Quarterback Jaxson Dart orchestrated a two‑touchdown connection with rookie wide receiver Isaiah Likely, guiding the New York Giants to a 28‑20 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The victory marked a successful debut for head coach John Harbaugh, who took the reins of the Giants just weeks earlier, and set the tone for what many hope will be a competitive campaign. Dart’s performance was efficient and versatile.
He completed 23 of 29 pass attempts, amassing 230 yards through the air while also contributing 54 rushing yards on the ground. Early in the first quarter, he found running back Devin Singleton for a short gain that helped sustain the drive. Later, Dart delivered a crisp strike to Likely, who turned the reception into his first career touchdown as a Giant. The young receiver made an immediate impact, catching all eight of his targets for a total of 78 yards, a perfect catch rate that underscored his chemistry with Dart and his seamless transition from Baltimore, where he previously played under Harbaugh.
The Giants also benefited from the return of several key players from injury. Veteran wideout Malik Nabers, who missed almost an entire year while rehabbing a torn ACL in his right knee, rejoined the lineup and recorded six receptions for 69 yards. His presence stretched the Cowboys’ secondary and provided a reliable deep threat. Meanwhile, running back Cam Skattebo made his first appearance since breaking his right fibula and dislocating his ankle.
Skattebo rushed for 81 yards on 18 carries, averaging just over four and a half yards per attempt, and capped his effort with a memorable back‑flip celebration after sprinting untouched into the end zone for the Giants’ opening score of the season. Dallas struggled to keep pace, despite a respectable effort from quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott completed 22 of 34 attempts for 175 yards, throwing touchdowns to star receiver CeeDee Lamb and to running back Javonte Williams, who also found the end zone on the ground.
However, the Cowboys were plagued by discipline issues, committing eight penalties that cost them 85 yards in total. Those mistakes stalled drives and forced the team into unfavorable down‑and‑distance situations, ultimately contributing to their inability to close out the game. Defensively, both squads showed moments of promise but also exposed areas that will need refinement. New York’s secondary limited the Cowboys’ passing attack for much of the game, while the Giants’ front seven applied consistent pressure, forcing Prescott into the interception that halted a promising drive in the second quarter.
Dallas, on the other hand, struggled to contain the Giants’ balanced attack, allowing Dart to extend plays with his legs and giving Skattebo the space to break off substantial runs. The evening also featured a poignant pre‑game ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Harbaugh participated in the tribute, first wearing a New York Police Department cap during the first half and then swapping to a Fire Department of New York hat for the second half, symbolizing the city’s resilience and the unity of its first responders. The ceremony reminded fans and players alike of the broader significance of the game beyond the gridiron.
Beyond the Giants‑Cowboys matchup, the broadcast schedule highlighted a slate of upcoming NFL contests airing on Sky Sports platforms. Viewers can catch the Detroit Lions facing the Buffalo Bills in the early morning, the Minnesota Vikings traveling to Chicago to meet the Bears, and the Pittsburgh Steelers taking on the New England Patriots later that evening. Additional primetime action includes the Jacksonville Jaguars versus the Denver Broncos, the Washington Commanders against the Cowboys, and the Seattle Seahawks battling the Arizona Cardinals, all slated for live coverage across Sky Sports NFL, Sky Sports Main Event, and the streaming service Sky Sports +.
The schedule continues into the week with the Indianapolis Colts visiting the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Giants heading west to challenge the Los Angeles Rams. Fans are encouraged to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which promises comprehensive coverage of every regular‑season game, the playoffs, and the climactic Super Bowl LXI, scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027. Subscribers can also enjoy a contract‑free streaming option through the NOW platform, ensuring that the excitement of professional football remains accessible to a global audience. Overall, the Giants’ opening victory showcased a balanced offensive attack, a resilient defense, and a coaching staff that appears to be instilling a winning mindset from day one.
With key players returning from injury and new talents making immediate contributions, New York looks poised to contend in the highly competitive NFC East. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will need to address their penalty woes and tighten defensive execution if they hope to rebound in the weeks ahead. The season is just beginning, but the early signs suggest a compelling narrative for both teams as they navigate the long road to the postseason.