For months, discussions across the tri-state area focused on the new era for the New York Giants. The excitement was largely due to John Harbaugh, who left the Baltimore Ravens after nearly two decades to become the Giants’ head coach. Harbaugh expressed pride in taking on this role, understanding the expectations and legacy he aimed to restore to a franchise that had struggled in recent years.
The Harbaugh era commenced successfully for Giants fans on Sunday night when they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-20. The game showcased the hard-nosed approach many anticipated under Harbaugh’s leadership. The Giants’ defense set the tone early, forcing the Cowboys into a three-and-out. The sold-out crowd at MetLife Stadium showed their support as Jaxson Dart and the offense took the field for the first time in 2026.
The Giants executed a 10-play, 83-yard drive that lasted over six minutes, culminating in a touchdown by Cam Skattebo. Although Harbaugh might not have appreciated Skattebo’s backflip celebration, the score was exactly what the coaching staff wanted from their top offensive weapons.
Long, powerful drives characterized the Giants’ playstyle in this game. They utilized a strong run game and well-timed creative plays to disrupt the Cowboys’ defense, which had been expected to improve this season. Instead, it seemed reminiscent of last year’s version that struggled to match the opposing offense’s power.
The Giants converted nine of 11 third downs, maintaining offensive momentum at crucial moments. Isaiah Likely, a significant addition from Harbaugh’s past with the Ravens, proved vital for the Giants. He caught two of Dart’s three touchdown passes, totaling 78 yards on eight receptions.
Another standout performance came from Malik Nabers. The team managed his return cautiously due to a torn ACL suffered in Week 4 last season. Cleared by trainers before the game, Nabers caught six passes for 69 yards. His successful comeback generated smiles from teammates, coaches, and over 80,000 fans in attendance.
While Odell Beckham Jr. was active, he didn’t record any statistics in this game. Reasons included a relentless physical run game strategy implemented by offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and run game coordinator Greg Roman. This approach resulted in 37 carries and 165 rushing yards for the team, in stark contrast to the Cowboys’ 69 yards.
The victory against the Cowboys demonstrated Harbaugh’s efforts to embody the tough, physical identity reminiscent of the Giants’ storied past. This performance resonated with fans in East Rutherford, New Jersey, leaving them optimistic about the new regime’s potential.
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.