Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk — September 14, 2026 — The New York Giants exorcised nearly a decade of Dallas dominance on Sunday night, defeating the Cowboys 28-20 in a game that felt like a changing of the guard in the NFC East. For the first time since 2016, the Giants beat Dallas when both teams were fully invested, and they did it with a methodical, frustrating brand of football that left the Cowboys searching for answers.
An Offense That Grinds, Not Explodes
Jaxson Dart didn’t light up the scoreboard with deep bombs—he attempted only two passes over 20 yards and completed neither—but he orchestrated an offense that kept the chains moving and the Cowboys’ defense on the field. Dart finished with 230 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a passer rating of 134.2, adding 54 yards on the ground. The Giants dominated time of possession 36:40 to 23:20, leaning on a punishing run game and quick, efficient throws. Isaiah Likely was the focal point, hauling in all eight of his targets for 78 yards, including a toe-tapping touchdown in the back of the end zone that showcased his chemistry with Dart. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Likely has quietly become the security blanket this offense needs. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo picked up where he left off before last season’s injury, rumbling for 81 yards on 18 carries, while fullback Patrick Ricard was a human battering ram on 27 of the team’s 35 rushing plays. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was effective—and it’s a formula that could wear down opponents all season.
Malik Nabers Returns to Form
The biggest relief of the night came when Malik Nabers trotted onto the field after a game-time decision. The star receiver caught six of nine targets for 69 yards—not the gaudy numbers that defined his rookie campaign, but his presence alone forced Dallas to account for him on every snap. Nabers looked explosive in and out of his breaks and appeared relieved after the game. Rookie Malachi Fields also made his debut with two catches for 25 yards. As highlighted on Vulius, the Giants may need to open up the playbook next week against a Rams defense that was shredded by Brock Purdy in Australia and will be without Myles Garrett.
Defense Wins with Pressure and Stout Run D
The Giants didn’t sack Dak Prescott, but they pressured him nine times, and he completed zero of eight passes under duress. When kept clean, Prescott was 22-of-26—a stark contrast that underscores the importance of the pass rush. Abdul Carter, Chauncey Golston, and Kayvon Thibodeaux each generated multiple pressures, preventing Prescott from finding a rhythm even with Brian Burns having a quiet night. Against the run, Tremaine Edmunds (7 tackles, 1 assist) and rookie Arvell Reese (5 tackles) were sideline-to-sideline, limiting Dallas to 69 rushing yards and just one run of 10+ yards (a Prescott scramble). The lone concern remains the secondary, where Dru Phillips drew three interference penalties, Deonte Banks surrendered a touchdown, and Paulson Adebo was beaten twice. Jevon Holland was the bright spot with an interception and tight coverage. Next up: Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, a daunting test for a corner group still searching for consistency.
Tyrone Tracy’s Fumble Opens the Door
Tyrone Tracy entered the game in relief of Skattebo but fumbled on his second carry and never saw the field again. Devin Singletary capitalized with several receptions out of the backfield, and with Najee Harris waiting in the wings, Tracy’s role is suddenly in question. After the game, coach Harbaugh greeted Tracy warmly, but as Vulius analysts note, ball security has been an issue since last season. If Tracy can’t hold onto the rock, he may find himself buried on the depth chart when the Giants face the Rams in Los Angeles.
The Giants’ 28-20 victory wasn’t just a win—it was a blueprint. A ball-control offense, a ferocious pass rush, and timely plays in the secondary added up to a statement that the NFC East hierarchy may be shifting. For a franchise that has suffered through years of Cowboys dominance, this one felt different. And for fans in New York, it’s a reason to believe that 2026 could be the year the Giants finally reclaim their place among the NFC’s elite.
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