Final score: Giants get 1st win, knock Chargers from ranks of unbeaten, 21-18

The New York Giants finally broke through on Sunday, earning their first victory of the season with a 21-18 win over the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium.

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart made his first NFL start and delivered, scoring on a 15-yard run in the opening quarter and later tossing his first career touchdown pass — a 3-yard shovel pass to tight end Theo Johnson. Dart also guided a two-point conversion drive capped by Cam Skattebo’s run, putting the Giants up 21-10 late in the third quarter.

The Chargers struck back quickly as Omarion Hampton ripped off a 54-yard touchdown and Justin Herbert added a two-point keeper to cut t he deficit to 21-18. But New York’s defense held firm down the stretch, forcing Herbert into two interceptions, including a key 56-yard return by second year corner Dru Phillips to set up points.

The win ends an 0-3 start and gives Giants fans optimism with the rookie at the helm — even with the devastating loss of star receiver Malik Nabers, who exited with a feared torn ACL in the second quarter.

Stats

• Jaxson Dart: 13 of 20, 111 yards, 1 TD; 10 carries, 54 yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 fumble.
• Cam Skattebo: 25 carries, 79 yards; 2-point conversion run.
• Justin Herbert: 23 of 41, 203 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs.
• Omarion Hampton: 12 carries, 128 yards, 1 TD.
• Quentin Johnston: 7 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD.

Key takeaways for the Giants

• Dart’s debut delivers: The rookie provided a spark with both his legs and arm, finishing with two total touchdowns.
• “Like a bunch of crazed dogs”: The Giants pressured Justin Herbert on roughly half of his pass attempts.
• Defense wins it: Dexter Lawrence and Dru Phillips combined for two crucial interceptions of Herbert.
• Costly loss: Malik Nabers’ knee injury overshadowed the win and leaves a major hole in the passing game.

See it

Brian Daboll’s post-game remarks.

Dexter almost takes interception to the house.

Jaxson Dart’s first career touchdown.

Giants injuries

• Malik Nabers was carted off in the second quarter with an apparent knee injury. [FULL STORY]
• Jaxson Dart suffered a hamstring injury at some point during the game, though he stayed in and played through it.
• Safety Jevon Holland was questionable with a neck injury, but returned to the game.

Giants inactives

QB Jameis Winston (Emergency 3rd QB)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Shoulder)
DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (Foot)
Edge Chauncey Golston (Ankle)
G Evan Neal
TE Thomas Fidone
CB Beau Brade

What’s next?

The Giants travel to New Orleans next week to take on Saints. That will be a 1 p.m. ET game on CBS.