After a heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, the mission is simple. The New York Giants head home to welcome the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday with a chance to clinch a playoff spot once more. Forget about all of the other scenarios that exist. A simple win against an unraveling Indianapolis team gives Big Blue a chance to make some noise in the postseason.
A lot has changed since their last appearance in 2016. Gone are the days of Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Rashad Jennings, and Odell Beckham Jr (unless he returns to East Rutherford in the near future). The past five years have consisted of mediocrity, failure, and terrible decision-making by the franchise. In are a Giants team that has sprouted out of nowhere and currently sits as the sixth seed in the NFC playoff picture.
Sunday against Minnesota was hard to swallow. Daniel Jones erupted for 334 yards passing while also contributing 34 yards on the ground. Saquon Barkley also had a touchdown of his own while also rushing for 84 yards. Both Isaiah Hodgins and Richie James were outstanding with eight receptions each. Defensively, the Giants sacked Kirk Cousins three times. Heck, Justin Jefferson‘s longest reception was just 25 yards.
Still, Minnesota escaped on a game-winning field goal set up by Greg Joseph thanks to a 17-yard reception by Jefferson that placed the ball at the 42-yard line of New York.
FAU’s very own Greg Joseph, everyone… pic.twitter.com/p7LMowR24k
— Colby Guy (@ColbyDGuy) December 24, 2022
Fun fact: Joseph’s career long before this game was 55 yards out. But, the Giants are used to losing on game-winning field goals (see Graham Gano when he was with the Panthers + Jake Elliott of the Eagles in 2017).
But, Sunday Wasn’t All Bad For The New York Giants
In fact, it was not. I won’t sit here and use injuries as an excuse. But, we have to realize New York went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the NFC. Minnesota is currently the number two seed in the conference, and the Giants were a field goal miss away from going to overtime and having a chance to win the game.
Unfortunately, we can’t go back in time and change that. The past is the past, let bygones be bygones.
The Giants’ offense outpassed and outrushed Minnesota. But, when you don’t have your starting CB1 and free safety against an offense led by Justin Jefferson, a long day awaits.
See, that’s the thing. Receivers Adam Thielen and K.J. Osborn were held to just four catches for 23 yards combined. But, tight end T.J. Hockenson had his way against the Giants’ linebackers and erupted for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Speaking about Jefferson, he enjoyed his 133 receiving yards and a score of his own.
In all, the defense could have played much better in guarding both Jefferson and Hockenson. But, at least everyone else was limited or didn’t make an impact.
Offensively, a Daniel Bellinger fumble ruined momentum in the first half. With New York being in Minnesota’s territory, they could have at least gotten three points. Daniel Jones had an interception also in opponent territory that could’ve cost the team another three points. Missed opportunities were the downfall of this team.
Even after all that, the New York Giants still managed to score 24 points. Isaiah Hodgins is becoming an absolute stud at the receiver position. Props to Joe Schoen for that find. Darius Slayton is still putting up respectable numbers as he continues to serve as the WR1. Saquon is still Saquon, and Daniel Jones continues to quiet the critics and shows he belongs as the franchise quarterback.
The Colts only scored three points against the Chargers on Monday night. A team without Johnathan Taylor, a troubling quarterback situation, and a head coach who has recorded five straight losses since his debut win against the Raiders on November 13th.
Want to start 2023 right Giants? Come home to Metlife and beat the Colts. Clinch a playoff spot and shock the world. Crazy things have happened in the postseason. You just got to get in first.
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