The New York Giants made a statement in their first game under new head coach John Harbaugh on Sunday, taking down a Dallas Cowboys team that had dominated them year after year in recent seasons.
It's only one game, but the Giants' performance has some believing they may already have turned a corner with the changes made to the coaching staff and roster this offseason.
Colin Cowherd, host of The Herd on FOX Sports, released his first Herd Hierarchy of the year after Week 1 and made it clear he believes the Giants can compete this season.
With week 1 in the books, which teams looked like contenders and which teams looked like frauds?@colincowherd breaks it down in his Herd Hierarchy pic.twitter.com/dhwMAIektM
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 15, 2026
"I don’t care what any of you say. The
Giants are talented," Cowherd said. "They have a culture issue, not a talent issue. Abdul Carter and Brian Burns on the edge—tell me a better edge-rushing tandem than those guys. [Malik] Nabers, Jaxson Dart, [Cam] Skattebo, Arvell Reese. How about Francis Mauigoa, the offensive lineman from Miami—36 pass-blocking snaps, didn’t allow a hit.
"The talent is not the issue. Yeah, they could use another corner. It was a coaching, culture, and health issue. Jaxson Dart, Skattebo, Reese, Burns, Abdul Carter, Andrew Thomas… dudes are not the problem. I had them as the most improved team. I’ve got them at eight."
The Giants have landed several high first-round draft picks in recent years, many of which Cowherd cited in explaining why they earned the eighth spot on his list and the highest ranking of any NFC East team.
The roster is full of big names. If the Giants play up to their potential, Sunday showed they can compete against some of the tougher opponents on the schedule.
Week 2's road matchup against the Los Angeles Rams will be a difficult test. The Rams entered the season as a Super Bowl favorite and now need a win over Big Blue to avoid falling to 0-2.
With the talent Cowherd highlighted and Harbaugh now leading the team, the Giants look confident they can compete against anyone.
The victory on Sunday is something they can build on as they try to carry that momentum into Week 2. For now, it is encouraging to see the Giants receiving serious recognition after an impressive Week 1 win.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Colin Cowherd offers his take on New York Giants following Week 1 win
