The Giants.com crew members give their takeaways from a jam-packed trip to Dallas. We also gave them a bonus question about where the game ranks in the wild factor since they have been covering the team.
John Schmeelk: The Giants lost a gut-wrenching game on Sunday against the Cowboys to fall to 0-2. Close games often come down to one or two plays and the Giants did not execute well enough in a few of those instances to win the game. My colleagues will touch one many of those, but I feel obligated to look at something the Giants did on offense, since I have so often written about it in this same space.
Last season, the Giants finished the year with only 46 plays of 20 or more yards. Only the Dolphins and Patriots finished with fewer. In the past two seasons combined, the Giants' 78 completions of 20 or more yards also ranks third-fewest in the National Football League. It's why, despite the loss, I smiled so wide when I looked at the big play totals after the Cowboys game and saw the Giants had eight. The total led the league in Week 2. Seven of those came through the air, including four of 30 or more yards. Both of those numbers also led the league.
So far this season, the Giants are tied for second in the NFL in both plays and completions of 20 or more yards. It is finally happening. The Giants have been a station-to-station offense that required long, sustained drives to score touchdowns for years, but it seems like Russell Wilson has unlocked their downfield passing game after years of it being dormant. The only way teams can consistently score points is by creating chunk plays. The Giants seem to be doing it finally, and it means they will have a real chance to win a lot more games this season, even if their defense does not play well and gives up a lot of points like it did Sunday in Dallas. It might lead to more wild games like the ones we saw in Week 2.
Craziest regular-season game since covering the Giants (began in 2006): The Giants' loss to the Cowboys reminded me a lot of the 52-49 loss to the Saints on Nov. 1, 2015. Eli Manning threw for 350 yards and six touchdowns, but Drew Brees went for 505 yards and seven touchdowns. Those two teams combined for 31 fourth-quarter points, still trailing the 41 that the Giants and Cowboys combined for in Week 2.
Trumaine McBride intercepted Drew Brees and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown with 7:11 to play to give the Giants the one-touchdown lead. The Saints tied to the game on their next drive, but the Giants couldn't score after starting a drive on their own 20 with 36 seconds to play. The Giants lined up to punt with 20 seconds on the clock when Brad Wing punted to Marcus Murphy, who returned the ball to the Giants 47 before Craig Dahl forced a fumble, which was recovered by Willie Snead. The game would have likely went into overtime but Wing was called for a facemask penalty on Snead and the ball was moved to the 32, where Kai Forbath connected on a 50-yard field goal as time expired to win the game for the Saints.
View photos of the Giants 2025 Week 2 road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
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TE Theo Johnson (84)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
WR Malik Nabers (1) WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
G Jon Runyan Jr. (76)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
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OLB Brian Burns (0) QB Russell Wilson (3) WR Darius Slayton (18)
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WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
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RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
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WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
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QB Russell Wilson (3)
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DT Roy Robertson-Harris (95) S Jevón Holland (8)
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Head Coach Brian Daboll
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QB Russell Wilson (3) RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Russell Wilson (3) RB Cam Skattebo (44)
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WR Malik Nabers (1) RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) RB Cam Skattebo (44)
T Reid Holskey (67)
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OLB Abdul Carter (51) OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
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K Graham Gano (9)
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OLB Brian Burns (0)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
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QB Russell Wilson (3)
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CB Dru Phillips (22) CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
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DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
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CB Dru Phillips (22)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
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OLB Brian Burns (0)
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RB Cam Skattebo (44)
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RB Cam Skattebo (44) QB Russell Wilson (3)
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QB Russell Wilson (3) C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
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QB Russell Wilson (3) G Jon Runyan Jr. (76) C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
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TE Theo Johnson (84)
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New York Giants' Jaxson Dart watches play against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Russell Wilson throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) is stopped after catching a long pass by Dallas Cowboys' Malik Hooker (28) and Donovan Wilson (6) in the first first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Elijah Garcia (90) celebrates after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs the ball for a gain in the second half of an NFL football game as Dallas Cowboys' Damone Clark (18) gives chase Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) catches a pass as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kaiir Elam (20) defends in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) catches a touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) runs the ball for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game agianst the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) follows the play in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) takes a snap in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) signals at the line of scrimmage in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is tackled after running the ball by New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (41) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
New York Giants' Deonte Banks celebrates after a defensive stop on a running play by the Dallas Cowboys in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (9) kicks a field goal as Jamie Gillan (12) holds in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson celebrates after catching a long pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson throws a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
New York Giants' Russell Wilson (3) celebrates with Jon Runyan (76) and others after throwing a touchdown pass late in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
New York Giants' Russell Wilson (3) hands the ball off to Qadir Ismail (47) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson catches a touchdown pass as Dallas Cowboys' Donovan Wilson (6) looks on in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants' Russell Wilson (3) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass late in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo (44) and Russell Wilson, rear, celebrate Skattebo's touchdown run in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) runs the ball as Dallas Cowboys' Donovan Ezeiruaku (41)and Donovan Wilson (6) defend in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys late in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) catches a touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson gains yards after catching a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
The New York Giants celebrate after Dru Phillips (22) intercepted a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Dru Phillips (22) celebrates with Darius Muasau (53), Brian Burns (0) and others after intercepting a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson (17) celebrates catching a pass as Dallas Cowboys' Jack Sanborn (57) and Reddy Steward (27) walk away in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (80) returns a kick-off as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau (35) gives chase during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers catches a touchdown pass as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) defends in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll cheers on his team in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Malik Nabers, center, left, and Jaxson Dart, cente right, celebrate after Nabers caught a touchdown pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilso prepares to throw a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson (17) and Malik Nabers (1) celebrate Nabers' touchdown catch in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers catches a touchdown pass as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) defends in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (84) is stopped after catching a pass by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr., bottom, in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo carries the ball in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo (21) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Dallas Cowboys' George Pickens, right, in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson (17) is stopped after catching a pass by Dallas Cowboys' Kenneth Murray Jr. (59) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
New York Giants' Russell Wilson (3) signals at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson (17) is stopped after catching a pass by Dallas Cowboys' Kenneth Murray Jr. (59) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Gunner Olszewski (80) and referee Bill Vinovich (52) interact in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (9) kicks a field goal in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
The New York Giants celebrate after Dru Phillips (22) intercepted a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) is stopped after catching a long pass by Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Dan Salomone: A game that had everything started with a holding penalty on the opening kickoff by linebacker Swayze Bozeman, who was activated from the practice squad less than 24 hours earlier. It negated a 67-yard return by Gunner Olszewski and was a harbinger of the next three hours and 42 minutes.
Wide receiver Darius Slayton was flagged for holding on the fifth play from scrimmage, spoiling a 24-yard run by Tyrone Tracy Jr. Then left tackle James Hudson III, who had been filling in for Andrew Thomas since he signed in March, committed four more penalties himself (two for false starts and two for unnecessary roughness) on the same drive. Still, the Giants managed a field goal to kick off the third-highest point total of the Brian Daboll era (since 2022).
When it was all said and done, the Giants were penalized 14 times for 160 yards. The Cowboys also committed 12 penalties for another 106 yards, but the Giants could only look in the mirror after doubling their Week 1 yardage in one of the wildest games in recent memory.
Craziest regular-season game since covering the Giants (began in 2010): My first season as an intern included the punt return by he who must not be named. The 2011 championship run the following year, in terms of the regular season, is largely remembered for the Jets game and Victor Cruz's 99-yard touchdown. But two weeks earlier, the Giants won a thriller in Dallas by scoring 15 points in the final three minutes before Jason Pierre-Paul blocked just enough of Dan Bailey's potential game-tying field goal attempt. That game stopped the bleeding of a four-game losing streak and put them back above .500. They lost a clunker the following week at home to Washington, but the rest is history.
For me, however, the 52-49 game in New Orleans in 2015 still takes the crown. Eli Manning threw six touchdowns in his hometown, only to be outdone by Drew Brees' seven scores. Maybe it was flying to New Orleans on Halloween or the fact that it has an open press box – which means you can't hear yourself think, let alone talk or type – but that game will always be seared into my memory.
Matt Citak: It was only the second game of the season, but Sunday's matchup in Dallas saw several rookies step up, with some in expanded roles. Let's start with the two first-round picks. According to Next Gen Stats, Abdul Carter finished the game with five quarterback pressures, including two quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds). These numbers are impressive when you consider the fact that Dak Prescott got rid of the ball in under 2.5 seconds on 25 of his 52 pass attempts (48.1 percent) and that Carter was double-teamed on 16.7 percent of his rushes. Carter may not have registered a sack, but he did get right in Prescott's face on the pass that Dru Phillips intercepted. Carter finds ways to make an impact on the game, even when he isn't blowing up the box score. As for quarterback Jaxson Dart, the No. 25 pick saw his first real game action in Dallas. He was on the field for three snaps, all read-option plays, two of which he handed off. The one play he kept the ball, he slipped and lost three yards. While it wasn't much, Dart did show some good decision-making in his limited snaps.
The two rookies that made the biggest impact on offense against the Cowboys were Day 3 picks – running back Cam Skattebo and offensive lineman Marcus Mbow. Skattebo played 35 snaps on offense, compared to 28 for Tyrone Tracy Jr. and four for Devin Singletary. Not only did he lead the backfield in snaps, but he also led in touches and yards. Skattebo carried the ball 11 times for 45 yards, good for an average of 4.1 yards per carry, and scored the first touchdown of his NFL career. He averaged 3.18 yards after contact per attempt, according to Pro Football Focus, while forcing three missed tackles. Skattebo also added two receptions for an additional 14 yards. Then there's Mbow, who came into the game for veteran James Hudson III after the first drive of the game. Mbow ended up playing 51 offensive snaps, including 37 pass-block snaps, and surrendered just two total pressures and zero sacks. It was an impressive performance for the rookie fifth-round pick who was thrust into action with a few minutes left in the first quarter. Defensive lineman Darius Alexander also made his NFL debut on Sunday. He was on the field for 15 defensive snaps and registered a quarterback hit and a pressure while lining up in a few different spots across the defensive line.
As a whole, the team's 2025 draft class played well against the Cowboys. It's safe to assume that as we get further into the season, the rookies will get more and more put on their plate.
Craziest regular-season game since covering the Giants (began in 2019): My first season was six years ago, so my options of games to choose from are a little more limited compared to John and Dan. I considered going with the season opener against the Titans in 2022, with Daboll deciding to go for two and the win in Nashville, or the massive second-half comeback win over the Cardinals in 2023. But given the whopping 41 total points scored in the fourth quarter, I have to go with this game as the craziest once since I started covering the team.
Tickets available for the Giants Women's Tailgate
Join us Sunday, Sept 28 -10am to 12:30 pm at the Ultimate New York Giants Women's Tailgate, an event designed to celebrate and unite the team's loyal fan base.
Enjoy a curated custom merchandise shop, exclusive Kendra Scott activation, tailgate games, giveaways, photo opportunities, live DJ entertainment, and more!
