.png)
The dust finally settled from the heartbreaker last Sunday. There were a lot of positives coming out of Buffalo, and the goal was to implement them going into this week's matchup against Washington. However, in Giants fashion, it was another week of the team filled with injuries. The offensive line was hit with uncertainty, as the team was without Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal, John Michael Schmitz, and Matt Peart. Lovely. To make matters worse, staring cornerback Adoree Jackson was ruled out, alongside Daniel Jones. Morale was low, but if you know this team, you know that they have fight in them. The results couldn't have been any sweeter.
Three Yays
Tyrod Taylor may be the answer
Tyrod Taylor continues to prove he's a starter in this league, compiling another decent game throwing 279 yards and two touchdowns. He pushed the ball down the field, played clean football without any turnovers, and has sparked the offensive in consecutive weeks. More scoring would be preferred, but with the situation at hand, Tyrod has been putting the Giants in positions to win. Daniel Jones is set to be back next week, but now the Giants are in a sticky situation. Do you ride with the guy who has restarted this team or do you ride with your paid starter?
The offense and defense both performed
It was an ugly win, but it was still a win. I thought both sides of the ball looked better than weeks past, but obviously that is the case when you come out victorious.
On the offensive front, everyone got their hands on the ball today. Darren Waller had his breakout game, showcasing that he is a mismatch, scoring his first touchdown, and receiving nearly 100 yards. Jalin Hyatt proves to be an excellent addition from the draft, his speed is untouchable, and he needs to have the ball fed to him more. Saquon Barkley collected another 100-yard total game, rushing for 77 yards and receiving 41 yards with a score. The Giants need to lock him into a contract, because he truly is the catalyst on this squad.
On the defensive side, the pass rush was tenacious today. The Giants had just five sacks entering Sunday, the fewest in the league, but finished with six against the Commanders alone, and great pressure all around. Sexy Dexy was looking elite, sacking Sam Howell twice. Leonard Williams made fantastic plays all day, including a blocked field goal, a sack, and a tackle for loss. Kayvon Thibodeaux was a force up front, adding two sacks himself. Wink's defense was in full effect, holding Washington to just seven points.
The Bank is Closed on Sundays!
Deonte Banks has been a lockdown corner all rookie season, and today he finally gets his first intercepted. He has been very impressive, but doesn't get his flowers. He is going to evolve into a top-tier defensive back in this league, and the Giants are lucky to have him anchor this secondary.
Three Nays
Punt Returning needs improvement
Rookie running back Eric Gray, who has been the team's primary punt and kickoff returner, suffered a calf injury in the first quarter. Sterling Shepard took over his duties on punts, but the veteran wide receiver muffed one early in the second half, turning the ball over to the Commanders deep in Giants territory. They turned it into a touchdown to make it a one-possession game. If Gray isn't healthy, they should consider putting Slayton or somebody else, no need to have sloppiness at this position.
The Offensive Line needs it's reinforcements back
From left to right, the starting lineup on Sunday was Justin Pugh, Marcus McKethan, Ben Bredeson, Mark Glowinski, and Tyre Phillips, who reunited with the Giants this week after he was signed off the Eagles' practice squad. They only allowed four sacks, which is still four too many, but it's better than getting smoked. In a perfect world, the offensive line should be Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal at guard, John Michael-Schmitz, Tyre Phillips or Mark Glownski, and Justin Pugh. If they can figure out this O-Line, the offensive will continue to improve.
To buy or sell?
You can't overlook a win in a long season, but you have to look for the future. The Giants have a quarterback controversy, a start running back who doesn't want to be dealt (which means you need to pay him in the offseason), expensive pieces across the board, and a small playoff window this season. I would hate for this team to sell, but don't know what they can buy to fix this squad. Obviously, offensive line would be a major target to improve, but who's available? The Giants have to win next week against the Jets before deciding their next move.
Comments