EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- John Harbaugh’s first game as New York Giants coach went as planned, with a physical 28-20 win over the rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night at Met Life Stadium. The victory gave the longtime Baltimore Ravens head coach a triumphant Big Apple debut.

The Giants outrushed Dallas 165 yards to 69 and ran out the final 5:16. Team owner John Mara presented Harbaugh with a game ball after his first victory as New York Giants head coach. When asked to rank Sunday’s win among his 205 career victories, he answered: “It’s No. 1. Because it’s the one right now.”

Running back Cam Skattebo led the Giants with 81 yards rushing and praised the plan to run the ball and throw play-action passes. New York quarterback Jaxson Dart said the players trusted Harbaugh’s leadership and bought into his approach.

The win was the Giants’ first season opener in 10 years and a statement against a Dallas team that had beaten them in 16 of the past 18 meetings.