New York Giants report card: How we graded Big Blue in Vikings loss

The New York Giants dropped their preseason opener to the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Saturday by the score of 13-10.

It was a dull start to the John Harbaugh era, but it was a start. Now, to work things from here.

“Opener, first opportunity to see us in a game as opposed to a practice,” Harbaugh told reporters after the game. “It was good to see. Going to be a lot of great things to look at and work on, get better at, a lot of great things that we felt good about in the game. It’ll be play-by-play, player-by-player evaluation that we’ll take on tomorrow. So, proud of the guys; I thought they played hard, thought they competed, and we’ll learn a lot from that game.”

Most writers will inundate you with technical knowledge, which is fine, but keep in mind this is preseason for a team that underwent fundamental structural change this offseason. What you saw on Saturday is just the first step in what will be a long journey.

Here is our report card, but be aware, there’s quite a Bell curve being applied here. Many of the players who appeared in this game won’t make the 53-man roster and were playing for their NFL futures. That being said, let’s proceed.

Offense

Jaxson Dart went three-for-four passing with a touchdown pass to rookie Malachi Fields. That happened after he took a scary hit on a blitz from Vikings safety Jay Ward that sent him out of the game for a few plays. That, and a Jameis Winston dump pass to Devin Singletary on third-and-23 that went for 40 yards, were the highlights.

Third-team quarterback Brandon Allen had a rough day, throwing two picks and going three-and-out on three other drives. He did rally the team at the end of the game, but it was too little, too late.

The offensive line was operating with their third-string center, Bryan Hudson, with John Michael Schmitz and Lucas Patrick hurt. Left tackle Andrew Thomas didn’t play, and Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Elumunor played 16 snaps each. Rookie guard Francis Mauigoa had a nice debut, moving nicely, getting to the second level, and making some key blocks.

Cam Skattebo was back banging into defenders. He carried four times for 19 yards and looked like a player who was 100 percent recovered from injury.

Fields had a smashing debut, making a leaping touchdown grab and catching two other passes for first downs. He looks like he can be a player in this league. Odell Beckham Jr. caught two passes for six yards and looked fluid running routes. Tight end Isaiah Likely caught both of his targets for a total of 11 yards.

Grade: B

Defense

The Giants were missing quite a few starters on Saturday. Defensive linemen D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris, the two guys they hope can help Giant fans forget Dexter Lawrence, did not play. That left Darius Alexander the lone starter up front. He did fairly well with two solo stops and a sack.

The linebackers were without Tremaine Edmunds and Brian Burns. Rookie Arvell Reese and Abdul Carter played sparingly. Micah McFadden, who missed most of 2025 with a foot injury, was back. He looked a bit rusty, but it was good to see him out there. Rookie Jack Kelly led the team with five tackles. Keep an eye on him.

The secondary was mostly reserves and players who are on the roster bubble. They looked sluggish and drew penalties, but played aggressively and kept the Vikings from big gains. The only starter on the field was safety Tyler Nubin, so it’s hard to judge here.

Grade: B

Special Teams

Ben Sauls got all the work at kicker. He made his only field goal attempt, hitting from 46 yards. He added an extra point as well. His two kickoffs buried the Vikings in their own end.

Jordan Stout averaged 48.7 yards on six punts with a long of 60. Three of his attempts were inside the 20.

Dante Miller averaged 23 yards on three kickoff returns. Braxton Berrios had a pair of 15-yard punt returns.

Grade: A

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New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings: Best photos from preseason Week 1

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) catches a pass during a preseason opening game between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

(Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJer, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)