EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The long wait is over, and the star of the moment is rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. On Thursday night at MetLife Stadium, the New York Giants finally won an NFC East game for the first time since 2023, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 34-17.

Despite the team’s eight-game losing streak in the division, Dart showed no signs of intimidation. He said before the game that these matchups carry "a little more weight." Even in his first start against an NFC East opponent — and against the defending Super Bowl champions — Dart commanded the team with confidence.

Dart energized a Giants offense that has historically struggled in the division. He completed 17 of 25 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown, adding another score on the ground. He made plays all over the field with his legs. Rookie Cam Skattebo also shone, scoring three rushing touchdowns, proving that the two rookies transformed the Giants into a very different team.

New York Giants (2-4)

Key Stat: Dart made a huge impact with his rushing, becoming only the third quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for at least 50 yards in each of his first three NFL starts, joining Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts. In this game, he ran 60 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, not including the sacks he avoided thanks to his mobility.

Turning Point: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts overthrew a wide-open DeVonta Smith on third down early in the second half. This led to a punt and triggered three consecutive punts for the Eagles. Later, cornerback Cor'Dale Flott intercepted Hurts in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory. The Giants didn’t allow a single point in the second half.

Surprise Performance: WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey stepped up. After not being elevated from the practice squad last week, he filled in for injured Darius Slayton and quickly rose up the depth chart. Humphrey finished with 55 yards on four receptions, participating in a majority of offensive snaps, marking his first game of the season.

Trend to Watch: The Giants scored touchdowns on their first two possessions for the second consecutive week — a feat not achieved since 1978. Dart credited the quick starts to new offensive schemes that caught opposing defenses off guard, with credit to offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and head coach Brian Daboll.

Next Game: at Denver Broncos (Oct. 19, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS)

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

After their loss to the Broncos, Nick Sirianni’s team had a chance to bounce back, but the matchup against the Giants turned into a lopsided defeat, raising concerns about team consistency.

Despite efforts to align key players like A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts, and Saquon Barkley, mistakes plagued all three phases of the game. Hurts’ first interception of the season — a 68-yard return by Cor'Dale Flott in the fourth quarter — proved costly.

Philadelphia has been outgained in all five previous games, and they were clearly outplayed by a less talented roster on Thursday. The team now has 10 days to regroup before facing the Vikings in Minnesota.

Biggest Weakness: The Eagles should have contained Dart in the pocket, especially after facing QBs with similar styles in Baker Mayfield and Bo Nix, but they repeatedly lost containment. Dart ran a 20-yard touchdown early in the first quarter and later connected with Wan'Dale Robinson, who broke a tackle and sprinted 35 yards for another TD.

Turning Point: The Giants defense forced a three-and-out on Philadelphia’s first possession of the second half. On the ensuing drive, New York put together a 9-play, 56-yard drive capped by Skattebo’s touchdown.

Stat to Know: Hurts scored his 60th career rushing touchdown on a QB sneak in the second quarter. The Eagles executed four consecutive push-sneak plays, a first since ESPN began tracking this in 2022.

Next Game: at Minnesota Vikings (Oct. 19, 1 p.m. ET, Fox)