East Rutherford, NJ – October 9, 2025 – In one of the most stunning upsets of the NFL season, the New York Giants dismantled the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 34–17 on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium. Fueled by a pair of standout rookies, quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo, Big Blue delivered its most complete performance in years, signaling that a new era may be taking shape in the Meadowlands.
Rookie Duo Leads the Charge
After a mistake-filled loss to the New Orleans Saints the previous week, the Giants looked reborn. Dart completed 17 of 25 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown, adding 58 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Skattebo powered through for 98 rushing yards and three touchdowns, carrying the offense behind an energized offensive line.
Dart joined an elite company with his performance, becoming just the third rookie quarterback since 2016 to beat the Eagles, alongside Dak Prescott and Jayden Daniels. He also became the first Giants rookie QB since at least 1991 to lead the team to opening-drive touchdowns in each of his first three career starts, joining Patrick Mahomes in that category.
Fast Start and Offensive Rhythm
After Philadelphia’s opening field goal, Dart responded by scrambling 20 yards for New York’s first touchdown. He followed up by connecting with Wan’Dale Robinson on a 35-yard score after the receiver broke free down the sideline. Robinson finished the night with six receptions for 84 yards, leading a depleted Giants receiving corps missing Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton.
The Eagles briefly surged ahead with back-to-back touchdowns from Jalen Hurts, one to tight end Dallas Goedert and another on a signature “tush push” from the goal line, to take a 17–13 lead. But the Giants responded with poise, grinding out a 15-play, 67-yard drive capped by Skattebo’s first touchdown to close the half with a 20–17 advantage.
Dominance in the Trenches
The offensive line turned in its best performance of the season, holding Philadelphia’s pass rush in check and paving the way for 172 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, both season highs. Center John Michael Schmitz Jr.exited the game with a concussion, but backup Austin Schlottmann filled in seamlessly, and neither allowed a single pressure.
“We played hard, and props to the guys up front for all the effort they gave me and this team,” said Skattebo. “They battled until the end — and that’s what matters.”
Defense Shuts Down Hurts and the Run Game
The Giants’ defense, led by Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence II, kept the Eagles’ offense off-balance all night. Philadelphia was held to just 73 rushing yards on 20 carries (3.7 yards per carry). Burns recorded two sacks and seven tackles, bringing his season total to seven, tying him for the league lead entering Week 7.
Linebacker Bobby Okereke added six tackles and a key pass breakup, while Kayvon Thibodeaux contributed four pressures and a tackle for loss. Rookie Darius Muasau notched the first sack of his career.
In the secondary, Cor’Dale Flott was spectacular, allowing only two catches for nine yards and intercepting Hurts at the goal line early in the fourth quarter. Flott’s 68-yard return set up Skattebo’s third touchdown, sealing the victory. Tyler Nubin led the team with nine tackles, while Dane Belton forced a fumble and broke up a pass, helping to contain Philadelphia’s receivers.
Special Teams and Finishing Strong
Punter Jamie Gillan averaged 42.8 yards on four punts, pinning the Eagles deep twice. Return man Gunner Olszewskiprovided a spark on special teams, racking up 131 total return yards.
Though kicker Jude McAtamney missed one of five extra points, the special teams unit otherwise performed efficiently, keeping the Eagles pinned on several key drives.
Turning the Corner
With the win, the Giants improved to 2–4, picking up their first divisional victory of the season and snapping a seven-game losing streak against the Eagles. Philadelphia, meanwhile, fell to 4–2.
Dart, now 2–1 as a starter, continues to show promise as the leader of a young, reenergized Giants roster. Skattebo’s relentless effort and the defense’s resurgence have given fans hope that Big Blue’s rebuilding phase may finally be bearing fruit.
The Giants now turn their attention to next weekend’s matchup against the Denver Broncos, aiming to carry their newfound momentum on the road.
Adapted from original reporting by amNY (October 9, 2025), with additional analysis by The Midtown Times Sports Desk.
