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!

Even through the ups and downs, we bleed blue. And if you’re gearing up for a fresh season, there’s no better way than with the just released Jaxson Dart New York Giants jersey, Flying off the shelves! It’s the hottest gear in the building right now, and the perfect way to show your faith in Big Blue’s future.

The New York Giants Fanatics Shop.

Ready for Redemption? Grab Tickets Now!

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!

More Giants Talk Every Week.

We’ll be covering more Giants drama, victories, and throwbacks every week. Don’t miss a post, subscribe below and stay in the loop all season long.

The post Giants Finish Strong by Finally Beating the Cowboys first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

For the second straight season, the Giants found a way to win a late December game after fans had already started dreaming about owning the first overall selection. Last year it was the Colts. This year, it was the Raiders. Different opponent, same result, and the same frustration for fans watching the draft board shift in real time.

Players Never Tank, Even If Fans Want Them To

This game was another reminder that players simply do not tank. Fans can debate draft position all they want, but once those players step on the field, pride takes over. Careers, contracts, and reputations are always on the line.

If there was a team that looked like it might be thinking about the future, it was the Raiders. Whether you want to call it tanking or just a lack of talent, the end result was the same. At 2 and 14, they now sit as the worst team in football. The Giants took full advantage, and honestly, that is exactly what they should have done.

Confidence Matters for a Rookie Quarterback

Jaxson Dart looked like himself again, and that was one of the biggest takeaways from the afternoon. He was once again playing loose, confident, and aggressive. Over the last month its been difficult for him, glad to see today’s game.

Yes, it came against a bad Raiders defense. That matters. Still, Dart needed this kind of game. He needed to make throws, move the offense, and feel good walking off the field. Confidence is everything for a rookie quarterback, and this performance helped reset things heading into the final week.

This was not about crowning him as the long term answer. It was about stopping the slide and getting him back on track.

Tough Decisions Are Coming at Wide Receiver

Wan’Dale Robinson continues to show why he is going to get paid in free agency. He does the little things well, gets open consistently, and competes every snap. If it were up to me, I would keep Wan’Dale and let Darius Slayton walk.

That might not be a popular opinion, but Robinson brings more versatility and reliability to this offense. He has earned his spot, and this season has made that clear.

Brian Burns Is Playing at an Elite Level

Brian Burns has been outstanding all season. His impact shows up every week, even when teams try to game plan around him. If Myles Garrett were not having the year he is having, Burns would have a very real case for Defensive Player of the Year.

The Giants finally have a true game changer on the edge, and it shows every time he lines up.

Abdul Carter Is Taking the Next Step

Abdul Carter continues to prove that he takes football seriously. His growth has been steady, and the production is starting to match the effort. You can see it on tape. He is more decisive, more physical, and more involved in every phase.

This is exactly the type of progression you want to see from a young defender.

Ben Sauls Deserves a Real Look

Ben Sauls has been solid in his two games with the Giants, and he deserves a chance to compete for the kicker job in 2026. He has done his job, and that is not something this team has been able to say consistently at that position.

Mike Kafka Gets One in the Win Column

Mike Kafka finally gets his first coaching win. It might not change the big picture, but it matters. Going winless as an interim head coach sticks with you. At least now, that will not be part of his story.

Rep The Team No Matter What!

Even through the ups and downs, we bleed blue. And if you’re gearing up for a fresh season, there’s no better way than with the just released Jaxson Dart New York Giants jersey, Flying off the shelves! It’s the hottest gear in the building right now, and the perfect way to show your faith in Big Blue’s future.

The New York Giants Fanatics Shop.

Ready for Redemption? Grab Tickets Now!

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!

More Giants Talk Every Week.

We’ll be covering more Giants drama, victories, and throwbacks every week. Don’t miss a post, subscribe below and stay in the loop all season long.

The post Giants Win Again and Shake Up the Draft Picture first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.