Giants’ Ugly Win Signals Defensive Resurgence

by Jeff Moeller ,The New York Extra/TheNYExtra.com

This time around, the inevitable Giants’ collapse didn’t happen. Yet, you sat and watched from Met Life or in your living room and figured it was just a matter of time.

From here on, though, trust the process. The Giants provided you with enough evidence to keep the faith.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Giants’ defense after all.

They haven’t been the game-changing unit most of the season with last year’s leaders Leonard Williams, James Bradberry, and Jabrill Peppers (he has been hurt) not on the radar this season. In the previous two weeks, however, they have shown their old selves in the team’s capture of Carolina (153 total yards) and then near catch of Kansas City.

They were making a comeback, and now they are center stage once again. When the unit is clicking, it is all about timing.

Big Blue’s much-heralded unit rose to the occasion, and held the rising Las Vegas Raiders at bay in a 23-16 victory. And there were plenty of supporters on both sides of the ball

It certainly wasn’t pretty, but it was the kind of grind-it-out Giants’ football we have all come to appreciate. There were enough big plays and consistent performers — Williams, Logan Ryan, Dexter Lawrence, Quincy Roche to name a few — to allow Las Vegas 403 total yards and limit them to three field goals and a touchdown in six trips to the Red Zone.

Safety Xaiver McKinney’s stock continues to rise, as he had two timely interceptions, one a pick six that totally shifted the momentum to the Giants’ favor.

Offensively, the Giants did just enough. Daniel Jones was his usual effective self, connecting on 15 of 20 passes for 110 yards on a short passing game, expect for a beautiful 30-yard scoring strike to Evan Engram on their opening drive.

The real difference there was Devontae Booker, who broke free for a 21-carry, 99-yard performance until he left with a hip injury. Booker finally proved he can be a suitable backup or replacement for the oft-injured Saquon Barkley, who missed his fourth straight game with an ankle injury.

Little-used fullback Elijhaa Penny was thrust into action after Booker left, and he gobbled up 35 yards on five carries that helped set up an insurance Gano field goal.

A few offensive touchdowns couple with a few Graham Gano field goals can tile it all together like a holiday bow.

When things are going right, the Giants have a full cast of supporters.

One downer here is the 3-6 Giants are headed into their bye week. If ever they needed to play a game, it will be next Sunday, as it appears the pieces of their season-long puzzle are falling into place.

It is now on head coach Joe Judge to keep their recently found magic in a bottle, especially with a trip to Tampa on a Monday night when they return to play. Yet, the likes of the Eagles, Dolphins, and Chargers down the road suddenly seem more appealing. Alos, Dallas fell back down to earth with their loss at home to Denver.

There may be some more ugly ones over the long haul, but they will be pretty in the end.