Dallas Cowboys 28-20. This game also marked the first time that the Giants had scored a touchdown in their first game of the season since 2022. It’s clear that John Harbaugh and the coaching staff had these guys ready to go. It was a nice introduction for this fanbase to what this regime is prioritizing, and it gives hope that things can actually be different.
This was one of the best performances the Giants have had from a fundamental standpoint. The blocking and tackling were the best it’s been in years. For years it felt like it took three or four players to bring down an opponent. That was not the case on Sunday night, as the hits they laid out were aggressive, clean, and powerful enough to stop the Cowboys right in their tracks. While there are some things to clean up in terms of penalties, you have to be excited if you’re a Giants fan. Here are the main takeaways.
Isaiah Likely Looks Like a Great Addition
There were a lot of standouts on offense for the Giants, but no one shined brighter than Isaiah Likely. He caught all eight passes thrown his way, racking up 78 yards and two touchdowns. He led the team in both catches and receiving yards. It felt like any time the Giants needed to convert or needed a big play, Likely was open and delivered. He and Dart had an immediate connection, and it will help this offense generate more big plays. Reinforcing the old saying that a tight end is a young quarterback’s best friend.
While there was a lot of hype around the Likely signing this season, there was always the fear it wouldn’t work out. We have seen plenty of big offseason moves for the Giants blow up in their faces. But through one game, it feels like Likely will not follow that trend. He will be a solid number-two option in this passing game and a safety blanket for Dart. Someone he can throw to when guys like Malik Nabers are covered and still make a good play.
Jaxson Dart Had No Problems with the New Offense
One of the biggest talking points against the Giants this season was the new offense scheme. Many weren’t overly impressed with the hire of Matt Nagy and felt Dart might struggle in the new scheme. But Dart quickly showed that this idea was silly. He completed 23 of his 29 attempts for 230 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed the ball 11 times for 54 yards. It was one of the best performances of Dart’s short career. It is the type of stat line that you expect to see from a franchise quarterback.
Dart looked very poised in the pocket. He had the time to scan the field and go through his reads. He also was not as reckless with his running. Sure, it was still a part of his game, but he was not taking the dumb, unnecessary hits like he was last season. It looks like he has matured since his rookie year. That is a big accomplishment for this coaching staff. They got through to Dart and made him a smarter football player. This should only lead to more big games from him.
Run Defense Stepped Up
The biggest issue the Giants defense has faced for years is its inability to stop the run. Throughout the Brian Daboll era, it seemed like teams could run all over the Giants. It did not matter who the defensive coordinator was; the play never improved. However, against the Cowboys, we finally saw some improvements. The Giants held Dallas to only 69 yards on the ground and kept Javonte Williams under 50 yards. Something that has been unheard of in the past few seasons.
This is the most efficient run defense the team has been in years. It is only the second time in the last 10 games they allowed less than 100 rushing yards. This is a ringing endorsement of this new-look defensive line, which had questions after a lackluster preseason. A big reason the Cowboys couldn’t get anything going was that they had no run game. If the Giants can put in more performances like this, the ceiling of this team just got a lot higher.
