The New York Giants shocked the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football, 34-17. In a game that many anticipated would be a splattering, the Giants relentlessly attacked Philly.
This game was loaded with physicality from the Giants. Jaxson Dart showed true toughness, fighting through contact and even escaping a medical scare. Cam Skattebo ran over and through Eagles defenders for a memorable performance. The Giants' defensive line bottled up Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts.
While this game was impressive, it creates a highly confusing question: What does this mean for Brian Daboll's job security? The Giants looked unexpectedly more prepared than a team that just won a Super Bowl and avoided silly mistakes that had plagued them in the past. Does this win signal the tide turning for the Giants' head coach?
The reality is, this doesn't do much to save Daboll's job. He still has a 20–36–1 record, and last week's loss is still in the rear-view mirror. Daboll's history precedes him with inexplicable, avoidable losses. Unless Daboll were to string together an unexpected run through their tough schedule, he'll likely be fired at the end of the season.
This was the driving force for my argument that it made no sense for the Giants to start Russell Wilson at the beginning of the year. Stealing victories like tonight with Dart and other rookies contributing would have possibly bought him time. Instead, he dug a hole too deep to escape.
Outside of Daboll, let's look at two key takeaways from the game that are important for the future of the franchise.
Giants fans have been enamored by rookie running back Cam Skattebo for his electric personality and physical play style. As his role has increased, so have the big plays in games. Tonight against the Giants was his best game yet as he rushed for 98 yards and three touchdowns.
His most impressive rushing touchdown came in the second half as he barreled his way into the endzone, grinding through contact.
Skattebo is a HAMMER at the goal line. Giants extend the lead!
— NFL (@NFL) October 10, 2025
PHIvsNYG on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/AIo7o28xgg
Skattebo is like trying to tackle a barrel someone threw at you down a flight of stairs. He's impossible to stop once he's picked up steam and decided he's going to run through your soul.
Most importantly, the Giants couldn't have drafted a more perfect player to represent the city of New York. Gritty, tough, and unwilling to be stopped, no matter the circumstances.
Additionally, Dart had another fantastic game. The ups and downs of being a rookie are real, and this game was an example of that. He finished with 195 passing yards, completing 68% of his passes and one touchdown to Wan'Dale Robinson. His most impressive play came from his improvisational skills and scrambling, as he also gained 58 yards.
Unreal pocket mobility on this play by Dart pic.twitter.com/1ZYzEBnXes
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) October 10, 2025
Dart's ability to make plays like this is why he can be a quality starter in the NFL. It was exciting to see the visible impact tonight.
One of the most highly covered storylines for the Giants has been Deonte Banks being beat out by Cor'Dale Flott as the Giants' second outside cornerback. Banks has played some this year because the coaching staff considered it a rotation. However, Flott made a massive play in the fourth quarter that shifted the game in the Giants' favor when he picked off Jalen Hurts.
Eagles driving... AND COR'DALE FLOTT IS GOING THE OTHER WAY.
— NFL (@NFL) October 10, 2025
PHIvsNYG on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1aXxVqFUZh
Flott has been quietly underrated for New York this season, and he finally got an opportunity to make his name known. His instincts in coverage are fantastic, and this interception was another example.
The Giants now shift their focus to the Denver Broncos for Week 7 with a much-needed long weekend.
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