Giants Unexpectedly Still Playoff Contenders at NFL Season’s 25% Mark
Little was expected of the New York Giants this season, but their play the last two weeks has been promising. Will it last? | Source: Al Bello / Getty Images / AFP
It feels awkward to use the phrase “getting good” in the same sentence as “New York Giants.” I’m still not sure we’re quite there yet, but with rookie quarterback Daniel Jones behind center instead of Eli Manning, the offense has discovered that drives can last more than four downs—and all without the services of an injured Saquon Barkley .
There have been signs of life from the defense, too. Not many, but there have been some.
Okay, “getting good” is still an overstatement; perhaps “less embarrassing and borderline entertaining” hits closer to the truth.
In any case, it’s safe to say the Giants are trending upwards. However, even that may be in jeopardy now.
A Bad New York Defense Gets Even Worse
While failing miserably in Week One against the Dallas Cowboys and in Week Two against the Buffalo Bills, the defense came through in the second half against Tampa Bay. They also made sure the hapless Redskins offense didn’t look any better last week (and kept them out of the endzone).
The defense did an admirable enough job that defensive back Janoris Jenkins ended up being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
But from a statistical perspective, they are not a good defense. The Giants unit ranks 25th in total yards allowed (through Week Four), 25th against the pass, 19th against the run, and they are 21st in scoring (24.2 points/game allowed). However, if their play over the last six quarters is any indication, there might be hope for them.
There is a little less, though, in light of the loss of linebacker Ryan Connelly, who suffered a torn ACL in last week’s game against the Washington Redskins:
Go ahead, Giants Nation—let that scream of frustration out.
Don’t Look Now But the Giants Are Still in Playoff Contention
At 2-2, the Giants are still in the thick of the NFC East race and are definitely alive for a wild card berth. Several things will need to go their way to actually earn a playoff spot, but it isn’t too hard to imagine a scenario in which it could happen.
The defense will need to fill the void left by Connelly’s injury. Playing well against teams like the Redskins is not much of an accomplishment. Along with a lot of defensive improvement, Daniel Jones will need to grow into the position and improve his game.
Of course, getting Saquon Barkley back will give the offense a huge boost.
With how they are playing right now and with how other teams are playing, their games against the Vikings, Cardinals, Lions, Jets, Dolphins, and Redskins are all winnable.
If they were to win all six, that would give them eight wins on the season. Should they manage to steal a win against the Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, Packers, or Patriots, they would have nine.
Nine wins could get them into the playoffs. Nuts? Yes. But crazy stuff happens in the NFL every season.
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