After an outstanding upset over the Green Bay Packers, the New York Giants were the underdog once again as they faced off against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Write them off all you want, but Big Blue is starting to become a unit that is getting other teams’ attention. Staring down a 10-7 deficit at halftime, New York continues to show resiliency and grit for 60 minutes. 17 points in the second half led the Giants to steal a win from the heavily favored Ravens by the score of 24-20.
Now, let’s look at the statistics. The Ravens outran the Giants 211-83, thanks to Kenyan Drake‘s 119 yards. Lamar Jackson outthrew Daniel Jones 210 to 173. The good guys still pulled out the win.
Coaching plays a big role, and this team is one example that supports it. Brian Daboll has instilled a philosophy where all 53 men on the roster play for one another, and know how to deal with things when it gets tough.
How About The Rookies?
Joe Schoen knows talent when he sees it.
First example: Evan Neal. Even through the rough patches, the rookie right tackle has made strides toward looking like a star for years to come.
All of Evan Neal’s true pass sets v. the Ravens
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 17, 2022
Thought he played his best game of the season by far pic.twitter.com/TyviBmGrn0
34 pass-blocking snaps. Zero sacks. Daniel Jones finally has time to throw, and the rookie tackle is part of this reason.
Rookie second-rounder Wan’Dale Robinson played in his first game since week one. He was second on the team in receiving against Baltimore and had a key touchdown in the second quarter to tie the game at seven.
Wan’Dale Robinson gets his first touchdown in the NFL!pic.twitter.com/45vcQSmVF9
— Cats Coverage (@Cats_Coverage) October 16, 2022
Rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger is looking like a steal in the fourth round, catching his second touchdown of the season. He led the team with five catches on Sunday. Safety Dane Belton had six tackles and one pass deflection.
Finally, there was Kayvon Thibodeaux. The first-rounder who Giants fans were most excited to see. With no sacks entering Sunday, many wondered if he would record one against Lamar Jackson.
TURNOVER: Kayvon Thibodeaux strip sack fumble by Jackson recovered by Leo Williams#Ravens 20 #Giants 24 Q4 pic.twitter.com/HfyL9RDMkq
— Sᴘᴏʀᴛs 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) October 16, 2022
That strip sack sealed the deal for New York, and the Giants rookies contribute as they improve to 5-1 on the season.
All Three Sides Of The Ball Shined
Even though Daniel Jones didn’t throw for 200 yards, he still threw two touchdowns and no interceptions against a Baltimore defense. No Kenny Golladay, no Kadarius Toney. Sterling Shepard didn’t get better overnight. The quarterback is working with practice squad guys and a rookie receiver who is barely coming back from injury.
Jones doesn’t make excuses and still led the team on another fourth-quarter comeback by making smart plays throughout the entire game. Gets sacked four times? Get up and move on to the next play. Jones is playing so much better, and you have to give credit when it is due.
Maybe he doesn’t have to throw for 300 yards to show he’s a good quarterback. What matters is that there are Ws in the win column, and Jones is doing that for this team.
This is a beautiful TD throw by Daniel Jones & great job by Daniel Bellinger not overrunning this and being able to snag and protect the ball pic.twitter.com/qzcXlZJvod
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 17, 2022
Ball placement? Phenomenal.
Saquon Barkley ran for 83 yards on 23 carries, and also had 12 receiving yards. Though he didn’t reach 100 scrimmage yards, he made plays when it mattered the most.
Saquon Barkley with an excellent blitz pickup to help the #Giants convert on 3rd & 12 pic.twitter.com/qojBgFmu92
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 17, 2022
Saquon Barkley leaps it for a touchdown and a Giants LEAD!!!! pic.twitter.com/eTjlbxuLEk
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 16, 2022
He can run, he can catch, and he can block. Barkley is an all-around back, and the Giants will give him a blank check because he is an integral part of this offense.
New York’s defense held Lamar Jackson and company to just ten points in the second half. Two sacks and forcing two fumbles frustrated the Ravens quarterback, and a key interception by the LOVE of my life led to the Giants’ game-winning touchdown.
JULIAN LOVE!!!!
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 16, 2022
(via @Giants) pic.twitter.com/ppeIclPJNj
Julian Love. LOVE of my life. Get it? Never mind my attempt to be PUN-ny, but the Giants defense continues to make plays this season that has paid dividends.
Graham Gano was perfect on the day. Jamie Gilian has two punts downed inside the 20. Gary Brightwell had a nice kickoff return in the second quarter.
Offense, defense, and special teams. It was a great team win, indeed. Everyone contributed, and you couldn’t ask for anything better.
UP NEXT FOR THE NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants have a two-game road trip, facing off against the Jaguars and Seahawks in the coming weeks. Both are winnable, but we have to not get too far ahead of ourselves.
In all, this New York Giants team is different. After years of mediocrity, it’s a new day in East Rutherford. The football gods are finally on this team’s side.
Thank you for reading! If you want more on the New York Giants, make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter! Thank you for your continuing support, and be on the lookout for more quality content! Also, check out my podcast here!
