The New York Giants claimed a statement victory on the opening weekend of the new NFL season.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart connected on 23 of his 29 pass attempts for 230 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in a 28-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Sunday night.

Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, Isiah Likely
3
Likely (L), Dart (C), and Nabers (R) were in perfect sync against the Cowboys defenseCredit: Getty

Jaxson Dart leads Giants past Cowboys on Sunday night

Dart also racked up 11 rushes for 54 yards and a 134.2 passer rating, and was clearly buoyed by the return of Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, who were both back from injury.

Running back Skattebo -- who suffered a horrific leg injury during his rookie season last year -- recorded 18 rushes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Wide receiver Nabers -- returning from an ACL injury -- caught six passes for 69 yards.

Offseason addition Isaiah Likely also impressed, leading the Giants' receiving corps with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns as Dart repeatedly found the tight end.

"We were confident, put in a lot of work,” Dart told NBC while standing next to Nabers and Likely, the former of whom crashed Dart's post-game interview.

“This is just the start,” Dart added. “We’ve got to keep going.”

This was Nabers’ first game in 350 days, and after taking the final kneel-down, Dart presented the game ball to his teammate, whose smile said it all.

"dart is a beast and a great leader keep it up 6 we are back baby," one fan said.

"350 days later, back where he belongs. That smile says everything," another added.

Dart
3
Dart was composed and efficient on Sunday nightCredit: Getty
The Giants have an exciting young core of offensive weapons
3
The Giants have an exciting young core of offensive weaponsCredit: Getty

John Harbaugh also receives game ball from Giants owner

The celebrations didn't stop there, as after the game Giants owner John Mara gave new head coach John Harbaugh the game ball after his first win with the organization.

“I was overconfident. I really was. And I was right!” Harbaugh yelled jubilantly after accepting the gift.

"I love this for him and them," said one fan.

"Great group this year. Gonna be so much fun to root them on," said another.

Harbaugh said that Dart showed “a lot of poise” in the way he ran the offense to start his second season.

“I saw him operating the offense,” Harbaugh said at halftime. “There’s a lot of complexity at the line of scrimmage with what we’re doing.”

Sophomore Dart showed poise against a much-talked about Cowboys defense, leading an offense that produced 394 yards on 68 plays and converted 9-of-11 first downs.

Crucially, Dart avoided unnecessary hits, a criticism that's been leveled at the young signal caller throughout his fledgling career due to his apparent penchant for the blue tent.

But there was none of that Sunday, and Dart's blossoming relationship with three key weapons in Nabers, Skattebo, and Likely will give Giants fans hopes for a bright future.

Next up for the 1-0 G-Men is a road game against the 0-1 Rams on Monday night.

Topics