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John Harbaugh's Giants on full display in bruising win over Cowboys to kick off NFL season

The New York Giants kicked off their 2026 season with a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The team's new head coach, John Harbaugh, who...

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John Harbaugh's Giants on full display in bruising win over Cowboys to kick off NFL season
John Harbaugh reacts during the second quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium.

The New York Giants kicked off their 2026 season with a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The team's new head coach, John Harbaugh, who joined the Giants after nearly two decades with the Baltimore Ravens, expressed pride in taking on the role and meeting the expectations that come with it.

The game got off to a strong start for the Giants, with their defense forcing a three-and-out on the Cowboys' first possession. The Giants then drove 83 yards in 10 plays, taking 6:13 off the first-quarter clock, and scored a touchdown on a Cam Skattebo pass. Harbaugh's coaching staff was pleased with the early momentum, which was fueled by a strong performance from the team's top offensive players.

The Giants' run game, which was a key part of Harbaugh's vision for the team, proved to be a major factor in the win. The team rushed for 165 yards, with 37 carries, and used creative play-calls to keep the Cowboys' defense on its heels. In contrast, the Cowboys struggled to match the Giants' power, with a run game that netted only 69 yards.

Isaiah Likely was a standout performer for the Giants, catching two touchdown passes from quarterback Jaxson Dart and finishing with 78 yards on eight receptions. Malik Nabers, who had been limited by injury, also had a strong game, catching six passes for 69 yards in his return to the Giants.

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