Harbaugh Era Opens With Giants' 28-20 Win Over Cowboys

Harbaugh wins debut as Giants top Cowboys

John Harbaugh began his tenure as head coach of the New York Giants with a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football at MetLife Stadium, a divisional opener the home team never trailed. Harbaugh called the atmosphere "really special," noting the parking lot was packed more than four hours before kickoff and that the stadium was "absolutely electric from beginning to end." The win was Harbaugh's 194th career victory, moving him into a tie for 12th on the all-time head coaching wins list.

Dart and Skattebo power the Giants' offense

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, adding 54 rushing yards, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to open a season with at least three passing touchdowns, 50 rushing yards and a 130-plus passer rating. He connected with Isaiah Likely twice and Devin Singletary once, with Likely finishing his New York debut with eight catches on eight targets for 78 yards. Running back Cam Skattebo, playing his first game back more than 10 months after breaking his right fibula and dislocating his right ankle, ran for 81 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries and revived his signature backflip celebration. Wide receiver Malik Nabers, returning 350 days after a torn ACL in his right knee, had six catches for 69 yards to push his career total to 133 receptions through 20 games, the second-most by any player through that span. The Giants converted nine of 10 third downs not including the final kneel-down sequence and scored touchdowns on all four red-zone drives.

Cowboys undone by penalties and a late interception

Dak Prescott went 22 of 34 for 175 yards and touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams, but a costly interception just before halftime helped swing the game. Dallas was flagged eight times for 85 yards, not counting an intentional delay of game, including a taunting penalty on Williams after his touchdown that pushed back Brandon Aubrey's extra-point attempt and a face-masking call on Donovan Ezeiruaku just before the two-minute warning. Williams added a rushing touchdown. The Cowboys managed just two possessions in the second half, an outcome matched in the past 20 seasons only by the 2024 Steelers against Philadelphia in Week 15, per NFL Research.

Injuries and what's next

Cowboys safety Malik Hooker injured a forearm on the final play of the third quarter, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown left with a hamstring injury early in the fourth. Giants cornerbacks Deonte Banks dealt with cramps and Greg Newsome was evaluated for a concussion before being cleared. Dallas hosts Washington next Sunday, while the Giants visit the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, Sept. 21.