The New York Giants End the Season with a Win Over Dallas 34-17.
It was clear after last week that the New York Giants were not going to tank for a draft pick. Some fans were furious that the team could not even tank correctly. Others did not care at all and simply wanted to beat the Cowboys at any cost.
The first overall pick was within reach. That temptation was real. But that is not the story of this game.
Instead, the Giants chose to compete. They chose to finish the season the right way. In the Week 18 regular season finale, the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34–17 and finally snapped a nine game losing streak against Dallas that dated back to Week 17 of the 2020 season.
In a year filled with frustration, injuries, and growing pains, this win mattered. It did not fix everything. It did not erase a 4–13 record. However, it did give the team and the fan base something they badly needed heading into the offseason.
A Long Overdue Win Against Dallas
Beating the Cowboys always matters, but this one carried extra weight. The Giants had not beaten Dallas in years, and the streak had become a constant reminder of how far behind they had fallen within the division.
This time felt different. The Giants played loose, confident football. They did not flinch when the Cowboys pushed back. Instead, they responded and stayed aggressive for all four quarters. Ending that skid was important for the locker room and for fans who have watched too many one sided games in this rivalry.
Mike Kafka Closes His Interim Chapter
Mike Kafka wrapped up his interim head coaching stint with a 2–5 record. The wins were not always clean, but they mattered in context. With his future likely elsewhere, it was good to see him close this chapter with a victory.
It is hard to imagine Kafka returning as offensive coordinator after spending time as the interim head coach. Once you see the other side, going back rarely works. Still, he deserves credit for keeping the team together during a rough stretch and guiding them to a strong finish.
Jaxson Dart Shows Growth to End His Rookie Year
This was one of the more encouraging performances of the season from Jaxson Dart. He played a steady, confident game and looked far more comfortable than he did earlier in the year.
Dart should have finished with three passing touchdowns if not for a Darius Slayton penalty that wiped one off the board. More importantly, he showed growth in how he handled himself. He got out of bounds, slid when necessary, and avoided unnecessary hits.
That matters. It shows a rookie learning how to manage an NFL game. Take a breath, Giants fans. Dart will be okay, and this was a solid way to close his first season.
Tyrone Tracy Ends the Year on a High Note
Tyrone Tracy delivered a strong finish to the season. He rushed for 103 yards and added 56 receiving yards with a touchdown, totaling 159 yards from scrimmage.
That type of balance is exactly what this offense needs. Looking ahead, the combination of Tracy and Skattebo as a one two punch next season makes a lot of sense. A reliable running game will be critical for Dart as he enters his second year.
Tough Roster Decisions Ahead
The Giants face a difficult decision with Darius Slayton. Trading him would be ideal, but there may not be much of a market. Cutting him comes with a $15 million dead cap hit, but paying a receiver $12 million per season for inconsistent production is not sustainable.
On defense, Bobby Okereke continues to make plays. He recorded his second interception in as many games. Despite that, he could be a salary cap casualty heading into the final year of his contract. That decision will be telling.
Ben Sauls Earns Another Look
Ben Sauls had a perfect day. He went 4-for-4 on field goals and finished the season 8-for-8 overall. Consistency matters at kicker, and Sauls earned a real chance to compete for the job in training camp next season.
Ending a Tough Season with Momentum
The Giants finish the year 4–13, but they also end it on a two game winning streak after losing nine straight earlier in the season.
There is still plenty of work to be done this offseason. Questions remain across the roster. Still, beating the Cowboys, showing growth from the rookie quarterback, and finishing strong gives this team something to build on. That matters more than draft position on a day like this.
Rep The Team No Matter What!
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The past is behind us. A new season is coming, and hope is alive. Want to be there when the Giants start writing a new chapter? Head to StubHub to grab your tickets for the home opener at MetLife Stadium!
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