Giants Open John Harbaugh Era With Win Over Cowboys

The New York Giants came away with a strong win in their season opener over the Dallas Cowboys.

It's a great start to the John Harbaugh era in New York after he was hired as their head coach this offseason. Harbaugh joins the Giants after great success with the Baltimore Ravens, including an 180-113 record and a Super Bowl title.

He's now 1-0 with New York and has seemingly changed the culture, with a ton of coaching staff changes and offseason additions. 

The young talent was on display for the Giants, as second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart played at a high level, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions while rushing for 59 yards on eight carries.

Running back Cam Skattebo also had a strong performance, with 81 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. 

Star wide receiver Malik Nabers returned to the field after tearing his ACL in the 2025 season and played well, as he had six receptions for 69 yards. However, it was free agent acquisition Isaiah Likely who stole the show on offense. 

The 26-year-old finished with eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Likely is inked on a three-year, $40 million deal with the team.

Heading into the season, it was a question mark on who would be the top target outside of Nabers, and Likely stepped into that role in the Week 1 victory.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Jevon Holland came away with an interception, and New York held the Cowboys to 69 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Through the air, Dak Prescott and Dallas' offense wasn't much better, as he completed 22 of 34 passes for two touchdowns and an interception.

They played typical Harbaugh-led football, winning at the line of scrimmage and controlling the time of possession, with 36:40 for the Giants and 23:20 for the Cowboys.

New York has a very talented team, and with Harbaugh at the helm, they could make a playoff push in the 2026 season.