Giants 23, Jets 6: Jake Haener, Defense Lead Big Blue in Preseason Finale

The New York Giants defeated the New York Jets 23-6 on Friday night at MetLife Stadium, with Jake Haener delivering an efficient touchdown pass and the Giants defense pitching a shutout over the final three quarters of the preseason matchup.

In front of 70,828 fans in East Rutherford, the Giants turned a one-point first-quarter edge into a comfortable 17-point win. New York led 7-6 after one quarter, then steadily added to its advantage with three points in the second quarter, three more in the third, and a 10-point fourth quarter. The Jets never found the end zone and could not build momentum after their six-point opening period.

For the Giants, it was the kind of complete preseason showing that carries value beyond the final score. Haener was sharp with the opportunities he received, the running game generated dependable yardage, and the defense prevented the Jets from putting together another scoring response. With roster decisions and regular-season preparation approaching, the Giants closed the exhibition slate with a performance built on execution in all four quarters.

Key Performers

Jake Haener led the Giants in passing, completing 6 of 7 attempts for 101 yards and one touchdown. Haener’s 85.7 percent completion rate stood out, and he made the most of a limited workload by pushing the ball efficiently through the air. His lone incompletion meant the Giants were consistently ahead of schedule when he was under center.

Damon Bankston paced the Giants on the ground with 11 carries for 62 yards. Bankston averaged 5.6 yards per rush, supplying a useful balance to Haener’s quick passing production and helping New York keep its offense moving.

Xavier Gipson was the Giants’ top receiver, catching two passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. Gipson averaged 27 yards per reception, providing the game’s most productive receiving line and delivering the scoring play that highlighted Haener’s night.

NerdSports Stat: The Giants scored 16 unanswered points after taking a 7-6 lead through one quarter, while their defense held the Jets scoreless for the final three periods.

The scoreboard tells the story of a game that became increasingly one-sided after the opening quarter. The Giants maintained control by adding points in each of the final three periods, while the Jets were unable to turn their early six points into a sustained offensive push. There was no overtime and no late two-minute-drill drama; New York simply kept extending its lead and saw out the result.

Because this was Week 4 of the 2026 preseason, the bigger takeaway is depth and readiness rather than the standings alone. The Giants finish the preseason at 2-1 and will now shift focus to a high-profile regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. The Jets, who finish 1-2, will look to regroup before opening their regular season against the Tennessee Titans.

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