Well. I mean at least they won a few games. The New York Giants come off their bye week and get set for a matchup with the Green Bay Packers next Monday night. Sitting at 4-8, expectations are that they will be competing for a top-five pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
But, hold it right there. For the “true” fans out there who do not believe in tanking, the Giants sit two games out of a spot in the NFC playoff picture. You can blame the subpar conference. Or, maybe just luck. Either way, Giants fans should hopefully enjoy the rest of the season as best as they can (and maybe shock the world.). Here are some thoughts and expectations for the G-Men coming out of the bye.
Keep Playing Tommy DeVito, No Matter What. Okay, Giants?
Remember how Sonny Weaver wrote a note that said to draft Vontae Mack in the movie “Draft Day”. No matter what would happen (even after trading for the number one pick), Mack would be the choice to help the Browns get back to their winning ways.
I compare that with the situation at quarterback in East Rutherford. Though that movie may be fiction, the answer at the most important position in football is not.
Tyrod Taylor is set to come off the IR this week. Yes, you can mention him leading the Giants to a win over the Commanders a few weeks ago and an “almost” win over the Bills. But, if his injury history says anything, it is that he is not trustworthy.
Since becoming the starter, Tommy Devito has been playing well. A record of 2-1 as the number one guy is impressive, considering he was an undrafted free agent signed from the practice squad. Forget the Dallas game for a second. He completed 69.2% of his passes the week after against the Commanders. He also had three touchdowns and 246 yards as he led the team to a 31-19 win.
The next week against the Patriots, he did just enough. The former Illinois product had 191 yards on the day and the team’s lone touchdown in the 10-7 win.
Now, he still has a lot to work on (including not taking as many sacks as he’s been due to holding the ball too long). But, he’s making chunk plays, which is something we’re not used to seeing but always craved.
Why not trust and let Devito develop for the rest of the season? Maybe he does enough to lead the Giants to more wins and a potential playoff spot. He’s young, athletic, and deserves the chance.
Continued Dominance From Kayvon Thibodeaux
The 2022 first-rounder has been nothing short of amazing this season. Sitting at 11 sacks on the year thus far, he is the first player to record double-digit sacks for the Giants since Leonard Williams in 2020 (Leonard, I miss you, man). He is also the first linebacker for New York to have more than ten sacks since Markus Golden in 2019.
I want to see him continue to dominate and wreak havoc on offensive lines for the rest of the season. His pass rush grade of 68.0 is good for above average among players at his positions according to Pro Football Focus.
New York drafted him to be the next elite pass rusher for this defense. After all, the franchise’s four championships have always had a solid pass rush. With Thibodeaux playing the way he has along with Dexter Lawrence, the future is bright for this defensive line. Keep on going on, Kayvon.
Keep Jalin Hyatt On The Field And Feed Him
The rookie third-round receiver from Tennessee has had his moments this season. Whether it was his two big catches against the Cardinals in week two to being the first receiver with 100 yards receiving in forever, it’s clear the team has a playmaker on their hands.
Here’s the thing: they need to keep him out there as much as possible. Hyatt’s snap count was in question during the early stretch of the season. He played 70% of snaps against Buffalo and Washington before dropping to 33% of snaps against the Jets in week eight.
Since then, it’s been a bit up and down. But, the rematch against Washington plus the Patriots game in weeks 11 and 12 have Hyatt in the 50% range when it comes to snap count. New York has longed for a playmaker outside of Saquon Barkley.
If Hyatt’s game against the Patriots says anything (five catches for 109 yards), it’s that he needs to be the WR1 for this team and use him for more than just go routes.
Not that I am complaining about creating big plays, of course. Just feed him the ball.
This Giants Team Can Make The Playoffs, Right?
I mean. Anything is possible, right?
So, the Giants’ next five matchups is as follows: they have the Packers at home next Monday. Then they will face the Saints in New Orleans and the Eagles in Philadelphia for weeks 15 and 16. Then, their final two games are at home against the Rams and Eagles (again).
Am I wrong for saying they could go 4-1 the rest of the year? Green Bay may have just knocked off the Chiefs, but Jordan Love isn’t unstoppable (see week five versus the Raiders, week ten versus the Steelers). The Saints are unraveling (is Derek Carr the guy anymore?). The Los Angeles Rams aren’t the dominant team they once were when they won the Super Bowl. Then, if the Eagles rest their starters in week 18, it gives the Giants a much better chance to get the win.
Is this all wishful thinking? Sure, to an extent. The Giants’ defense will keep them in games, and the experience that Devito has had thus far will only help not just him but the team’s chances at making the playoffs.
Never say never, right?
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Featured Image: Al Bello/Getty Images
