Giants Edge Cowboys 28-20 in Harbaugh’s Coaching Debut

The New York Giants began their 2026 season with a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, securing a win in what was John Harbaugh’s first game as head coach. Jaxson Dart guided the offense effectively, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and adding 54 rushing yards, while also connecting with Devin Singletary and Isaiah Likely for touchdowns.

Cam Skattebo contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 81 yards on 18 carries in his return from a broken right fibula and dislocated ankle. He scored the Giants’ opening touchdown of the season with an untouched run that saw him perform his signature backflip celebration.

Isaiah Likely, who followed Harbaugh from Baltimore, was a key target, recording eight catches on eight targets for 78 yards. Malik Nabers also returned to the field after recovering from a torn ACL sustained nearly a year prior, hauling in six passes for 69 yards.

For the Cowboys, quarterback Dak Prescott completed 22 of 34 passes for 175 yards and threw two touchdown connections, one to CeeDee Lamb and another to Javonte Williams, who also found the end zone on the ground. However, Prescott threw an interception, and Dallas struggled with discipline, incurring eight penalties for 85 yards against a defense that found it difficult to establish itself early.

Before kickoff, the Giants held a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy. Harbaugh paid respect on the sidelines, wearing an NYPD cap during the first half and switching to an FDNY cap for the second half.