The Giants are still breathing.
For the second straight week, the defense held their own against a formidable offense. This time, however, the end result was a victory for Big Blue.
For second-round draft pick Xavier McKinney was the star of the day with two interceptions. The defense delivered with a stout performance and helped deliver a 23-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Met Life Stadium on Sunday.
Daniel Jones connected on a 30-yard touchdown pass to tight end Evan Engram and Graham Gano added three field goals.
But it was the defense for the Giants (3-6) which impressed and appears to be showing signs of life.
McKinney’s interceptions came in the second half. The first came early in the third quarter when he jumped in front of wide receiver Hunter Renfrow to intercept Derek Carr and ran it back 41 yards for a touchdown. McKinney’s pick-six gave the Giants a 17-13 lead.
With the Giants holding a four-point lead, and the Raiders positioning for a go-ahead score, McKinney picked off Carr again on a pass intended for Zay Jones.
Las Vegas threatened one more time with their offense moving deep into Giants’ territory with less than a minute remaining. This time it was linebacker Quincy Roche getting a sack and forced fumble. Leonard Williams recovered the football to seal the victory for the Giants.
With the offense continuing to work through injuries to key players, the Giants received a huge lift from the defense.
It wasn’t a shutdown performance, however, the unit stepped up when it mattered most to keep Las Vegas, and their playmakers, at arm’s length.
At 3-6, the Giants have an uphill battle before there can be any talk of a push for the playoffs. Their win this week, however, keeps them in the conversation.
