Why the Giants are 'a Better Team' Following 26-3 Preseason Win vs. Dolphins

There is only so much one can take away from a Jaxson Dart-less New York Giants team that is facing a rebuilding Miami Dolphins squad in a preseason matchup. But Saturday's game was about building good habits more than the outcome itself.

Big Blue succeeded on both fronts, earning a 26-3 victory at Hard Rock Stadium. The Giants accumulated 390 total yards of offense in 79 plays, while holding the Dolphins to a measly 102. They won the turnover battle 2-1 and dominated the time of possession, 41:00 to 19:00. It was a well-rounded effort.

And most importantly, it was a step in the right direction.

"Appreciate the effort by the guys," head coach John Harbaugh said. "I thought we did a lot of things really well. I like the way we handled the lead, continuing to play in a way that extended it.

"That's really important to learn how to do that as a team. We did that. I do believe we're a better team than we were Wednesday when we came down here. That was the goal. And now we move forward."

NY Giants' John Harbaugh speaks to Dolphins HC Jeff Hafley after preseason win — Aug 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh and Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley speak at the end of a preseason game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Giants just need to focus on perfecting “Harbaugh ball,” ramping up their physicality and playing smart. If they can complete those basic objectives, then overcoming obstacles in the regular season should be much more manageable.

This was a fine warm-up showing, even if several core members of the team did not participate.

The Giants played with purpose and verve

Backup quarterback Jameis Winston completed 15-of-21 passes for 150 yards and struck the first blow with an 11-yard rushing touchdown on New York's opening drive. Veteran running back Devin Singletary logged eight carries for 41 yards and a TD of his own.

The perpetually scrutinized Darius Slayton did a nice job of finding space, recording four receptions for 58 yards to lead all wide receivers. The offensive line was the primary catalyst, enabling offensive coordinator Matt Nagy to call a fairly clean game.

If the Giants' versatile weapons have time to operate, they should be able to produce meaningful plays more times than not. The team as a whole carried itself with pride and urgency, indicating the growth the squad is experiencing under Harbaugh.

"I think it’s the leadership, the leadership all around," Winston said.

"We understand the responsibility that we have, and I think that’s the most beautiful thing about training camp and preseason football is everyone knows that time is almost up, so being present and being willing to do whatever is required to be your best is going to be your best chance to make the team."

NY Giants QB Jameis Winston dives for the touchdown — Aug 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Marques Cox (70) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Many players rose to the occasion. JC Davis was an iron man at left tackle, holding his own and seemingly improving his stock; fellow rookie sixth-round draft pick Bobby Jamison-Travis recorded a sack, and the secondary played with ferocity under defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

Unfortunately, not everyone stepped up. Tyrone Tracy Jr. continued his preseason descent, following up last week's missed block with an untouched fumble versus the Dolphins. With Najee Harris joining Big Blue's running backs room, Tracy is not promised a sizable workload. He must snap out of this funk pronto.

Overall, the Giants emitted positive vibes from Miami Gardens, as they inch closer to their Sept. 13 season-opening clash with the Dallas Cowboys. There is plenty to like, but when a franchise is attempting to end a terrible losing streak and reinvent itself, the process tends to be gradual.

Luckily, New York still has some time to address its flaws and spruce up its game plan.

"We kind of look at it like we have a lot of work to do between now and then," John Harbaugh said. "That's three weeks away. We will start looking at our first few games in terms of our preparation, because those are the games that count.

"But there are still roster battles. So we're going to try to take it one day at a time, try to be a better team. We'll be back Monday and try to be a better team after practice Monday than we were when we started."

The Giants conclude preseason play next Friday against the New York Jets.

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