Quarterback Jaxson Dart connected with wide receiver Isaiah Likely for a pair of touchdowns, propelling the New York Giants to a 28-20 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The victory marked a strong opening for the Giants and also served as the debut for head coach John Harbaugh, who stepped onto the sidelines for his first game in New York. 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 contest, Dart found running back Devin Singletary for a short score, extending the Giants’ lead. Later, Cam Skattebo, returning from a serious leg injury, added another touchdown on the ground, showcasing the depth of the Giants’ offensive options.
Isaiah Likely, a recent acquisition from Baltimore, made an immediate impact in his New York debut. He was targeted on every snap that went his way—eight targets in total—and caught all eight passes for 78 yards, including two scores.
His perfect catch rate highlighted the trust Harbaugh placed in him and demonstrated how quickly he has adapted to the Giants’ offensive scheme. The Giants also saw the return of their top receiver, Malik Nabers, who had missed nearly a full year while rehabbing a torn ACL in his right knee.
Nabers recorded six receptions for 69 yards, providing a reliable deep threat that kept the Cowboys’ secondary honest throughout the game. Skattebo’s story was one of perseverance. After breaking his right fibula and dislocating his ankle in a prior season, he returned to the field with 81 rushing yards on 18 carries. He capped his effort with a signature back‑flip celebration after sprinting untouched into the end zone for the Giants’ opening points of the season, a moment that energized both teammates and fans.
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott struggled with turnovers but still managed a respectable statistical line. He completed 22 of 34 attempts for 175 yards and found his primary targets, CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams, for touchdowns.
Williams also contributed on the ground, adding a rushing score of his own. However, the Cowboys were plagued by discipline issues, committing eight penalties that cost them 85 yards and disrupted their defensive rhythm at critical moments.
Beyond the on‑field action, the game featured a poignant pre‑game ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Harbaugh participated in the tribute, wearing an NYPD cap during the first half and swapping to an FDNY hat for the second, symbolizing solidarity with New York’s first‑responders.
The ceremony underscored the emotional weight of playing in a city that still remembers that tragic day. The broadcast schedule for the upcoming week was also highlighted during the telecast, with a slate of NFL matchups set to air on Sky Sports channels.
Fans could tune in to see the Detroit Lions take on the Buffalo Bills early Friday morning, followed by the Minnesota Vikings versus the Chicago Bears at 6 p.m. Later that evening, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the New England Patriots, while the Jacksonville Jaguars clashed with the Denver Broncos at 9:05 p.m. Additional prime‑time games included the Washington Commanders against the Dallas Cowboys, the Seattle Seahawks versus the Arizona Cardinals, and the Indianapolis Colts taking on the Kansas City Chiefs in the early hours of Saturday morning. The Giants themselves are slated to travel to Los Angeles to meet the Rams on Tuesday morning, a game that will also be streamed live.
Looking ahead, the 2026 NFL season promises extensive coverage on Sky Sports, featuring every regular‑season game, the full playoff series, and the Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027. Viewers have the option to subscribe to Sky Sports directly or stream the action without a traditional contract via the NOW platform, ensuring that fans can follow their favorite teams wherever they are. Overall, the Giants’ opening win showcased a balanced offensive attack, a resilient defense that capitalized on Cowboys’ mistakes, and a heartfelt connection to the city’s history.
With Harbaugh’s leadership, a healthy roster returning from injury, and key playmakers performing at a high level, New York appears poised to compete strongly throughout the season.