When Baker Mayfield questioned the New York Giants’ decision to draft Daniel Jones in 2018, it lit a fire among Giants fans everywhere and the players themselves. It’s safe to say that karma does come back to bite you.
The Giants came home to MetLife Stadium and rose victorious against the Carolina Panthers 19-16. It wasn’t pretty, but Big Blue showed that defense does win games (and possibly championships).
Let’s dive into a few takeaways from the Giants’ win over Mayfield and the Panthers
The Giants Defense Had Daniel Jones’s Back
Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale told Giants’ faithful to be loud and on their feet during the home opener. He promised the Giants would give them something to cheer about if they did their part in the stands.
He meant it.
GOOD START ????
— New York Giants (@Giants) September 18, 2022
????: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/xzLRHxv3W2
Although it only led to a field goal, this was just one of many outstanding plays made by the defense.
ANOTHER ONE!!!!!!!!! ????
— New York Giants (@Giants) September 18, 2022
????: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/YTEbQf7kWb
Forcing fumbles is what the Giants do, I guess. Carolina definitely needs to work on its ball security.
New York held Baker Mayfield to only 145 passing yards and sacked him twice on the way to the victory. Despite his crazy fourth quarter last week against Cleveland, the same could not be said against New York.
???????????????? to see it
— New York Giants (@Giants) September 18, 2022
????: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/XZum029KIk
The former Oklahoma quarterback could not find a rhythm on Sunday and led his team to a 16.7 conversion rate on third down. Maybe next time, he should work on his game instead of criticizing the other team’s decisions.
The Giants’ defense wasn’t perfect. Coming out of the second half, the Panthers took advantage of the matchup between wide receiver D.J. Moore against rookie Cordale Flott. Although Moore scored a touchdown, he was held to only three catches for 43 yards.
Christian McCaffery amassed 102 rushing yards, with most of those yards coming on a big run in the second half. Other than that, the Giants kept him in check.
Julian Love led the team in tackles and had the sack to end Carolina’s final drive of the game. Oshane Ximines has the other sack for Big Blue. Leonard Williams did suffer a knee injury after Panthers offensive lineman Taylor Moton fell onto his leg. But, he should be okay for next week’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Giants Offense Did Just Enough
After a phenomenal 164 yards on the ground in week one, Saquon Barkley was brought back to earth. Carolina held him to just 72 yards rushing, which doesn’t seem too bad. But, he did get 21 carries, averaging out to 3.4 yards per carry.
Daniel Jones did just enough to lead his team to the win, putting up 176 passing yards and a touchdown to tight end Daniel Bellinger. Maybe we’ll see Jones throw for 250 yards soon, but he made just enough plays to help New York drive down the field and put up points.
DANIEL BELLINGER’S FIRST NFL CATCH IS A TOUCHDOWN!!
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) September 18, 2022
Tie game ???? pic.twitter.com/wTHwk4CJy9
There was a point in the fourth quarter where the Giants just needed one first down to put the game away. The question on everyone’s mind: could Jones and the offense make just one more play? Don’t count out the former Duke quarterback.
Daniel Jones with the game sealing drive. pic.twitter.com/53f6a0z7Rm
— Mace (@realmaceblack) September 18, 2022
The smarts to just hold onto the ball and run through the open space ahead of him? Once again, a good enough play that would seal the fate of the Panthers on Sunday.
Richie James led the team in receiving with five catches for 51 yards. David Sills stepped up with 37 receiving yards of his own, good enough for second best on the team. More importantly, he played more than Kenny Golladay. It’s clear: Brian Daboll will play guys that deserve it. After being on the practice squad for a long time, Sills has made it clear he belongs on the 53-man roster.
Graham Gano is HIM
All I have to say is this: Graham Gano is a top-five kicker in the NFL. A slow day for the offense led to Gano kicking four field goals and converting on all of them. His 56-yarder with 3:34 in the fourth quarter gave the Giants a lead they would not relinquish.
Up Next…
With the New York Giants now 2-0 on the season, they welcome in the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. This is the first division matchup for New York.
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