The New York Giants could not have scripted a better preseason. Thursday night’s 42–10 demolition of the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium gave them their first undefeated preseason in years and cemented a summer that has been as much about identity as results.
For head coach Brian Daboll, it wasn’t simply about the scoreline or statistics — though those were impressive. It was about accountability, toughness, and competition seeping into every level of his roster.
“There is a standard that I’m going to hold everybody to,” Daboll said after the win. “The discipline, their team-first attitude, their work ethic, accountability to one another — it all matters. We’ve got 17 days before the first one, and a lot of work still to do.”
Still, make no mistake: this was a statement game. The Giants didn’t just win; they outgained the Patriots 431 yards to 190 and scored 30 or more points for the third consecutive preseason contest, totaling a franchise-best 107 points in three games. For a team trying to shed inconsistency and climb back into contention, the preseason mattered more than usual.
A Rookie’s First Start
The story of the night began with Jaxson Dart, the rookie quarterback out of Ole Miss, who took his first NFL snaps as a starter. The final stat line — 6-for-12, 81 yards, one touchdown — only scratches the surface of what the night meant.
Dart looked comfortable orchestrating the offense, mixing quick reads with decisive downfield shots. His 27-yard strike to Jalin Hyatt was a glimpse of the chemistry that had been building all summer. Yet the defining play came on the ground: a scramble in open space where Dart eschewed sliding, tried to split two defenders, and fumbled after a heavy hit that briefly knocked the wind out of him.
“Never been taken out of a game for getting the air knocked out of me,” Dart admitted. “Honestly, I felt like I could split them. I didn’t feel like I was in too much of a threat to get a big hit on me. But yeah, probably should’ve slid.”
He returned quickly, showing toughness and leadership, but the moment sparked debate. Was it reckless, or was it the kind of competitiveness Daboll wants in his young signal-caller?
“I like Jaxson’s competitiveness, his toughness,” Daboll said. “There is a time and place. In this game, probably a good time to slide. But I’ll never take his competitiveness away. I trust him.”
For Dart, who has been a starter his entire life, Thursday felt natural.
“I’ve never come off the bench in my career. It just felt normal to go out there and start right off the bat,” he said. “Whenever my number is called, I’m going to go out there and ball.”
DeVito Steals the Show
If Dart’s night was about promise, Tommy DeVito’s was about execution. The New Jersey native, who became a fan favorite in 2023, reminded everyone why he’s beloved in East Rutherford. Entering in the second half, DeVito carved up the Patriots’ defense, completing 17 of 20 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns with a sparkling 147.5 passer rating.
He looked calm, poised, and in complete command of the offense. Two of his touchdown passes went to tight end Greg Dulcich, with another to Thomas Fidone II. The ovation DeVito received upon entering the game spoke volumes about his connection to the fan base.
“It was a lot of fun,” DeVito said. “It’s been a while since I’ve gotten good time to play. To go out, execute, and feel the energy again — it meant a lot.”
DeVito also played mentor, ribbing Dart afterward about his ill-fated scramble.
“Slide,” he laughed. “Dude, you don’t need to be taking these unnecessary hits. Certain times, sure. But there are situations where you just go down.”
For DeVito, the performance was also a reminder to the league. With four quarterbacks currently on the roster, his future is uncertain. But as he noted, every rep is an audition.
“Especially being undrafted, you’re performing for all other 31 organizations as well,” he said. “Be where your feet are, give your all. That’s my mindset.”
Winston, the Veteran
Between the rookie and the hometown hero, Jameis Winston was briefly the forgotten man. But the veteran still left his mark, tossing a touchdown to Hyatt on the same drive Dart was forced out of. Winston later threw an interception, but his leadership was evident in how seamlessly he stepped in.
Dart praised him:
“Shoutout to Jameis for finishing that drive with a touchdown. We’re a team. Anytime you put points on the board, that’s what matters.”
Playmakers Everywhere
The Giants’ offensive depth shined throughout the night.
- Jonathan Ward caught a short screen, turned on the jets, and weaved his way 41 yards to the end zone.
- Gunner Olszewski added a 50-yard reception, finishing with three catches for 68 yards.
- Dante Miller led the backfield with 41 rushing yards on 11 carries.
- Jalin Hyatt continued to cement his role in the offense, scoring on a 27-yard strike from Winston.
In all, seven different Giants players scored touchdowns.
Defense: A Pick-Six and a Price
The defensive highlight belonged to rookie corner TJ Moore, who jumped a route, snagged an interception, and sprinted 44 yards to the end zone for a pick-six. The sideline erupted, players mobbing him in the end zone. But the joy turned quickly to concern when Moore suffered a serious leg injury later in the game and had to be carted off.
“Even the way the guys were playing all the way to the end, guys on the sideline jumping up and down after TJ had that pick,” Daboll said. “We’re trying to build something. But these next couple of days are tough. This is a relationship business, and you feel for him.”
The injury cast a shadow on what was otherwise a flawless defensive effort. The Giants’ front seven dominated, holding New England to 54 rushing yards. The pass rush, led by young edge rushers and rotational players fighting for roster spots, kept Patriots quarterbacks uncomfortable all night.
A Team Identity Emerging
Preseason records don’t guarantee regular-season success, but what the Giants showed in August matters. They scored more than 30 points in each game, got meaningful contributions from every quarterback, and saw young playmakers on both sides of the ball step up.
The quarterback room may be the deepest in the NFL, with Russell Wilson entrenched as the starter, Dart proving he can handle the stage, Winston steady in relief, and DeVito reminding everyone of his progress.
More importantly, Daboll sees the intangibles — discipline, competition, camaraderie — taking root.
“Every day with Jaxson has been about growth. Every day with this team has been about building the right habits,” Daboll said. “I’m glad we drafted him, and I’m glad he’s our guy. But this whole group — they’ve made progress every single day.”
Looking Ahead
The Giants now face roster cutdowns and a two-week runway to prepare for Week 1 against the Washington Commanders. Questions remain — the severity of TJ Moore’s injury, whether they can realistically keep four quarterbacks, and how young playmakers fit into the rotation.
But the message leaving preseason is unmistakable: the Giants aren’t just deeper, they’re sharper.
Dart summed it up best:
“Whenever my number is called, I’m going to play my game and ball. That’s my mindset every time I touch the field. Russ is the starter, and he’s going to be amazing this year. My job is to be the best teammate I can be. I just want this team to win.”
With Russell Wilson at the helm, an energized QB room behind him, and a defense hungry to make its mark, the Giants leave August not only undefeated but undeniably optimistic.
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