Giants Open John Harbaugh Era With 28-20 Win Over Cowboys.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants opened the John Harbaugh era with an impressive 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, getting a strong performance from Jaxson Dart and several key contributors returning from injury. Dart looked poised throughout his first season opener, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards while adding 54 yards on the ground. He consistently kept Dallas' defense guessing with accurate throws and timely scrambles, often sliding or getting out of bounds to avoid unnecessary contact. Isaiah Likely quickly established himself as one of Dart's favorite targets. The tight end, who joined the Giants after previously playing for Harbaugh in Baltimore, caught all eight passes thrown his way for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Devin Singletary also hauled in a touchdown pass, while Cam Skattebo provided a major boost in his return from a serious ankle and leg injury. Skattebo carried 18 times for 81 yards and scored on a run to give the Giants an early spark. Skattebo had not played in more than 10 months after suffering a broken right fibula and dislocated ankle. His return added another dimension to a Giants offense that consistently found ways to move the football. Malik Nabers also made his long-awaited return. The Giants' top receiver had missed nearly a year after tearing the ACL in his right knee. In his first game back, Nabers caught six passes for 69 yards and immediately gave Dart another reliable weapon. Dallas stayed within striking distance behind Dak Prescott, who completed 22 of 34 attempts for 175 yards and threw touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams. Williams also found the end zone on the ground.

Prescott largely played efficiently, but an interception late in the first half proved costly as the Giants continued to control the momentum. The Cowboys also struggled to stay disciplined. Dallas was flagged eight times for 85 yards, with several penalties extending Giants drives. A taunting penalty on Williams following his touchdown pushed Brandon Aubrey's extra-point attempt farther back, and Aubrey missed the kick. Dallas' defense, which struggled throughout the 2025 season, had difficulty slowing down New York's offense. The Cowboys allowed an NFL-high 30.1 points per game last season, and Sunday's performance offered little evidence of an immediate turnaround despite changes to the coaching staff and personnel. The Giants weren't perfect with the football, either. They fumbled four times but lost only one. Tyrone Tracy's fumble was recovered by Dallas, while Patrick Ricard recovered Likely's fumble in the first quarter. Jon Runyan recovered a Dart fumble in the second quarter, and Skattebo recovered his own fumble late in the game.

Harbaugh honors 9/11 victims

Before kickoff, the Giants held a ceremony honoring those affected by the Sept. 11 attacks, marking 25 years since the tragedy. Harbaugh paid tribute throughout the game, wearing an NYPD cap during the first half before switching to an FDNY hat after halftime.

Injuries

Dallas safety Malik Hooker suffered a forearm injury while making a tackle on the final play of the third quarter. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown left early in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. For New York, cornerback Deonte Banks dealt with cramps and was in and out of the lineup during the second half. Cornerback Greg Newsome was evaluated for a concussion but was cleared to return.

What's next

The Cowboys return home next Sunday to face the Washington Commanders.

The Giants will travel to Los Angeles for a Monday night matchup against the Rams on Sept. 21.