Sports

Giants-Cardinals, Week 4: Live updates, score, highlights, discussion

Nairavoice · Oct 4, 2026 · 11 min read

The New York Giants try to get to 3-1 Sunday afternoon as they host the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium. Jameis Winston will be making his second consecutive start at quarterback in place of the out-for-the-season Jaxson Dart.

Use this as your discussion thread throughout the game, and be sure to come back following the game for news, opinion, and analysis. See our Giants-Cardinals StoryStream for all of our coverage.

The Giants try to control the pace of the game and lean on their running game, but the Cardinals aren’t giving up much on the ground and the Giants can’t overcome penalties. In comes Jordan Stout for a great 47-yard punt to pin the Cardinals at their own 3-yard line with 6:00 left in the game.

Abdul Carter with TWO QB hits on consecutive plays to force a Cardinals punt.
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Both Carter and Arvell Reese have put the defense on their backs at different points of the game.

Great effort by the young #Giants defenders. pic.twitter.com/rXczrhL85L

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 4, 2026

The Giants’ defense comes for Brissett again, with a tackle for loss, a huge QB hit, and then a big pressure from Abdul Carter to force a panic toss from Brissett.

Abdul Carter with back-to-back great rushes and Arizona sends out the punt team. QB hits on both.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 4, 2026

Abdul Carter smokes Jacoby Brissett. Michael Wilson nearly makes an insane catch, but Greg Newsome makes a nice pass breakup

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 4, 2026

Ball security from Giants’ running backs has been abysmal this season. Not an explosive group, need to at least take care of the ball.

— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 4, 2026

The big gain is immediately wiped out as Najee Harris fumbles the ball and the Cardinals recover. The Giants just can’t seem to get out of their own way.

Jameis Winston escapes another sack on 3rd and 4 to find Isaiah Likely for 34 yard gain.

The Giants open the 4th quarter with an enormous sack of Jacobi Brissett to push the Cardinals back to 4th and 18.

Abdul Carter wins inside and forced Brissett into the arms of Tremaine Edmunds.

Dennard Wilson has DIALED up the blitz/pressure against the Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/7qSo77fZvi

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 4, 2026

Tremaine Edmunds sacks Jacoby Brissett and Giants defense stands up.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 4, 2026

A wild game goes to the fourth quarter as the Giants hold Jeremiyah Love to a 4-yard gain on 2nd and 11 as the third quarter comes to an end.

Theo Johnson up the seam for the go ahead score! pic.twitter.com/y7ThBuOmC5

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 4, 2026

The Giants get the 2-point conversion with a Najee Harris run to retake the lead, 27-24.

TOUCHDOWN GIANTS!

Jameis Winston threads the needle after the Cardinals’ penalty to find Theo Johnson over the middle.

The Giants catch a break as the a holding penalty by the Cardinals on a field goal attempt gives them a first down.

Cardinals called for defensive holding on the line on a Giants field goal, and it’s an automatic first down for New York

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 4, 2026

The #Giants convert on third-and-twenty for 40 yards to Malachi Fields. pic.twitter.com/FMzGRuNqU3

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 4, 2026

Malik Nabers uncovers for a 28 yard gain. pic.twitter.com/QpbrSLSbk9

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 4, 2026

The Jameis-coaster continues! The Giants pick up 40 as Jameis Winston escapes a 3rd and 20 sack and finds Malachi Fields for a HUGE gain.

Jameis slides and delivers a rocket downfield to Malachie Fields for a 1st down conversion on 3rd and 20

40-yard gain into the red zone

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 4, 2026

The Cardinals retake the lead, 24-19, after Elijah Higgins is able to get free of Deonte Banks and make the touchdown catch.

The Cardinals are knocking on the door of the endzone, but Deonte Banks makes a play. Chauncey Golston is shaken up on the play.

Really nice PBU by Deonte Banks on Marvin Harrison Jr.’s back in 1-on-1 coverage. #Giants

— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) October 4, 2026

Chauncey Golston shaken up. Looks like Jevon Holland caught him from falling. Golston walking off slowly with the help of trainers.

— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 4, 2026

The Giants give away their opening possession as Jameis Winston badly overthrows Isaiah Likely, or badly underthrows Darnell Mooney, and the ball goes right to Budda Baker.

Chris Manhertz called for a holding penalty that puts Giants behind the sticks. Jameis Winston throws a 3rd down interception to Budda Baker. Arizona takes over at 37-yard line

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 4, 2026

The Giants receive the opening kick-off after winning the coin toss and deferring.

Braxton Berrios is questionable to return with a foot injury, Jason Pinnock is being evaluated for a concussion.

Jason Pinnock being evaluated for a concussion. Would assume Tyler Nubin goes back in. #Giants

— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) October 4, 2026

Braxton Berrios is questionable to return with a foot injury. Charlie Jones is already returning kickoffs. Could see him at punt returner in the second half.

— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 4, 2026

#Giants rookie LB Arvell Reese in the first half vs the #Cardinals

– 4 tackles
– 1 TFL
– INT
– 3 PBU
– QB hit

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 4, 2026

The Giants give up just enough yardage for the Cardinals to kick a career-long 60-yard field goal to close the gap to 19-17 at halftime. The Giants will get the ball to start the second half.

Denzel Burke jumps a pass to Malachi Fields to intercept Jameis Winston.

CJ Okoye gets his first sack! The young DT simply steamrolls the right guard to bring down Brissett. Arvell Reese brings down Brissett on 3rd down to bring up 4th and 21.

Arvell Reese is having a helluva game for the #Giants. Difference maker already.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 4, 2026

Another Arvell Reese tackle for no gain brings us to the two-minute warning.

TOUCHDOWN GIANTS!

Jameis Winston finds a wide open Malik Nabers for a touchdown. The Giants lead 19-14 following the extra point.

INTERCEPTION GIANTS!

The Arvell Reese game continues as Reese comes up with the tip-drill interception to pick off a batted pass by Shelby Harris.

Excellent turn around by the #Giants defense, led by rookie Arvell Reese.

Shelby Harris gets his paw on a pass and Reese is there to secure the INT. pic.twitter.com/8JCBR0y22p

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 4, 2026

TOUCHDOWN GIANTS!

Winston breaks the pocket and finds rookie Malachi Fields in the endzone for the touchdown. The Giants go for 2, but come up short after the ball is batted away from Chris Manhertz. Giants trail 14-12 as the Giants finally get a red-zone touchdown.

Malachi Fields scores Giants first touchdown in more than 152 minutes. That’s more than 10 quarters worth of game action.

Cardinals 14, Giants 12

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 4, 2026

Isaiah Likely makes a great one-handed catch to get the ball close to the first down. It was marked short of the first down, but the Giants challenge. They win the challenge and are awarded the first down.

Watching it live, it’s on the press box side and I did not think Likely was out of bounds before diving for the sticks.

Harbaugh challenges the spot.

Will be first down if they win the challenge.
Would be third and 1 if they lose the challenge.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 4, 2026

The Giants get 15 yards after Jameis Winston is tackled by the facemask. That’s followed up by an 8-yard run by Cam Skattebo.

Cardinals’ L.J. Collier with a 15-yard facemask personal foul penalty on a scrambling Jameis Winston, and Giants offense is on the move

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 4, 2026

Arvell Reese is putting the Giants’ defense on his back.

Blitz PBU to force a third-and-long where the #Giants got off the field. pic.twitter.com/9zpNn5zVKo

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 4, 2026

Arvell Reese continues to make his presence felt as he knocks down a pass from Jacobi Brissett, and the Giants get another 3-and-out.

Arvell Reese. Monster.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 4, 2026

Another Giants’ drive stalls with a 3-and-out as Jameis Winston is struggling to work through his progressions and doesn’t appear to trust his protection.

Giants last two offensive drives: 6 plays, 12 yards. Offense needs to start sustaining drives and get into the end zone.

— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) October 4, 2026

Arvell Reese makes a great open-field tackle to force a 3-and-out and get the ball back for the Giants.

Arvell Reese with a great open-field tackle to force a punt. Rookie continues to shine.

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 4, 2026

The Giants can’t capitalize as Jameis Winston misses Darnell Mooney, followed by Mooney losing the ball on a bit hit by Budda Baker.

Giants go 3 and out. Skattebo run for 5. Jameis overthrows Mooney. Then Baker smokes Mooney on a telegraphed slant for an INT. Punt

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 4, 2026

INTERCEPTION GIANTS!

Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese hits Jacobi Brissett as he throws, leading to Greg Newsome II picking off a wobbling pass. This is the Giants’ 4th interception in 4 games. Can they capitalize?

Arvell Reese with the big hit on Brissett, who doesn’t get enough juice on the throw. Possible the rookie got a piece of the ball, and Greg Newsome picks it off. Giants get a big defensive stop.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 4, 2026

Dominic Zvada drills a 50-yard field goal to start the second quarter. Giants trail 14-8 as the Cardinals get set for their third drive.

The great kick-off return is squandered as Jameis Winston runs into a sack. The team can’t overcome negative plays.

Jameis Winston has guys open. He’s just not throwing to them. His time as a starter might not be much longer.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 4, 2026

The Giants show a hint of life as Tyrone Tracy picks up 55 yards (officially) on a kick-off return.

The Giants’ run defense isn’t even a speed bump at this point. Cardinals lead 14-3 after a 22-yard rushing touchdown.

Like a warm knife through butter…

The Cardinals are averaging NINE yards per carry in the first quarter. The #Giants defense is getting embarrassed against these outside runs.

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 4, 2026

The #Giants just can’t fit the run outside. The Cardinals are abusing them in the first quarter.

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 4, 2026

Another trip to the Red Zone fizzles out. The Giants are forced to kick after three straight runs fail to convert the first down. Dominic Zvada hits the 39-yard field goal as the Giants trail the Cardinals 7-3.

Dominic Zvada makes a 39-yard FG for the Giants.

CARDINALS 7, GIANTS 3
6:36, 1ST QTR

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) October 4, 2026

Nabers gets back on the field and makes his presence known.

And Nabers makes another third down catch for the first down. https://t.co/mlAmLaVwiZ

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 4, 2026

Huge 39-yard pass by Jameis Winston, and Malik Nabers stays down after the catch.

Malik Nabers with a leaping grab and appears to immediately grab at his injured right shoulder. Now he sprints off.

— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 4, 2026

Inauspicious start for the Giants with a short return by Charlie Jones and a sack of Jameis Winston.

The Cardinals waste little time putting up points. They turn great field position into a sprint down the field and a touchdown.

Marvin Harrison Jr. with the 12-yard TD. Beats Deonte Banks on a fade.

Giants defense non-existent on opening drive. Cards fly down the field. Too easy.

Cardinals 7, Giants 0

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 4, 2026

Goof field position for the Cardinals.

The Giants win the opening coin toss and defer to the second half.

Giants won the toss and elect to defer to 2nd half

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 4, 2026

Giants game day captains: Cam Skattebo, D.J. Reader, Jermaine Eluemunor and Micah McFadden

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 4, 2026

Hudson will be the Giants’ starting center.

It appears as though reserve center Bryan Hudson is starting against the Cardinals in place of John Michael Schmitz, who is believed to have become a father this week.

John Michael Schmitz missed practice Friday and came in with a “Dad” hat today.

It looked like Bryan Hudson was just filling in as the starting center for a practice day but now he is taking warmups with the starters. #Giants

— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) October 4, 2026

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