The Giants certainly looked like a new squad under new head coach John Harbaugh.
New York used long, punishing drives to control the game, defeating Dallas 28-20 on Sunday Night Football.
After a Dak Prescott interception late in the second quarter, the Giants took a 14-7 lead into halftime with Isaiah Likely’s 15-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Jaxson Dart. Then, after receiving the second-half kickoff, Likely scored his second touchdown to cap a 12-play, 74-yard drive that took 8:01 off the clock, pushing the lead to 21-7.
The Cowboys responded with a long touchdown drive of their own. But the Giants effectively put the game out of reach with another long drive featuring several swing passes — including Dart’s 9-yard TD pass to Devin Singletary.
That drive took 8:11 off the clock, leaving just 7:26 in the final period.
Dallas again scored, this time on a 17-yard reception from Javonte Williams. But the running back taunted as he crossed the goal line, resulting in a 15-yard penalty. Brandon Aubrey missed the extra point wide right, keeping it an eight-point game.
But even with an extra point — or a potential two-point conversion — it wouldn’t have mattered, because the Cowboys defense could not get a stop. Dallas never got the ball back, as the Giants held it for the last 5:21 to win.
New York ended the game with 29 first downs, 394 yards, and was 9-of-11 on third down. The club was really 9-of-10, as the final third down was a knee from Dart to run out the clock.
The Giants’ second-year QB was 23-of-29 for 230 yards with three touchdowns and no picks. He also had 54 yards on the ground.
Likely was his top target throughout the night, catching all eight of his targets for 78 yards with his two TDs. Malik Nabers — returning from a torn ACL — caught six passes for 69 yards. Cam Skattebo had 81 yards on 18 carries with a TD.
On the other side, Prescott finished 22-of-34 for 175 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. There wasn’t much running room, as Williams finished with just 41 yards on 12 carries. CeeDee Lamb was limited to 44 yards on five catches with a touchdown. George Pickens had a bad drop down the sideline in the first half, finishing with just three catches for 28 yards.
Dallas may have some more issues defensively, as the team lost a couple of key players. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown went down in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. Malik Hooker also had to exit with a forearm injury in the second half and was not able to return.
Now at 1-0, the Giants will be on the road next week to play the Rams on Monday night.
The 0-1 Cowboys will have their home opener next Sunday afternoon against the Commanders.
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