NFL: New York Giants at Miami Dolphins
Aug 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) leaves the field at the end of a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The NFL saw one of the most brutal season-ending injuries of the season on Monday Night Football in Week 2. New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart went down with a knee injury in the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams. Though there was initially optimism surrounding his status, the Giants’ fortunes changed the next day.
Once the Giants announced Dart would miss the remainder of the season, they turned to veteran backup Jameis Winston to keep their promising season afloat. Winston delivered a win in Week 3 for the New York faithful. After giving a memorable pregame interview, he followed it up with an even better postgame interview.
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Winston, in only the way he knows how, gave reporters the sound bite of the week.
Jameis Winston is the GREATEST:
“Winning this game for Jaxson. 12 points. 6 x 2, it’s for you.” 🤣🐐
(📽️ @NFLonFOX) pic.twitter.com/4qtDoHdHz0
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 27, 2026
He told the media they knew they’d deliver and dedicated the win to Dart. “Winning this game for Jaxson [Dart.] 12 points. 6 x 2, it’s for you.” Dart, of course, wears number six for the Giants.
Winston didn’t light up the stat sheet against the Tennessee Titans, but he did exactly what the Giants needed from him. Making his 90th career start, Winston completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards without throwing an interception. He also added 14 rushing yards.
Winston Keeps Giants’ Season Hopes Afloat
Considering how Winston struggled after taking over for Dart against the Rams, his Week 3 performance represented a significant step in the right direction. He completed just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception in that loss, but he avoided the costly mistakes against Tennessee.
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Winston’s biggest contribution may have been his ability to protect the football and keep the Giants in control while their defense dominated. New York forced a three-and-out on each of Tennessee’s first five possessions.
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) looks to throw the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) looks to throw the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium, Sep 27, 2026, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Giants’ offense never found the end zone, but their kicker converted all four of his field-goal attempts to give New York a 12-0 lead. Tennessee eventually cut the deficit to 12-7 on a fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Cam Ward to former Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson.
That set up a tense finish, but Winston and the Giants did enough to preserve the victory. With 14 seconds remaining, safety Jevon Holland intercepted Ward in the end zone to seal the 12-7 win.
Winston’s numbers weren’t spectacular, but they didn’t need to be. He protected the football, made enough plays and helped the Giants move to 2-1 after losing their starting quarterback for the season.
For a team suddenly forced to adjust its plans at the most important position, that’s exactly what New York needed from Winston in Week 3.