Big Blue View
Giants Hold Off Bills 34-25 in Preseason Opener
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The New York Giants opened their preseason with a 34-25 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, blending veteran leadership with impressive rookie performances in head coach Brian Daboll’s return to Buffalo.
Daboll set the tone early by starting Russell Wilson at quarterback — a move aimed at instilling urgency for a team that has started slowly in recent years. Wilson’s lone drive was efficient but conservative, going 6-for-7 for 28 yards and setting up Graham Gano’s 53-yard field goal.
From there, rookie Jaxson Dart took over and showed why the Giants are excited about his future. The first-year quarterback completed 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards and a 29-yard touchdown to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, also adding 24 rushing yards. Dart’s poise stood out, as he moved the offense to a touchdown and two field goals on three of his four series much of it against Buffalo’s starters while working with New York’s second- and third-string units.
Kicker Graham Gano reminded everyone of his value, drilling three field goals from beyond 50 yards, including a 51-yarder that banked in off the right upright.
On defense, No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter wasted no time making an impact. In just six snaps, the rookie pass rusher pressured Bills quarterback Mitch Trubisky on all three of his pass-rush opportunities, showing burst both inside and off the edge. Fifth-round rookie Marcus Mbow also turned in a solid, penalty-free outing while rotating at both tackle spots.
The game grew tense in the second half as Buffalo mounted a late surge, scoring a pair of touchdowns to pull within two. But momentum swung back to the Giants when a botched snap on a Buffalo punt led to a fumble recovery by rookie linebacker Trace Ford. Just moments later, quarterback Tommy DeVito connected with rookie running back Jonathan Ward for a nine-yard touchdown, stretching the lead to nine and sealing the Giants’ win in their preseason opener.
Saturday was also a homecoming for Daboll, who spent four seasons as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator before landing the Giants job. He received warm greetings pregame, but once the ball was kicked, his team played with the kind of urgency he’s hoping to carry into the regular season.
The Giants now turn their attention to two joint practices with the Jets next week before continuing their preseason schedule.
