Full Breakdown
Jaxson Dart Leads Giants to Upset Over Cowboys in Week 1
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Giants Defeat Cowboys 28-20
In the opening game of the 2026 NFL season, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart guided his team to a 28-20 victory over division rival Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The win marked the Giants’ first week-one triumph since 2022 and the debut of former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh as New York’s head coach.
Data & Statistics
- Jaxson Dart: 23-of-29 completions (79.3 %); 230 yards; 3 TDs; 0 INTs; passer rating 134.2; 54 rushing yards.
- Isaiah Likely (TE): 8 receptions for 78 yards and 2 TDs.
- Malik Nabers (WR): 6 receptions for 69 yards, returning from ACL surgery.
- Cam Skattebo (RB): 81 rushing yards, 1 TD.
- Devin Singletary: 4 receptions for 22 yards and a 9-yard TD.
- Dak Prescott (DAL): 22-of-34 for 175 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT; Cowboys penalized eight times for 85 yards.
- Giants converted 9 of 10 third-downs and recorded 29 first downs to Dallas’ 24.
Background & Context
The Giants had won only three of their last 19 meetings with Dallas. Offseason moves—tight end Isaiah Likely on a three-year, $40 million deal and the return of Malik Nabers—were expected to boost the offense. Dart entered the season after a rookie year with 2,272 passing yards, 15 TDs and five interceptions.
Official Statements & Responses
Harbaugh praised the effort, noting the team “took steps in that direction” and highlighted the offensive line, especially rookie Francis “Mauigoa”, who allowed no pressures. Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer called his squad’s showing “pretty poor,” citing discipline issues. Former Cowboys star Michael Irvin expressed disappointment, saying the offense “didn’t show up.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jaxson Dart, I think he literally played a perfect game,” — Phil Simms
- “We were really just playing and letting your talent shine,” — Isaiah Likely
- “We took steps in that direction,” — John Harbaugh
- “Overall as a football team, we were pretty poor,” — Brian Schottenheimer
- “What the hell was that last night? I asked myself that question,” — Michael Irvin
Why It Matters
The victory gives the Giants an early confidence boost and suggests Dart is ready for a larger leadership role in his sophomore year. It also validates Harbaugh’s balanced game plan that emphasized tight-end usage. For the Cowboys, the loss raises questions about new defensive coordinator Christian Parker and his unit’s ability to contain dual-threat quarterbacks.
What’s Next
The Giants travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams on Monday night. The Cowboys open their home schedule the following Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Both teams will look to address the issues highlighted in Week 1 as the NFC East race begins.