At the time of writing, the New York Giants had only just improved their record to 3-11 for the season. That’s right, improved. Though few and far between, there have been some highlights for the Giants. For starters, the triumph over the Miami Dolphins saved the franchise some blushes because it put an end to the nearly record-breaking losing streak.
One more loss and the Giants would have surpassed the franchise’s losing streak record. Big Blue has not had a big season. The defensive side of the team left a lot to be desired, definitely guilty of contributing what proved to be a dismal start to the year. The offense wasn’t particularly productive either but showed glimpses of potential and consistency.
As the season draws to a close and we start looking onwards to Super Bowl 54, let’s take a look at some of this season’s highlights for the New York Giants.
The Beginning of an Era
A few eyebrows might have been raised when Eli Manning found himself on the bench for the New York Giants, with Daniel Jones starting against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Giants coach, Pat Shurmur, sung Jones’ praises confirming how he had always known that Jones had the grit to succeed but just need to polish up the technicalities of being a quarterback.
Making a start in place of a two-time Super Bowl MVP is no small task for a rookie, let alone a seasoned player, but he delivered. Jones completed 23 of 36 passes with no interceptions and led the Giants with 28 yards rushing on four attempts.
Most important of all, he helped lead the Big Blue to a much-needed win. He threw 336 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for two TDs. His game was far from perfect with a fumble that cost the New York Giants by gifting Winston a TD pass to Evans.
Ultimately, betting on Jones and starting him played a role in getting a long overdue win. Giants came from an 18-point deficit to get their first win of the season.
The Second Win
Jones was back at it again, and after losing in two straight games the New York Giants were up 2-2 for the season. Jones, who started in place of veteran two-time MVP Eli Manning, completed 23 of 31 passes for 225 yards. Additionally, Gallman started in the wake of Barkley’s battle against a high ankle sprain. Gallman reassured GIants fans through his performance by catching a 6-yard TD and scoring on a 1-yard run to put the Big Blue up 14-0.
The Washington Redskins’ weakened offense failed to find an answer to the Giants, finishing with 176 yards on offense and was 2 of 11 on third downs. Sadly, the next few weeks on the schedule were going to lead to equaling a losing streak record set back in 1976.
Mixed Feelings Over Sinking Miami
This season’s greatest triumph to date for the franchise might have been beating the Miami Dolphins. While both teams had the unenviable title of having some of the worst records in the league, this win definitely made New York Giants news. The Giants had endured a losing streak which was just one loss short of setting a new record for the franchise.
Manning threw two touchdowns while Barkley ran for 112 yards and scored two walk-in touchdowns. This was Barkley’s first 100-yard game since Week 2 while his two touchdowns were his first rushing scores since Week 7. It was a performance by the Barkley most of us had come to know and expect, but had been missing in recent games.
Thankfully Barkley, Manning and the Giants rose to the occasion to stand up and be counted taking their record for the season from 2-11 to 3-11. The final score for the game that Sunday was 36-20 to the Giants.
The Standing Ovation
The New York Giants-Miami Dolphins occasion simply couldn’t have been any better, as it was what could be Manning’s last home game. The franchise player with 16 years under his belt was given two standing ovations – one before the opening offensive series and the other when he was taken off at the end at the game.
The 38-year-old centrepiece of the New York Giants is in the final year of his contract. It was a bittersweet affair as Eli was taken out with 2 minutes still left but the game well and truly over in favor of the Giants. He shared embraces with his teammates before entering the tunnel to meet his family among the heartfelt chants of “Eli Manning” coming from the crowd. Manning also received the game ball for a great performance and no doubt as a small token of appreciation for his contributions as a friend, player and New York Giant.
Onwards to 2020
Given how the defense has performed, you can’t help but be excited for the Giants at the prospect of drafting talent like Chase Young in 2020. Lackluster performances have paved the way for the potential to lock down a top spot on the draft board which would put the franchise in the driver’s seat for the Ohio State defensive end. With just a couple of games left, next year’s draft might just be full of promise for a better season in 2020.
Take the Game Online
The season is coming to an end and we won’t be seeing much of the New York Giants for a while. All is not lost. There is still so much fun to be had, especially with Super Bowl 54 still on its way. We’re as excited as you are and cater to our football fans who enjoy online sports betting too.
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