Overview
- Likely finished with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns in the Giants’ 28-20 win over the Cowboys on Sunday, earning player-of-the-game recognition.
- The 26-year-old signed a three-year deal with New York in March to rejoin coach John Harbaugh after four seasons in Baltimore where he played behind Mark Andrews.
- Practice reports and Sunday’s game showed quick chemistry between Likely and second-year QB Jaxson Dart, who targeted Likely frequently and relied on him in the red zone.
- Giants game plans used two-tight-end looks that let Likely work like a receiver underneath, giving New York a reliable middle-of-field option that stretched Dallas’ defense.
- Analysts praised the debut and some broadcasters compared his play to elite tight ends, but most coverage cautions that one game is a small sample and his long-term impact must be measured across the season.