The New York Giants opened their 2025 preseason campaign with an impressive 34-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was a highly anticipated matchup, and the debut performances of rookies Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter provided a glimpse of what the future holds for this team. The game also marked a strong showing for veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, the first-round picks, and a solid team performance on both sides of the ball.
A Strong Debut for Jaxson Dart
The spotlight was on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the second-round draft pick from Ole Miss, as he made his first appearance in NFL action. Dart entered the game in the second drive and quickly made his mark. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, finishing with a passer rating of 106.0.
“I just felt good about it,” Dart said after the game. “It was my first time doing a silent cadence in a road game atmosphere, and we had some things to clean up, but overall, I’m happy with the operation.” Dart was poised under pressure and confident in his throws, particularly on a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The touchdown was a perfect example of Dart’s anticipation and timing as he delivered the ball just as Humphrey shook free for the grab in the left corner of the end zone.
While Dart’s performance stood out, it wasn’t all perfect. There were moments when the offense stalled, particularly on third downs, and some missed opportunities. Dart himself noted, “The only reason that we stopped ourselves from scoring touchdowns were just some of those third downs and not converting.” However, he was pleased with how his teammates played around him.
On the ground, Dart also showed his dual-threat ability. He rushed for a team-high 24 yards on six carries, taking some calculated risks on scrambles. “Yeah, a little bit. People haven’t seen all of it, though. So we’ll continue to be smart with it for sure,” Dart said when asked about his scrambles.
The rookie’s play was far from perfect, but it was certainly a positive first impression. Coach Brian Daboll praised Dart’s overall performance, saying, “Efficient, effective, aggressive, confident in the pocket. He’s a confident young player, and he’s improved since he’s been here.” Daboll also acknowledged that Dart’s progress is still a work in progress. “There’s things he can be better at, but we missed some opportunities on third down, some drops that would have even been better for him and for us.”
Wilson’s Leadership on Display
While Dart’s debut was impressive, it was veteran quarterback Russell Wilson who opened the game. Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler and a proven leader, made his first start in a Giants uniform. He completed his first six passes, leading the team to a field goal on their opening drive. Despite the outcome being a field goal rather than a touchdown, Wilson was in control from the start.
“Being a pro and a vet that’s been doing it for a long time, you could feel that at practice and out there today,” Wilson said after the game. “The ball just comes out quick. There aren’t any defenses I haven’t seen before. I felt good commanding the offense.”
One of the key takeaways from Wilson’s performance was his ability to lead the offense quickly and efficiently, making timely throws to wide receivers like Wan’Dale Robinson and Zach Pascal. The offensive line did its part too, as Wilson was not sacked in his series. The protection was key, especially against a strong Buffalo defensive line. Wilson later credited the offensive line’s performance, saying, “They did a great job keeping space for me. Receivers got open quickly in an on-time manner. That’s all part of it as well.”
Wilson’s first series was a reminder of why the Giants traded for him. His command of the offense was undeniable, and his ability to make quick decisions on the fly helped set the tone for the game. While he didn’t light up the stat sheet, his leadership was evident, and it helped build a rhythm for the offense early in the game.
Impressive Debut for Abdul Carter
Rookie linebacker Abdul Carter, selected with the third overall pick, also made his debut in the game. Though he played limited snaps, Carter generated some pressure and showed the potential that made him a highly coveted prospect. In his short time on the field, Carter was able to disrupt the Bills’ offense, providing valuable reps for his development.
“I thought both of those guys [Carter and Dart] did a good job,” Giants GM Joe Schoen said. “I saw Abdul, he looks like he got a couple pressures. I’ll have to go back and see the film afterwards. And then Jaxson did a good job operating the offense.”
For Carter, it was about getting his feet wet in a live NFL game environment. “He did some good rushing the passer,” Daboll said. “There’s a lot to build on, but it’s one preseason game. Good things to learn from.”
Carter’s pressure on the quarterback, while limited in this game, will be an area to watch closely as the preseason progresses. With a few more opportunities to show his skills, he will be an important part of the Giants’ defense in 2025.
The Giants’ Balanced Attack
The Giants’ offensive effort was balanced throughout the game. The team didn’t rely solely on the quarterbacks but also had some solid contributions from the running game, with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and others moving the ball effectively at times. The team also made significant strides in its passing game, as seen with Humphrey’s touchdown and other big plays.
Special teams also played a key role in the Giants’ victory. Graham Gano connected on three field goals from 50+ yards, including a long 56-yarder. His strong leg gave the Giants an added dimension in field position, especially with some of the longer drives stalling in the red zone.
Defensively, the Giants were able to create pressure and force a key turnover. The game-changing moment came in the fourth quarter when undrafted rookie Trace Ford recovered a fumble on an errant snap deep in Bills territory. On the ensuing possession, Tommy DeVito threw a nine-yard touchdown to Jonathan Ward, giving the Giants a commanding nine-point lead with just over two minutes remaining.
Coach Daboll’s Thoughts
Coach Brian Daboll had a mixed, yet optimistic view of the game. While he was pleased with the performance of the quarterbacks, he also acknowledged the areas for improvement. “It’s one preseason game,” Daboll said. “There were good things, and a lot of things we need to correct. I’m proud of them. It’s always hard to win a game in this league, but there’s a lot to learn from this.”
Daboll also spoke about his rookies, saying, “Jaxson stood in the pocket, was good under pressure, good with his legs, tough, competitive, accurate. He’s got a lot to learn, but he’s a confident player.”
Daboll’s leadership will be key as the Giants continue to refine their game plan in the coming weeks. With a solid mix of veterans and rookies, the team is shaping up to be a serious contender for the 2025 season.
What’s Next for the Giants
Looking ahead, the Giants will hold joint practices with the New York Jets on Tuesday and Wednesday before their second preseason game on Saturday, August 16, at MetLife Stadium. The game will give the team another opportunity to evaluate its progress and fine-tune its execution before the start of the regular season.
As the Giants continue their preseason preparation, they will look to build on their win against Buffalo, with a strong focus on improving areas that showed some weakness, such as third-down conversions and red-zone efficiency. But for now, it’s a win to build on, with rookie players showing promise and the veterans continuing to assert their leadership.
Notable Performances:
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Jaxson Dart: 12-19, 154 yards, 1 TD, 106.0 passer rating
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Russell Wilson: 6-6, 64 yards, 1 field goal drive
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Abdul Carter: Limited snaps, but generated pressure
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Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 1 TD catch (29 yards)
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Graham Gano: 3 field goals over 50 yards
Final Thoughts:
With a strong opening to the 2025 preseason, the Giants have laid a solid foundation. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart showed poise, rookie linebacker Abdul Carter flashed his potential, and veteran Russell Wilson’s leadership was evident. The team will now focus on fine-tuning their game as they move forward, with much to learn from this win. It’s clear that there’s a lot to be excited about for this season and beyond.
Next Up:
The Giants will continue their preparation for the regular season with joint practices against the Jets and their next preseason matchup on Saturday, August 16. The journey toward the regular season begins, and the Giants are on the right track.
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