Giants Finally Break the Curse Under the TNF Lights
The Giants stunned the Eagles 34–17 on TNF as Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo combined for 5 TDs, breaking a long rivalry curse in Philadelphia.
For years, the New York Giants had lived under the shadow of the Philadelphia Eagles. Thursday Night Football had become a stage where heartbreak often unfolded for Big Blue. But on a crisp October night in Philadelphia, everything changed. Behind a commanding performance from quarterback Jaxson Dart and rookie sensation Cam Skateboard, the Giants delivered one of their most complete victories in recent memory — a 34–17 dismantling of the Eagles that left Lincoln Financial Field in stunned silence.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
It was the night New York broke the curse.
First Quarter: Setting the Tone Early
The game opened with the Eagles receiving the ball, but their usual offensive rhythm was nowhere to be found. The Giants’ defensive front, anchored by Kayvon Thibodeaux, brought immediate pressure on Jalen Hurts, forcing two incompletions and a hurried third-down throw. Philadelphia’s drive stalled, and the Giants took over near midfield.
On their first possession, Jaxson Dart looked poised and precise. After completing a 17-yard slant to Jalin Hyatt, Dart handed off to Cam Skattebo, who bulldozed through two defenders for a 22-yard gain. Three plays later, Skattebo punched it in from the 3-yard line, giving New York a quick 7–0 lead.
The Eagles responded with a field goal on their second drive, but it was clear: this Giants team was no longer intimidated.
“We talked all week about hitting first,” Dart said postgame. “For years, we’ve been playing catch-up in this rivalry. Not tonight.”
Second Quarter: Skattebo’s Breakout Begins
The second quarter belonged to Cam Skattebo. The rookie running back, known for his power running style at Arizona State before entering the NFL Draft, erupted for two more touchdowns in 10 minutes. His second score came on a perfectly executed counter run, springing free behind a pulling guard and tight end. The third? A bruising 4-yard run that capped a 13-play, 75-yard drive — a statement drive against one of the league’s top defensive lines.
By halftime, the Giants led 24–10. Dart was 14-of-19 for 176 yards, while Skattebo had already tallied 93 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
On the other side, Jalen Hurts struggled. The Eagles quarterback completed just 9-of-18 passes with one interception to Cooper DeJean, who read Hurts’ eyes and undercut a quick slant intended for DeVonta Smith.
“We were aggressive, disciplined, and we tackled,” said Giants defensive coordinator Don Martindale. “We didn’t give them the easy stuff they’ve lived off of the past few seasons.”
Third Quarter: Dart Takes Over
If the first half belonged to Skattebo, the third quarter was Dart’s masterpiece. Opening the half, Dart led a seven-play drive that ended with a laser strike to Jalin Hyatt in the back corner of the end zone. The pass, a 26-yard dime over the outstretched hands of Eagles safety Reed Blankenship, gave the Giants a commanding 31–10 lead.
Philadelphia tried to respond. Hurts orchestrated a promising drive featuring a 19-yard scramble and a deep shot to AJ Brown, but on 4th-and-2 in the red zone, Brian Burns and Thibodeaux collapsed the pocket for a sack. It was symbolic — the Giants’ defense had taken the fight to Philly and wasn’t letting go.
“Jaxson was calm, man,” said Hyatt. “He made the right reads, kept us moving. That’s leadership.”
Fourth Quarter: Eagles’ Last Push Falls Flat
The Eagles finally found the end zone early in the fourth with a 9-yard pass from Hurts to DeVonta Smith, cutting the deficit to 31–17. But by then, the Giants were in control. Skattebo and Saquon Barkley, used sparingly but effectively, chewed up clock with a series of bruising runs.
New York added a field goal to stretch the lead back to 17. When Kayvon Thibodeaux strip-sacked Hurts with just under three minutes remaining, it effectively ended the Eagles’ comeback hopes.
The final whistle blew to a chorus of stunned silence from the Philadelphia faithful.
Giants 34, Eagles 17.
A rivalry script flipped on its head.
Key Stats
| Category | Giants | Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 411 | 327 |
| Passing Yards | 262 | 218 |
| Rushing Yards | 149 | 109 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 33:21 | 26:39 |
- Jaxson Dart: 23/31, 262 YDS, 1 TD, 0 INT
- Cam Skattebo: 21 CAR, 127 YDS, 3 TD
- Jalin Hyatt: 7 REC, 98 YDS, 1 TD
- Jalen Hurts: 19/34, 218 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT; 41 rush yards
Postgame Reactions
“This is a different team,” said Giants head coach Brian Daboll. “We’ve been building toward nights like this. Physical football, smart football, complementary football.”
“They beat us in every phase,” admitted Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. “We got outcoached, outplayed, and out-executed. That’s the truth.”
“I’ve been waiting my whole life to beat Philly like this,” Skattebo joked in the locker room. “Three touchdowns? Against them? Unreal.”
Historical Context: Breaking the Curse
Before this game, the Giants had lost six straight to Philadelphia, including two lopsided defeats last season. The Eagles had been the NFC East’s measuring stick, often using these matchups to assert their dominance.
But on October 9, 2025, the narrative shifted. This wasn’t a fluky win or a last-second miracle. It was a complete, methodical dismantling of one of the NFC’s powerhouses.
The last time New York had beaten Philadelphia by double digits? 2016. Nearly a decade ago.
Looking Ahead
The win moves the Giants to 4–2, putting them squarely in the race for the NFC East. With games against Dallas and Washington looming, this could be the springboard for a legitimate playoff push. For Philadelphia (3–3), it’s a wake-up call. Their vaunted defense looked porous, their offense lacked rhythm, and Jalen Hurts’ decision-making came under scrutiny.
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