Sunday was a get-back game coming off a loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. A game for the New York Giants to show the world they can bounce back from adversity. Could this Giants team avoid starting 2-2 and be 3-1 for the first time since 2011?
Big Blue may not make the Super Bowl this year (like they did in 2011). But, even with all the circumstances last night, they pulled off the 20-12 win over the Chicago Bears. It’s safe to say all three stages of the game made their mark on Sunday, and we’re going to break it down right now.
The Giants Don’t Need Quarterbacks
Okay, that may be an overreaction.
Daniel Jones was obviously the starter at quarterback heading into the season. The same was the case against Chicago. He played well, even if he only threw for 87 yards. Call him Daniel Allen or Daniel Jackson, because his arm isn’t the only thing that can give defenses headaches.
DANIEL HIMOTHY JONES.
— Overtime (@overtime) October 2, 2022
(via @Giants)pic.twitter.com/FTlKEFEZiQ
You would think Chicago’s defense would adjust and prevent that from happening again. Well…
Daniel Jones SECOND rushing touchdown of the game! pic.twitter.com/3zEinlIMTp
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 2, 2022
Yup, this team is a running team. Personally, I don’t blame coach Daboll for relying on the run. These wide receivers are not getting the job done. The best statline from a wide receiver on Sunday was Darius Slayton, who had one catch for 11 yards. The leading receiver against Chicago was Daniel Bellinger (three catches for 23 yards).
But, those shortcomings will be fixed soon. Hopefully. On the bright side, Saquon Barkley is officially back. 146 rushing yards plus 16 receiving yards? The Giants need to re-sign him ASAP because there is no running back out there that can make something out of nothing. For example:
New York #Giants RB Saquon Barkley somehow stays alive and picks up the first down ???????? pic.twitter.com/ZN5gaOeJeC
— Gabriel Schray (@schrayguy) October 2, 2022
Something to note: HOW ABOUT DANIEL JONES WITH THE BLOCK? This play was one to remember, as Barkley made something that looked like a big loss into a first down. It would lead to Daniel Jones’s second rushing touchdown of the day.
Unfortunately, Jones went down with an ankle injury in the second half. In stepped Tyrod Taylor. But, after 30 rushing yards and an interception, he would also get hurt himself.
Oh god, Tyrod Taylor goes flying into the defenders and looks like a concussion…
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) October 2, 2022
He's definitely hurt. pic.twitter.com/xnKxJTQ0or
So, who would step in and be the emergency quarterback? There was no other quarterback available to play. Right?
Both of the Giants QBs are injured.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 2, 2022
Saquon Barkley is the QB3 pic.twitter.com/m9Al8vXIXU
Well, that works. This man could do it all. Speaking of which, how about that defense?
Get Them Off The Fields
Yes, Justin Fields threw for more yards against New York than he ever did during the first three games of the season. Chicago still only scored 12 points.
This Giants defense is for real. Wink Martindale deserves all the praise in the world because of his defensive scheme. Fields was sacked six times and the offense was held to 5/15 on third down. New York also forced three fumbles against the Bears.
We have a stat at ESPN called Pass Rush First Pressure. Giants DL Dexter Lawrence had the second most this week (behind only KC’s Chris Jones) with 8. Absolutely dominant performance. #Giants #Bears pic.twitter.com/2VdPHfGySK
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 3, 2022
No wonder Justin Fields looked sad every time the camera pointed at him. Khalil Herbert was brought back down to earth, only putting up 77 yards on the ground after having 157 the week before.
Constant pressure on the quarterback and not allowing many big plays down the field was the theme for this defense against Chicago. It seems to be working, and this defense is having fun. Oh, and Kayvon Thibodeaux is fast.
Good god, Kayvon Thibodeaux is FASTTT pic.twitter.com/SVI6lLI89h
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) October 2, 2022
Finally, We Love Some Special Teams
Graham Gano was perfect on the day heading into the fourth quarter. But, he did miss a kick late in the fourth quarter that would have sealed the win.
More importantly, let’s put some respect on Jamie Gillan‘s name. The Scottish punter had five punts on the day, and his last was one of the plays on the day.
MUFFED PUNT. OUR BALL!!
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 2, 2022
????: FOX pic.twitter.com/TICO5ObOyK
This pretty much sealed the deal for the Giants, and it’s true: he’s the Scottish Hammer for a reason.
Up Next For the Giants
The Giants will travel to London to play against the Green Bay Packers next Sunday. Upset brewing?
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