The New York Giants’ historic 34-17 upset victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6 wasn’t just another Thursday Night Football surprise, it was the coronation of the 2025 NFL Draft class’s most electrifying duo. Quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo didn’t just win a game; they announced their arrival as the faces of this year’s rookie class with a performance that had MetLife Stadium erupting and the entire football world taking notice.
Dart, the 25th overall pick from Ole Miss, and Skattebo, the 105th overall selection from Arizona State, combined for five touchdowns in a display of chemistry and explosiveness that instantly captured the hearts of Giants fans starved for hope. Their infectious personalities shone through in every celebration, from Skattebo’s signature backflip and surfing celebration after each of his three rushing touchdowns to Dart’s fearless scrambling that culminated in a 20-yard touchdown run. For those who follow the team closely and want to explore options for upcoming games, opportunities such as the Fanatics Sportsbook promo provide additional ways to engage with the season’s remaining matchups.
Grading Their Week 6 Explosions
Dart’s poise under pressure deserves an A-grade evaluation. The rookie quarterback completed 17 of 25 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown while adding 58 rushing yards and another score on 13 carries. What separated Dart from veteran quarterbacks was his composure when facing the Eagles’ pass rush, he consistently escaped pressure with subtle jukes and athletic scrambles that left defenders grasping at air. After briefly exiting for a concussion evaluation, Dart returned unfazed, telling Coach Brian Daboll simply, “Hell yeah” when asked if he was ready to continue.
Skattebo’s three-touchdown explosion merits an equally impressive A-grade. The compact running back bulldozed his way to 98 rushing yards on 19 carries, becoming just the second rookie in Giants history since 2011 to score three rushing touchdowns in a single game. His performances have consistently outshined those of established veterans, as evidenced by his averaging 16.4 fantasy points per game over four weeks while ranking sixth in red-zone carries among all running backs.
All-Rookie Trends and Rising Stars
The duo’s emergence aligns with broader All-Rookie trends dominating the 2025 season. Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren leads the league in yards after catch (YAC) among tight ends with 158 YAC yards, establishing himself as a dynamic weapon who paces routes with fluidity. Warren’s 693 yards after catch in college showcased the skill that’s now translating seamlessly to professional success.
Dart and Skattebo join an elite group of first-year impact players, with Dart ranking sixth on RotoWire’s Rookie Impact Rankings at 154 points. Their combined rushing touchdown performance made them the first Giants rookie duo to each score rushing touchdowns since Larry Heater and Leon Perry accomplished the feat in 1980. Even more remarkably, they became only the second rookie quarterback-running back tandem since 1970 to each record 50 rushing yards and a touchdown in the same game, joining Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris.
Historic Context and Legacy Potential
Dart’s victory over Philadelphia marked him as the first Giants rookie quarterback to defeat the Eagles since Travis Tidwell in 1950. This 75-year drought speaks to both the rarity of the achievement and the magnitude of the moment. The Ole Miss connection adds another layer of magic, as the 2025 draft saw a record eight Rebels selected, the most since the seven-round format began in 1994.
The question that will define their careers emerges from Thursday night’s brilliance: Future stars or one-hit wonders? Their instant chemistry, infectious personalities, and combined statistical dominance suggest the former, but only time will reveal whether this dynamic duo can sustain their remarkable start and truly lead the Giants into a new era of success.