Quick Takeaways From Giants 23-17 Win Over Jaguars
The Giants are flying high as they extend their winning streak to four games after a 23-17 win over the Jaguars in Jacksonville. It was a close game that revealed a lot about this Giants team.
Another week, another win for Big Blue as they defeat the Jaguars 23-17 in Jacksonville. Like all of their games this season, it was a one-possession game for the Giants which saw them pull ahead in the 4th quarter. Not only did Running Back Saquon Barkley go for over 100 yards on the ground, but Quarterback Daniel Jones did it as well. Jones also added over 200 passing yards to his stat sheet capping off an impressive day.
Despite injuries to Right Tackle Evan Neal and Tight End Daniel Bellinger, Brian Daboll and the Giants found a way to win. That philosophy has gotten them to a 6-1 record. Their defense has also been playing lights out the past month not allowing more than 23 points all season. Although they didn’t get a sack during the game, EDGE Rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and the Giants defensive line were creating constant pressure for Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. It was a team win and here are three main takeaways coming out of the win for the Giants.
1. Daniel Jones Continues To Impress
A huge part of the Giants four game winning streak has been the play of QB Daniel Jones. He’s been playing smart, intelligent football and hasn’t been putting the Giants in tough situations by turning the ball over. He’s been methodically moving the ball down the field in the passing game and using his legs when he needs to.
Against the Jaguars, Jones ability to use his legs was a game-changer as he rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown. The Giants ran Jones on option plays and the QB even scrambled for a bunch of yards picking up key first downs. The toughness of Jones was on full-effect Sunday as he only slid on a couple of runs. He put his head down and willed his way towards some extra yards.
Not only did Jones run the ball, he also had a good passing day as he completed 19 of his 30 passes for 202 yards and a TD. He was efficient in the passing game and although he did throw an interception, it was called back due to roughing the passer and didn’t affect the Giants at all. Jones isn’t the most prolific passer but if he can play this style of football on a weekly basis, the Giants can compete with any team in the NFL.
2. Saquon Barkley Keeps Creating Havoc In The Run Game
Seven weeks into the season, Saquon Barkley continues to lead the NFL in scrimmage yards and is second in the NFL in rushing. He’s come a long way from having his past couple of seasons ruined thanks to some unfortunate injuries. Now that he’s back healthy, he’s performing like the running back he was supposed to be and he proved it again on Sunday against the Jaguars.
Barkley had 24 carries for 110 yards and also caught four passes for 25 yards. He used his phenomenal juking ability to avoid defenders but it’s time for the offensive line to get some necessary praise for their work in the running game. A year ago, the Giants were dreadful in the running game but this year the o-line has been re-tooled which has mightily improved their run-blocking. They played really well on Sunday creating lanes for both Barkley and Daniel Jones.
A couple of days ago, the Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers for a bunch of day two and three draft picks. The Panthers got a jump-start on their rebuild and many people before the season thought the Giants should do the same in regards to Barkley. The Giants are proving that this style of football is sustainable and Barkley continues to play at an MVP-like level.
3. The Giants Defense Is The Strength Of This Team
For as good as the Giants offense has been playing, the defense has been playing at another level. It doesn’t matter if multiple starters are hurt and can’t play. Backups and role players are continuing to step up and make big plays late in games. After allowing 17 points the 2 and a half quarters, the Giants defense stood firm not allowing the Jaguars to score the rest of the game.
The first of two plays that were huge for the Giants took place early in the fourth quarter when Big Blue stopped the Jaguars on fourth and one on the G-Men 20 yard line. It was a massive stop and kept New York deficit at only four points. The second play was the last play of the game where Big Blue stopped Jaguars Wide Receiver Christian Kirk from crossing the goal-line with the clock expiring, sealing the win for the Giants.
Cornerback Fabian Moreau, who was initially a backup who was forced into a starting role due to injuries, made the initial hit that sent Kirk backwards into the arms of Safeties Xavier McKinney and Julian Love. Moreau is the perfect example of a backup who has thrived under Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale and this defense, creating big plays for the 6-1 Giants.
Giants Gridiron Affiliate Trophy Smack
That HUSTLE from @kayvont 😳🔥 via @nfl pic.twitter.com/QINw2YKiIy — New York Giants (@Giants) October 24, 2022