Giants Beat Titans 12-7 in Rainy Debut Without Dart

The New York Giants opened their post-Jaxson Dart era with a 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Jaxson Dart underwent season-ending surgery on his left meniscus and medial collateral ligament on Friday, with a 4-6 month recovery timeline expected.

Jameis Winston, signed to a two-year, $13 million extension three weeks ago, made his first start since Dart's injury. He completed 13 of 21 passes for 122 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in heavy rain and wind from a nor'easter.

“Jameis did all the things as a quarterback that we needed to do to win that game.”

The Giants offense managed only four Dominic Zvada field goals, including a 27-yarder for a 6-0 lead. A fourth-down Wildcat snap to running back Cam Skattebo at the 7-yard line failed to produce a touchdown.

The defense allowed just 262 total yards and forced five punts. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, formerly of the Titans, pressured rookie quarterback Cam Ward throughout the game.

Safety Jevon Holland sealed the win with an end-zone interception of Ward with 17 seconds remaining. It was Holland's third interception in three games this season.

Head coach Brian Daboll praised Winston for doing "all the things... to win that game" but said the team will keep growing. The Giants also traded for quarterback J.J. McCarthy as insurance behind Winston.