What happened: Abdul Carter credited a higher-intensity practice week for the jolt around the Giants after their opening win. New York was listed alongside the Bears, Jets and Bills as Week 1's most energizing winners.
Why it matters: The comments add to the Giants' 28-20 win over the Cowboys, which already pushed early attention toward New York's front and its pressure on Dak Prescott. If that edge holds, the Giants move from feel-good opener to a team carrying real early-season momentum.
By the numbers: The four teams cited are a combined 4-0 after Week 1, and New York's settled result in recent Wire coverage was a 28-20 win over Dallas.
What to watch: Week 2 will test whether the Giants can turn one charged opener into a pattern. The same early read applies to the Bears, Jets and Bills once each gets a second game on the board.