With a 5-1 record on the season, the Giants have surpassed their win total from 2021.
After five straight losing seasons, three coaching changes, the New York Giants are doing the unexpected.
They’re winning football games.
I know, I can’t believe what I’m watching either. The Giants, however, are for real. Let’s shelf the talk on how they’re the most unimpressive 5-1 in recent history. It’s not about a beauty contest, it never was.
The Giants are winning football games. First-time head coach Brian Daboll has the fan base believing he’s the right man for the job.
Sunday’s 24-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens, at MetLife Stadium, also put a smile on the face of the man who signs the checks.
“We have lost so many games like that in the last five years, maybe it’s our time,” Giants co-owner John Mara told The Associated Press.
Julian Love’s interception and 27-yard return set up Saquon Barkley’s 1-yard touchdown run with 1:43 to play in the fourth quarter. The Giants have rallied from a 10-plus-point deficit in three of their five wins this season.
“We’re not shocked that we find ways to win,” said Daniel Jones, who threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns. “I think we’re confident in what we can do. And we’re confident in our toughness, our ability to compete and find ways to win down the stretch.”
Their confidence is growing with every win. Their not being shocked at the results — file that part under damn good coaching.
Sticking with the Run Game
Saquon Barkley came alive after halftime to finish with 22 carries for 83 yards and running in for the go-ahead touchdown. Baltimore’s defense did a solid job bottling up Barkley in the first half. The Giants, however, remained committed to the run. The payoff was right on time, in the fourth quarter. The stats won’t jump off the page, but they don’t need to. Staying with the run kept the Ravens honest just long enough for winning time in the final minutes.
The Maturation of DJ continues
Daniel Jones completed 19 of 27 passes for 173 yards, two touchdowns — not bad, but not nearly enough to convince anyone yet he’s a top-10 NFL quarterback.
The thing with all of that — the Giants just need Jones to keep doing what he’s doing right now. On a key drive in the fourth quarter, Jones went 5-for-5. He’s not turning over the football. Additionally, he’s making the critical throws on third down to move the chains. We know how dangerous Jones can be with his legs, now we’re seeing him do more to win games than lose them.
Defense rises to the occasion
New York’s defense, led by Baltimore’s former coordinator Wink Martindale, had their hands full with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The defense forced two turnovers by Jackson late in the fourth quarter. With Giants ahead after Barkley’s go-ahead score, rookie Keyvon Thibodeaux sacked Jackson and forced a fumble that Leonard Williams recovered. In a game where the Ravens found success running the ball, with 211 rushing yards, it was Big Blue’s defense getting late-game stops to help close it out.
Looking Ahead
The Giants take their 5-1 record to Jacksonville next Sunday.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
