A win in Cleveland gives the Giants some hope with longtime nemesis Dallas on deck Thursday

September 23, 2024 6:19 pm • Last Updated: September 23, 2024 6:19 pm

By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports Writer

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) dives toward the end zone but is ruled out of bounds 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, N.J. — The New York Giants get a chance to celebrate their first victory of the season.

The Giants (1-2) got it Sunday with a 21-15 win on the road in Cleveland despite fumbling the opening kickoff and being down 7-0 after 11 seconds.

It was their second solid game in a row after struggling against the unbeaten Vikings in the season opener. They are a game out of first place in the NFC East.

And now the Giants face a quick turnaround as they play 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 in a row.

Quarterback Dak Prescott has won his past 12 starts against New York and the Cowboys have won six straight and 13 of 14. Last season, Dallas won the two games by a combined 89-17 margin, including 40-0 at the Meadowlands in the season opener.

What’s working

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

What's not working

Ball security. In the past two games, the Giants have had crucial mistakes. Besides the Gray fumble, running back Devin Singletary lost a fumble on the team's opening second-half possession for the second straight week. Malik Nabors dropped a short fourth down pass deep in Commanders territory late against Washington.

Stock up

QB Daniel Jones. The 27-year-old is playing well. Jones completed 24 of 34 passes for 236 yards and for the second straight game, threw two touchdown passes without an interception. Both TDs went to Malik Nabers. Jones' passer rating was 109.4.

Stock down

K Greg Joseph. In his first game for the Giants, Joseph made three extra points, but missed a 48-yard field-goal attempt with three minutes left that would have iced the game.

Injuries

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

Key number

9 — The Giants became the fourth team to have nine different players get at least half a 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

The Cowboys on Thursday. There is not much time to prepare for this one. Both teams are 1-2.

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

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) runs against Cleveland Browns safety 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 linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) reacts after sacking 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 against Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit, middle, 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) passes as Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman (33) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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