The New York Giants welcomed the Arizona Cardinals to MetLife Stadium on Sunday, hoping to improve to 3-1.
In a roller-coaster first half, the Giants climbed out of an early 14-3 hole and went into the break leading 19-17.
They got the full Jameis Winston experience, complete with the usual ups and downs. Winston threw a costly interception late in the first half that set up an Arizona field goal. On his very next throw, he was picked off again, and the Cardinals turned that one into a touchdown.
Arvell Reese was the best player on the field for the Giants. The rookie linebacker made plays throughout the afternoon, including an interception off a ball tipped at the line of scrimmage. New York scored on the ensuing possession. Abdul Carter also
had a strong game, flashing on a handful of snaps.
The second half brought sacks, turnovers, and back-and-forth scoring. The Giants' defense delivered when it mattered most. Arizona reached first-and-goal, trailing by six, with a chance to take the lead. New York forced three incompletions to bring up fourth-and-goal. Deonte Banks then intercepted the pass and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown to seal the win.
With the 36-24 victory, the Giants improved to 3-1. Here's how X reacted.
John Harbaugh teams don't give up.
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media) October 4, 2026
BANKS CLOSED!!! 🔐 🔒
— Eli Racks (@IamEliRacks) October 4, 2026
OH MY GOD THIS GIANTS TEAM!!!!!!! Starting to feel special. Incredible what a great coach can do. Let's get JJ McCarthy playing soon and this could be a playoff team
— Tommy Smokes (@TomScibelli) October 4, 2026
I BELIEVE IN THIS TEAM THIS IS THE JOHN HARBAUGH EFFECT
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) October 4, 2026
The Jameis Winston rollercoaster is one helluva drug man
— dustin (@DJ_DoesSports) October 4, 2026
Unbelievable defensive performance today from several individuals!
— The Entertainah (@TheEntertainah) October 4, 2026
Reese, Banks, Carter! GREAT team win! The Giants are in first place and are 3-1 a quarter of the way through the season. John Harbaugh has this team trending back to where they need to be!
The Giants are 3-1. Alone in first place in the NFC East.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 4, 2026
The Giants used to LOSE games like today 97-out-of-100 times and in consecutive weeks they've closed out games in Q4. John Harbaugh has this team tough and mentally and physically prepared.
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) October 4, 2026
Just like Skattebo said last week "last year we would've lost this game"
Not this year
Thanks guys 🙂↕️ pic.twitter.com/KnZYAf7IC0
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 4, 2026
What a ridiculous finish. These Giants have made a habit of making the biggest plays in the biggest moments. 3-1 and a chance to head into Week 5 in first place in the NFC East.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 4, 2026
2 weeks in a row the Giants win the game on a Red Zone interception. Pretty dang kool defensively.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 4, 2026
.@Giants take it to the BANKS!
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 4, 2026
Banks for the win
— Sam Prince (@samtheprince14) October 4, 2026
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 4, 2026
Give 11 game balls to Dennard Wilson. Say what you want about Arizona and Brissett, they've been moving the ball and the Giants were clamping down everywhere: 3 picks, 2 sacks, 6 QB Hits, and only 166 passing yards. Corners that we were not very high on are playing with swagger.
— The Football Grump (@football_grump) October 4, 2026
Talk to me in first place language only
— Mr. Chicken (@5on_it) October 4, 2026
DEFENSE WINS GAMES. #Giants
— 🦍 (@loscamethru) October 4, 2026
That was an emotional roller coaster type of game but I’m happy that the Giants came out on top. Let’s go #Giants
— Evan (@EvanSpitzy_4) October 4, 2026
Wow my Gmen are ballin! #Giants #wk4
— Swankie Frankie 🌒🌓🌔 (@frank_mossa) October 4, 2026
LOST THE FRANCHISE QUARTERBACK.
— Giants Daily (@NYGDaily) October 4, 2026
LOST THE BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER.
DEALING WITH JAMEIS WINSTON EXPERIENCE.
THE NEW YORK GIANTS ARE 3-1.
The sleeping Giants are awake 😤 pic.twitter.com/4CNgpv9XWv
— Nikki Gist (@NikkiNic9384) October 4, 2026
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants fans celebrate first place after thrilling win over Cardinals
