The New York Giants turned a perceived slight into a 36-24 home win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, climbing to 3-1 and the top of the NFC East despite playing without quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Brian Burns.
New York had been listed as a home underdog against an Arizona team that arrived with one win. Running back Cam Skattebo said the Giants used that line as motivation, particularly with the Cardinals traveling across time zones after a six-hour flight.
Quick facts
- The Giants beat Arizona 36-24 after falling behind 14-3 in the opening quarter.
- New York improved to 3-1 overall and 3-0 at home.
- Jameis Winston threw three touchdown passes and two interceptions.
- Cornerback Deonte Banks finished the game with a 98-yard pick-six.
- The Giants visit the 1-3 Washington Commanders in Week 5.
Skattebo called the pregame underdog status “dumb,” arguing that New York should not be overlooked in its own building. He said the locker room discussed the issue before kickoff and responded by protecting its home field.
“This is our place,” Skattebo said, emphasizing that the group’s bond and home record mattered. “Three wins at home is a pretty good start.”
Winston supplied both the explosive production and the volatility familiar from his career. The veteran quarterback accounted for three scoring throws while giving Arizona two interceptions, marking his 16th game since entering the NFL in 2015 with at least two touchdown passes and two picks. That is the league’s highest total over that span.
After the Cardinals built their 11-point first-quarter advantage, the Giants found the chunk plays that had been missing early in the season. New York produced three gains of at least 30 yards against Arizona after recording only two such plays across its first three games combined.
The defense closed the door in the fourth quarter. Arizona was forced to punt on three possessions, and Banks delivered the decisive blow by returning an interception 98 yards for a touchdown.
Skattebo cautioned against putting too much weight on the early division standing. The Giants have 13 games remaining and still face nearly all of their NFC East schedule after playing non-division opponents in each of the past two weeks.
New York next meets Washington, which enters Week 5 at 1-3. Games against New Orleans and the winless Houston Texans follow as John Harbaugh’s club looks to extend a gritty opening-month run.
