It is time the NY Giants (5-1) earn some respect as one of the top contenders in the Empire State.
In yesterday’s Sunday afternoon, “Big Blue” had to battle back in impressive fashion to earn their third straight victory. The Giants outscored the traveling Baltimore Ravens (3-3) by 14 points in the remaining six minutes to complete the comeback.
The Giants are no strangers to second-half comebacks, having completed one last Sunday in London against the Green Bay Packers (3-2). The “G-Men,” although down 10-20 at halftime, kept the four-time MVP out of the endzone in the remaining two quarters to win the game 27-22.
What happened?
Safety Jordan Love got it started for the Giants, intercepting the former MVP and returning it for 27 yards, putting his team in perfect scoring position with 3:04 left to play.
Superstar running back Saquon Barkley, on 1st and goal from the Ravens’ 1-yard line, went airborne to give the G-Men their first lead of the day with 1:43 remaining.
Fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, sealed the game for the Giants after a strip-sack on quarterback Lamar Jackson with 1:40 left on the clock.
It was Thibodeaux’s first sack of the season, an emotional one for him that could not have come at a more crucial time.
“I’m just proud of the way they compete. You know, we talked about trying to play fast, trying to play physical, being resilient, and finishing. And, you know, throughout the game, I thought those showed up, obviously not perfect – there’s certainly a lot of things we can fix, that’s why we will be in tomorrow and try to fix them. I am just proud of the way the guys competed,”
Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll to reporters after the win.
What were the predictions?
After a miserable 4-13 record last season, coming into the start of this year, Vegas sports bookmakers had the Giants winning seven games – two shy of their current total. The lines were over 6.5 (-125) and under 6.5 (+105).
The odds indicate you would have had to bet $125 to make $100 if you bet over the number of wins, or you could make $105 if you bet $100 under 6.5 wins.
Additionally, oddsmakers have the Giants currently at a +5000 to win the Super Bowl – whereas the Buffalo Bills (5-1) are at +290 right now.
What does history say?
The Giants play best when counted out, despite what the lines may say.
In 2012, the Giants finished the season 9-7, and even though everyone looked past them, they were able to get past the wild-card game and make it to the Super Bowl – where they beat Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady.
Yes, the Bills are known for their dedicated fan base known as the “Bills Mafia,” but it is important to note they have not made a Super Bowl appearance since 1991, and they have a record of 0-4 in the big game.
Biggest takeaway
New York fans should remember the Giants are dangerous when able to make the postseason, having a 58.8% playoff winning percentage since 1997.
This young, poised, and talented group of men seems to be what it takes to make a run late in the season.
With eleven regular-season games left to play, it is still not too late for New Yorkers to swap their jerseys before next Sunday.