The Giants.com crew members give their takeaways from Thursday Night Football and what the win means going forward.
John Schmeelk: When Malik Nabers got hurt against the Chargers, the question everyone was asking was how the Giants were going to not only make up his numerical production, but how they would replace his ability to make plays above the X's and O's. With a rookie quarterback, the Giants playmakers were going to have to help him to get the most out of his opportunities in Week 6.
It happened against the Eagles on Thursday Night Football. On the Giants' first drive of the game, in his first game on the gameday roster this season, Lil'Jordan Humphrey won a jump ball against Kelee Ringo. It was a pass Dart threw high up in the air, betting on his receiver to make a play, and Humphrey came down with the football. Three plays later, Jaxson Dart made a play of his own, juking All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun (who was spying him) in the open field to turn a short gain on a 3rd and 8 scramble into a 20-yard touchdown run.
On the Giants' next possession, Dart used his legs to buy time and complete a pass to Wan'Dale Robinson for a 12-yard gain. But the play didn't end there because Robinson broke Andrew Mukuba's tackle attempt and ran 24 yards for a touchdown. Neither throw by Dart was a perfect down field strike hitting someone between the numbers in stride, but the box score shows two 30+ yard completions because the receivers created big plays.
Dart also needs credit for his role in plays throughout the game, many of which might have been short gains or even incomplete passes. They should still be considered plays above the X's and O's because of the way he used his legs to avoid a sack and a big loss on a play, when other quarterbacks might not have been capable of doing it. His ability to avoid big losses against the Eagles, even if they just turned into a one-yard loss or an incomplete pass, was critical to winning the game.
Dart's mobility has really played up against the superior athletes of the National Football League. It is very difficult for pure pocket passers to succeed early in their NFL careers because playing quarterback in the NFL is so much more difficult than it is in college. The defenses do a lot more and quarterbacks struggle to quickly learn how to read defenses, get through their progressions, find the open man and deliver the ball accurately in under three seconds. It takes time to learn the art of playing quarterback in the NFL, and it can look ugly as players try to do it.
Being mobile, however, can buy a quarterback time and make them successful while they are still learning the finer points of the position. We saw that the first couple seasons of Josh Allen's and Lamar Jackson's careers, as they relied more on their legs as they developed as passers. That's what we are seeing Jaxson Dart do now with the "loose plays" that Brian Daboll talks about in his press conferences. Dart figures out a way to avoid poor plays and create big ones because of his athleticism, creativity, and playmaking. If and when he eventually combines those natural skills with a more developed quarterbacking feel, he could be a very dangerous quarterback in the NFL. In the mean time he will continue to rely on his receivers, tight ends and running backs to make plays for him and help the offense score points.
View photos from the Week 6 matchup between the Giants and Eagles.
WR Gunner Olszewski (80)
TE Lil'Jordan Humphrey (89)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Zaire Barnes (46)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
TE Lil'Jordan Humphrey (89)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17), TE Theo Johnson (84)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), TE Theo Johnson (84)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), WR Beaux Collins (81)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17), S Dane Belton (24)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
WR Gunner Olszewski (80)
K Jude McAtamney (99), K Jamie Gillan (12)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
S Jevón Holland (8)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
CB Deonte Banks (2), OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
S Jevón Holland (8)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
ILB Darius Muasau (53), S Dane Belton (24), DL Chauncey Golston (57)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
S Jevón Holland (8)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
CB Nic Jones (31)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28), S Tyler Nubin (27), ILB Darius Muasau (53)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
S Dane Belton (24)
S Jevón Holland (8)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
TE Theo Johnson (84), G Aaron Stinnie (64), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Zaire Barnes (46)
S Dane Belton (24)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
S Dane Belton (24)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety Lewis Cine (38) in front of Adoree' Jackson (8) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) passes the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) celebrates after leading his team to a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) reacts reacts after a sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) and linebacker Abdul Carter (51) react during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) reacts after a defensive stop during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) and Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson (65) talk during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) intercepts a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson (2) during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) intercepts a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson (2) during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) reacts during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Zaire Barnes reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Zaire Barnes reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Andru Phillips reacts after recovering a fumble during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Cordale Flott, left, intercepts a pass for Philadelphia Eagles' Jahan Dotson during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Russell Wilson, from left, Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. celebrate after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) rolls out to throw a pass during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) scrambles away from pressure during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (95) reacts after a defensive stop during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) and running back Cam Skattebo (44) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (95) reacts after a defensive stop during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) and wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Art Green (23) and safety Beau Brade (34) celebrate after a defensive stop during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants cornerback Art Green (23) and safety Beau Brade (34) celebrate after a defensive stop during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo, left, and Daniel Bellinger celebrate after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo plays during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart, right, and Jon Runyan celebrate after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) runs with the ball for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart passes during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart plays during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo plays during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Theo Johnson, right, cannot hang onto a pass against Philadelphia Eagles' Adoree' Jackson during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart, center, and Cam Skattebo celebrate after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) runs with the ball past Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Byron Young (94) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo scores a touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles' Reed Blankenship during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) and running back Cam Skattebo (44) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Cam Skattebo reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) runs with the ball for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) reacts after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) celebrates after a sack during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson, left, gets past Philadelphia Eagles' Andrew Mukuba for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart, left, and Wan'Dale Robinson celebrate after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson (17) and Devin Singletary (26) celebrate after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Lil'Jordan Humphrey, left, reacts past Philadelphia Eagles' Kelee Ringo after a first down during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Rakeem Nunez-Roches reacts after a tackle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) runs with the ball for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants' Brian Burns reacts after sacking Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart, left, and Beaux Collins celebrate after Dart's touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson reacts after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart, right, runs for a touchdown past Philadelphia Eagles' Zack Baun during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants defensive lineman D.J. Davidson (98) celebrates after a tackle during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) dives for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson- reacts after a first down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Dan Salomone: Like any grizzled vet, Brian Burns wasn't ready to anoint a rookie after a few hard runs during an early training camp practice where tackling to the ground is not allowed. Of course, the two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker and team captain was being asked about Cam Skattebo when he responded with the following on July 28.
"He showed he got a little dog. I don't know about initiation, but he showed he got dog. He runs tough, he runs behind his pads. I got to get back and watch the film. I didn't really get a head-to-head with him yet, but from what I hear, all right, we'll see (laughs)."
Burns continued.
"You know what I'm saying? That's why it's like, 'All right, I hear you,' but at the same time we're not going [full]. So, when they get thudded up and they keep dropping their legs and 'dah duh dah' – we can't keep – everybody can't hit you. We have to let you keep running. So, 'You got it, it's OK. You got it. Show me in preseason.' But I like his dog. I like that he got that edge to him and I feel like he's [going to] be about what he says, so I like that about him."
Skattebo did show it in the preseason. Now he has done it in the regular season, highlighted by his three-touchdown performance against the Eagles. On top of that, Skattebo has formed a one-two punch with quarterback Jaxson Dart.
"Their energy is contagious – Skatt and Dart, they're playing fearless," said Burns, whose tape is routinely shown to the entire team as an example of what it means to practice and play hard. "And that's something I really respect."
The Giants have been searching for an identity and might be finding one. But they know that won't truly happen until they start stacking some wins together. Time to do it again in Denver.
Matt Citak: How about that performance by the defense? The Giants went into halftime with a 20-17 lead following a back-and-forth first half. The final two quarters were a different story, though, as Philadelphia managed to gain just eight yards of offense on each of its first three drives after the break. The Eagles were finally able to get something going on their fourth drive, getting all the way down to the Giants' 15-yard line with a chance to make it a one-possession game. But on second-and-10, Cor'Dale Flott jumped in front of Jalen Hurts' pass for an interception, the first of the season for the veteran quarterback. Flott returned the ball 68 yards to help set up the Giants' final score, which brought the lead to 17. The icing on the cake for the defense came on the final drive. With the Eagles once again driving, Dane Belton punched the ball out of Eagles running back AJ Dillon's hands, which Dru Phillips recovered for the unit's second takeaway of the game. The Giants were then able to run out the final six minutes and 50 seconds for the win. The Eagles finished the game with 339 total yards of offense, although 69 of those yards came on their final drive with the game out of reach.
The defense did a little bit of everything on Thursday. They were able to hold Saquon Barkley to just 58 yards on the ground, which was especially impressive after Barkley was able to rip off 31 yards on the first two plays of the game. Hurts was also limited to just 13 rushing yards, as the Eagles gained a total of 73 yards on 20 carries, good for an average of 3.7 yards per carry. In the passing game, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen disguised some looks and mixed things up to keep Hurts on his toes, which clearly had an effect on the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
"Have to be aggressive," coach Brian Daboll said after the game. "I told Shane to be aggressive. Don't hold anything in your holster. Go after them. Thought he did a good job of mixing things up. Disguising some stuff. Again, that's a good football team. That's a damn good football team. They're going to make plays."
We can't talk about the defense without mentioning the play of Brian Burns. The veteran outside linebacker spoke throughout the summer about wanting to take his game to a new level. Six games into the season, the 27-year-old has just done that. Burns picked up two sacks on Thursday, bringing his season total to seven, which leaves him tied for the most in the league heading into Sunday's games. Not only has Burns provided a tremendous boost on the field, but he's also made a significant impact off it.
"Brian is a true definition of what it means to be a leader," Daboll told the media Monday. "He does all the right things and he's talented. When you have your talented players and some of your better players do things that help the team not just with their talent but with their leadership and how they go about their business, I think that sets a very good example for the rest of the team, including the young guys. They get to see someone like that that does have talent, that's been in this league, that's been productive but is going out there and practicing the way he practices and running to the ball the way he runs to the ball and making plays in critical moments. We could use all that as much as we can."
View photos of the Giants' rookie class throughout the 2025 season.
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)G Jon Runyan Jr. (76)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), OLB Brian Burns (0)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6) , WR Beaux Collins (81)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
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OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6) , RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6) , TE Theo Johnson (84)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
WR Beaux Collins (81)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
WR Beaux Collins (81)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
New York Giants defensive tackle Darius Alexander (91)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), G Jon Runyan Jr. (76), RB Cam Skattebo (44) and QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)QB Jaxson Dart (6)
WR Beaux Collins (81)
S Tyler Nubin (27), OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
New York Giants guard Marcus Mbow (71)
RB Cam Skattebo (44) and QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
DT Darius Alexander (91), DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
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QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), TE Theo Johnson (84)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44), QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44),QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86) Goal Line Catch New York Giants vs New England Patriots Preseason Week 3
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
TE Chris Manhertz (85), OL Marcus Mbow (71), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
RB Cam Skattebo (44) and OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86) Goal Line Catch New York Giants vs New England Patriots Preseason Week 3
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86) Goal Line Catch New York Giants vs New England Patriots Preseason Week 3
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
WR Beaux Collins (8)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
