John Harbaugh’s first regular-season game as head coach of the New York Giants ended exactly the way the franchise hoped it would—with a statement victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
The Giants defeated the Cowboys 28-20 on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium, giving Harbaugh a winning start to his new chapter in New York. The victory also gave the Giants an early boost in what could be an important season for the franchise.
For Harbaugh, the result was especially meaningful after spending 18 seasons as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. His move to New York created enormous expectations, and the opening-night performance immediately gave Giants fans something to celebrate.
John Harbaugh’s Giants Debut Ends in Victory
Harbaugh’s first game on the Giants sideline came against one of the team’s biggest NFC East rivals.
New York controlled much of the game and finished with more than 36 minutes of possession. The Giants also converted nine of 11 third-down opportunities, helping them maintain control against a Dallas team that struggled to generate enough momentum.
The victory was not simply about Harbaugh, however. Several key Giants players delivered strong performances, giving the new coach plenty to build on after Week 1.
Jaxson Dart Delivers Three Touchdown Passes
One of the biggest stories from the game was quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 54 rushing yards, showing the combination of passing and mobility that helped New York keep the Cowboys’ defense under pressure.
Rather than relying exclusively on the passing game, the Giants mixed in designed runs and a physical ground attack. Dart’s ability to make accurate throws while also creating opportunities with his legs helped New York maintain offensive consistency.
His performance could become one of the most encouraging developments for the Giants as the season continues.
Isaiah Likely Becomes a Major Target
Tight end Isaiah Likely also made an immediate impact in his Giants debut.
Likely caught eight passes on eight targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns, making him one of the most important players in New York’s offensive attack.
Likely followed Harbaugh from Baltimore to New York, making his strong opening performance particularly notable.
His connection with Dart could become an important part of the Giants’ offense throughout the season.
Cam Skattebo Adds Another Touchdown
Running back Cam Skattebo also contributed after returning from injury.
Skattebo rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown, adding another dimension to an offense that consistently pressured the Cowboys.
Devin Singletary also scored on a reception from Dart, giving the Giants several different ways to reach the end zone.
The balanced offensive performance helped New York build enough of a cushion to withstand Dallas’ attempts to fight back.
Cowboys Could Not Complete the Comeback
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott finished with 175 passing yards and two touchdowns, but the Cowboys struggled to match New York’s overall consistency. Prescott also threw an interception that helped the Giants gain momentum.
Javonte Williams scored twice for Dallas, while CeeDee Lamb added a receiving touchdown.
However, mistakes and missed opportunities prevented the Cowboys from closing the gap. A costly taunting penalty after one of Williams’ touchdowns pushed the extra-point attempt back, and Dallas failed to convert the longer kick.
A New Beginning for the Giants
The victory represents more than just one win for New York.
The Giants entered the season with major questions surrounding the direction of the franchise. Hiring Harbaugh was intended to bring stability, discipline and a proven winning culture to the organization.
Harbaugh had previously built a highly successful career with Baltimore, including a Super Bowl championship and numerous playoff appearances. His arrival in New York therefore came with significant expectations.
Opening the season by defeating Dallas gives those expectations an immediate boost.
Giants’ Offense Shows Promise
New York finished the game with 394 total yards, while Dallas managed 244. The Giants also produced 165 rushing yards, demonstrating that the team could control the game on the ground as well as through the air.
That balance was important because it allowed New York to control the clock and keep the Cowboys’ offense off the field.
For a first game under a new coaching staff, the Giants’ offensive performance provided several positive signs.
What Comes Next for the Giants?
The Giants will now look to carry the momentum from their opening-night victory into Week 2.
New York is scheduled to travel to face the Los Angeles Rams on September 21, while Dallas will host Washington next Sunday.
The opening win does not guarantee a successful season, but it gives Harbaugh and the Giants an ideal starting point.
For now, the message from New York is clear: the John Harbaugh era has started with a win.
Final Takeaway
John Harbaugh could hardly have asked for a better beginning with the Giants.
A 28-20 victory over the Cowboys, a three-touchdown performance from Jaxson Dart and a two-touchdown debut from Isaiah Likely combined to give New York a memorable opening night.
The season is only beginning, but the Giants have already provided their fans with an encouraging first glimpse of what the new era could look like.
New York’s next challenge will be proving that this opening-night success was the beginning of something bigger—not simply a one-game moment.
FAQ
Who won the Giants vs Cowboys game?
The New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 in the 2026 NFL season opener.
Was this John Harbaugh’s first game as Giants head coach?
Yes. The Cowboys game was Harbaugh’s first regular-season game as head coach of the New York Giants.
How did Jaxson Dart perform?
Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 54 yards.
How did Isaiah Likely perform?
Likely caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in his Giants debut.
Who will the Giants play next?
The Giants are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Rams on September 21.