The New York Giants accomplished something they haven't in six years, winning a season opener. After a Daniel Jones touchdown pass to tight end Chris Myarick, new head coach Brian Daboll made a gutsy call by going for two points after the Giants cut the host Tennessee Titans lead to 20-19. Saquon Barkley powered his way into the end zone off a shovel pass to lift the Giants to a 21-20 victory.
The Titans had a chance to win the game on a walk-off field goal, but Randy Bullock's 47-yard attempt was wide left.
Barkley effectively put the Giants on his back in the second half and led the Giants back from a 13-0 halftime deficit. He finished with 18 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown and also caught six passes for 30 yards.
Jones threw a bad interception in the end zone late in the fourth quarter and it seemed like hope was lost for the Giants, but he engineered the game-winning drive and threw the key touchdown to Myarick on a great play fake to Barkley.
The Titans dominated the first half but the Giants' defense was able to hold them down and keep New York in the game.
Here's a full breakdown from what transpired in Nashville:
Why the Giants won
Barkley AND Daboll. Barkley looked like the Barkley of old on Sunday. He showed incredible burst and breakaway speed and was running north and south instead of dancing behind the line of scrimmage. His 68-yard run on the Giants' first drive of the second half provided the spark.
Daboll showed confidence in his team and his offense by electing to go for the win instead of the tie. This decision could go a long way to earning his team's trust as the season moves on.
Why the Titans lost
The simple answer is Bullock missed the field goal as time expired. Also, they needed to feed Derrick Henry a little more. Henry was held to just 82 yards on 21 carries.
Turning point
An interesting play call cost Tennessee this game. Trying to be cute, with a pitch to tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo on a key third-and-1 midway through the fourth quarter instead of handing the ball to Henry backfired. The Giants would stop him for a 4-yard loss and force a punt.
Play of the game
Barkley's 68-yard run on the Giants' first offensive play of the second half. This sparked the rally and showed that Barkley is back. (Honorable mention to Sterling Shepard, who had a 65-yard touchdown reception that tied the game 13-13.)
Quotable
Daboll on his decision to go for two and the win:
"Go for the win. We're going to be aggressive."
What's next
The Giants will begin the home portion of their schedule next Sunday against the Panthers at 1 p.m. The Titans will play at Buffalo on Monday, Sept. 19.