Tensions spilled over between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants on Sunday Night. But Isaiah Likely stole the spotlight inside MetLife Stadium. All by forming immediate chemistry with quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Dart turned the newcomer into his top offensive target. Likely caught six passes for 61 yards and scored two of the Giants' first three touchdowns (running back Cam Skattebo scored the other).

Likely took advantage of some busted coverage too on his first score of the evening inside MetLife Stadium.

JAXSON DART TO ISAIAH LIKELY FOR A GIANTS TOUCHDOWN TO TAKE THE LEAD HEADING INTO THE HALF 🔥

It’s Likely’s first TD as a member of the Giants 🙌 pic.twitter.com/6mxoZlhJS1

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 14, 2026

Yet even NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo became stunned by how quickly Likely has adjusted to NYG.

“Heard last week Dart had been feeding Likely in practice. Was told to expect him to have a nice game. Didn’t expect a welcome party like this though,” Garafolo posted on the social networking website X, formerly Twitter.

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Likely is averaging more than 10 yards per catch. He's attempting to reignite a past beloved position that's produced some revered stars.

The Giants became blessed with physical and impactful tight end play from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Mark Bavaro is arguably the most revered TE in franchise history. Howard Cross then took the mantle from 1990 to 2001. Then Jeremy Shockey delivered dominance at the spot from 2002 to 2007.

The former Baltimore Ravens weapon Likely joined his former head coach John Harbaugh in New York via NFL Free Agency. He earned a chance to finally build his own legacy after starring opposite of Ravens star Mark Andrews. Likely still caught 135 passes for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns during his four-season run at Baltimore.

Now he's becoming a new beloved NYG star inside MetLife.