Giants defeat Cowboys 28-20 in Sunday Night Football debut under John Harbaugh

The New York Giants opened the season with a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, marking head coach John Harbaugh's first win with the team. The Giants built a 14-7 halftime lead after a Dak Prescott interception and a 15-yard touchdown catch by Isaiah Likely from quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the second half, Likely added a second touchdown on a 12-play, 74-yard drive that consumed more than eight minutes of game time, extending the lead to 21-7.

Dallas responded with a long touchdown drive, but New York answered with an 8:11 drive that featured several swing passes, culminating in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Dart to Devin Singletary. The Cowboys later scored on a 17-yard reception by Javonte Williams, but a 15-yard penalty for a taunt and a missed extra point kept the deficit at eight points. The Giants maintained possession for the final 5:21 of the game, preventing any further Dallas scoring.

New York recorded 29 first downs and 394 total yards, converting 9 of 11 third-down attempts. Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, and added 54 rushing yards. Likely caught all eight of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns, while Malik Nabers contributed six receptions for 69 yards. Running back Cam Skattebo rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown.

For Dallas, Prescott completed 22 of 34 passes for 175 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Williams finished with 41 rushing yards on 12 carries, and CeeDee Lamb was limited to 44 receiving yards on five catches with a touchdown. The Cowboys dealt with injuries to linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker, who left the game with hamstring and forearm injuries, respectively.

The Giants improve to 1-0 and will travel to face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, while the Cowboys, now 0-1, host the Washington Commanders in their next game.