No one expected the New York Giants to play that well in a primetime game against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. It wasn’t a close game either, defeating Philly in a convincing 34-17 at home on Thursday night in a game they were widely expected to lose. The team improved to a 2-4 record, winning two out of their last three games, while the Eagles dropped to 4-2 with their second straight loss.

The team was firing on all cylinders for the first time this season, showcasing what can be done if there isn’t any parts out of order. Making it sweeter, the rookies all came out to play in some way, especially on offense. Perhaps this might be the week the team finally turns the corner they’ve been stuck on for the last few years.

Rookies On Offense Finally Blossom

One thing that plagued the Giants the previous week was their five turnovers against the New Orleans Saints in the second half, effectively shutting off their offense. This week, they did not commit a single turnover all game on offense and moved the ball efficiently among an even clock spread. In fact, the team had the most yards from scrimmage in a game this season.

Cam Skattebo had a breakout game, earning over 100 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns on the ground. Averaging five yards per carry, it was his most effective game this season. The 23-year-old rookie had more rushing yards, touchdowns, receptions, and even a more efficient YPC rating than Saquon Barkley. The Giants may have found a perfect fit for their offense after all.

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart rebounded from an awful game in New Orleans to earn his first real statement win of his career. He went 17-for-25 with 195 yards and a touchdown in the air, and nearly 60 yards and another touchdown on the ground. The Ole Miss product now has over 50 rushing yards per game in his first three starts thanks to a seemingly improving offensive line.

The offensive line, one of the team’s many areas of concern, all scored above a PFF grade of 60. Andrew Thomas’ return and subsequent performance have given the rookie duo blindside protection and some running lanes to utilize. They did play against an Eagles team without Jalen Carter up front, but there’s reason to be at least hopeful the line can hold for most of the season.

Key Fourth Quarter Turnover Seals the Deal

Philadelphia did have two opportunities to turn the game into a one-score affair in the fourth quarter. Up 27-12 with just over 11 minutes to go, the Eagles were in the Giants' red zone, Hurts in shotgun formation. A pass to his left was intercepted on a fantastic coverage scheme by Cordale Flott, which he nearly returned for a touchdown. That drive ended in a Skattebo touchdown.

Later in the quarter, Philadelphia again found itself deep in Giants territory, only for AJ Dillon to fumble the ball after catching a pass. That ended the game as New York was then able to run down the clock with a 34-17 lead. The team also ended up getting three sacks against Jalen Hurts and limited Barkley to only 58 yards rushing. The Eagles were without Landon Dickerson, but New York performed exceptionally well.

This is a team that ranks 27th in overall yards per game, so a defensive game was needed in the worst way. Their two takeaways bring their turnover ratio to negative three, but leave their total turnovers at eight. There’s really not much to complain, except for the fact the team’s schedule is expected to get harder in the next few weeks. They have a challenge ahead of them against the Denver Broncos, Philly again, and the San Francisco 49ers.