GIANTS BEAT COWBOYS 28-20 IN JOHN HARBAUGH'S NFL COACHING DEBUT

The New York Giants beat the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 in their NFL season opener, John Harbaugh's first game in charge as Giants head coach. Harbaugh described the contest as "absolutely electric from beginning to end," according to reports. NFL commentator John Frascella called it "one of the weirdest games" a viewer could see, the reports said. One report attributed part of the Giants' win to players who previously played under Harbaugh during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. The result gave Harbaugh a win over the Giants' longstanding rivals in his opening fixture in charge.

Christian Parker made his debut as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator, with his unit conceding 394 yards and allowing 9 of 11 Giants third-down conversions, according to journalist Mike Leslie. The Giants fumbled the ball four times during the game, but the Cowboys recovered only one of those turnovers, reports said. Dallas also finished the night with eight penalties. One of those, a taunting penalty against Javonte Williams, contributed to a missed extra point. The Cowboys had chances to force further turnovers from the Giants' fumbles but were unable to capitalise, in what was described as among the most frustrating aspects of the game for Dallas.

The Cowboys also faced injury concerns after the game, according to journalist Calvin Watkins. Watkins reported that Malik Hooker may have suffered a fractured forearm, while DeMarvion Overshown sustained a hamstring injury. Watkins said the severity of Overshown's injury was not yet confirmed. Both injuries could raise questions about the Cowboys' defensive options going forward, according to the report. The result and the accompanying injuries leave Dallas facing scrutiny over its defensive performance as the season continues.