Isaiah Likely has quickly established himself as a pivotal offensive force for the New York Giants, demonstrating his importance in the team's Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Following head coach John Harbaugh to New York, Likely was quarterback Jaxson Dart’s primary target outside of Malik Nabers, consistently challenging the Cowboys' secondary throughout the 28-20 win.
Likely, who signed a three-year, $40 million contract to join the Giants, was expected to play a significant role given the team's perceived weakness at wide receiver behind Nabers. However, his performance on Sunday suggests he will be an even more central figure. He was targeted eight times and caught every pass for 78 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
In a game that marked a symbolic start to the John Harbaugh era with a crucial first win, Likely proved to be an essential component of the Giants' offense. While tight ends Theo Johnson and Chris Manhertz handled the majority of blocking duties, operating frequently in two-tight end formations, Likely was utilized more like a receiver due to his build and skill set.
He was the recipient of one of Dart's most accurate passes on a second-quarter drive, catching a 19-yard out route. This play was part of a drive that ultimately ended after a turnover. Later in the first half, Likely scored his first touchdown of the season, catching a perfectly placed pass in the end zone corner to cap a 55-yard drive.
Early in the second half, Dart again found Likely in the red zone for his second touchdown of the game, extending the Giants' lead to 21-7. In a critical moment late in the fourth quarter, with the Giants needing to maintain possession to prevent the Cowboys from getting the ball back while trailing by eight points, Dart targeted Likely twice on third-down situations, highlighting his reliability.
Last season, Likely recorded 27 receptions for the Baltimore Ravens. Based on his immediate impact in his first game with the Giants, he is on pace to significantly surpass that total. He has already doubled his touchdown count from the previous year with two scores against Dallas. Likely is currently serving as a key security blanket for Dart, who displayed command and confidence in his first start for the Giants.