The win in Cleveland gives the Giants some hope as they face longtime foe Dallas on Thursday

September 23, 2024 16:21 • Last update: September 23, 2024 16:21

New York Giants guard Devin Singletary (26) dives into the end zone but is ruled out of the game during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

East Rutherford, NJ — The New York Giants have a chance to celebrate their first win of the season.

The Giants (1-2) cruised to a 21-15 victory Sunday at Cleveland despite fumbling the ball on their first kick and trailing 7-0 after 11 seconds.

It was their second solid game in a row after a season-opening series against the undefeated Vikings. They are one game out of first place in the NFC East.

Now the Giants face a quick turnaround with a game on Thursday night. After two weeks on the road, the Giants return home to face their nemesis, the Dallas Cowboys (1-2), who have lost two games in a row.

Quarterback Dak Prescott has won his last 12 meetings with New York, while the Cowboys have won six in a row and 13 of 14. Last season, Dallas won both meetings by a combined score of 89-17, including 40-0 at the Meadowlands in the season opener.

What works

Defense: After not allowing Washington to score a touchdown in a 21-18 loss, Shane Bowen’s unit limited Cleveland to 217 yards and eight sacks. It was the fewest yards allowed by New York since Carolina gained 173 yards three years ago. Cleveland was also limited to 69 rushing yards. While the Browns scored 15 points, seven came after Eric Gray fumbled the opening kickoff.

What doesn’t work

Ball security. The Giants have made key mistakes in their last two games. In addition to Gray’s fumble, running back Devin Singletary lost a fumble in the team’s first half for the second straight possession. Malik Nabors dropped a short pass on fourth down deep in Commander territory late in the Washington game.

Stock up

QB Daniel Jones. The 27-year-old is playing well. Jones completed 24 of 34 passes for 236 yards and threw two touchdowns without an interception for the second straight season. Both TDs were scored by Malik Nabers. Jones’ passer rating was 109.4.

Stocks down

F Greg Joseph. In his first game for the Giants, Joseph kicked three extra points but missed a 48-yard field goal with three minutes left that could have decided the game.

Injuries

Cornerbacks Dru Phillips and Adoree Jackson left the game with calf injuries. Wide receiver Darius Slayton left the game with a thumb injury but returned. ILB Micah McFadden left the game with a back injury and returned.

Key number

9 — The Giants became the fourth team to have nine different players record at least a half-sack in the same game since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. They joined the Buffalo Bills (2011), Dallas (1985) and Kansas City Chiefs (1985). DT Dexter Lawrence led the team with two.

What’s next?

Cowboys on Thursday. There’s not much time to prepare for this game. Both teams are 1-2.

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, center, celebrates after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones speaks during a news conference after the NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

New York Giants quarterback Devin Singletary (26) runs against Cleveland Browns quarterback Grant Delpit (9) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

New York Giants player Azeez Ojulari (51) reacts after taking down Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (left) passes the ball to Cleveland Browns defensive quarterback Grant Delpit (center) and defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) catches a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) makes a pass as Cleveland Browns defensive end Ronnie Hickman (33) presses during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)