The first Sunday Night Football game of the 2026 NFL season highlighted a classic NFC East rivalry. In front of a national television audience, the New York Giants secured a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium, giving head coach John Harbaugh a winning debut.
Jaxson Dart shines in his first start
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart displayed poise and accuracy, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also contributed 54 rushing yards on 11 carries, mostly on designed runs rather than scrambles. Dart took two sacks but lost only one yard overall, showing that the offensive line provided solid protection.
His connection with tight end Isaiah Likely and running back Cam Skattebo was evident throughout the game. Likely, who emerged as the team’s top receiving option, recorded several key catches, while Skattebo added 81 rushing yards and a touchdown on an impressive 4.5 yards per carry average.
Cowboys offense falters
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott was unable to match the Giants’ offensive flow. Prescott completed 22 of 34 attempts for 175 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Cowboys’ passing attack was limited by the Giants’ aggressive defense, which kept wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens in check.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer, entering his second season in Dallas, faced criticism for a lackluster offensive performance. The Cowboys’ defense also showed signs of wear, committing several avoidable penalties that extended Giants drives.
Implications for the season
The Giants’ balanced mix of emerging talent and veteran leadership suggests they are positioned for a competitive season. With Harbaugh at the helm, the team appears ready to contend for a playoff spot.
For the Cowboys, the opening loss raises concerns about their ability to achieve double‑digit wins this year. While the season is long and adjustments are possible, the early signs point to a need for significant improvement on both sides of the ball.
Looking ahead
Both teams will look to refine their game plans in the coming weeks. The Giants will aim to build on Dart’s promising debut, while the Cowboys must find ways to spark their offense and tighten up defensive discipline.
Fans can catch the next matchups on NBC 5 DFW and other local affiliates. Stay tuned for further coverage of the NFC East race as the season unfolds.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
