The Giants have six games remaining in a season that has been filled with unexpected success, but the remainder of the schedule is not a bonus round.
It is essential for a club that has won seven of its first nine games to avoid a second-half slump. It is essential for Giants’ first-year head coach Brian Daboll to lead his club away from icebergs that may shipwreck the franchise. Daboll, though, has the appearance and demeanor of a keeper, and he will return in 2023 regardless of what unfolds down the stretch.
It is crucial for quarterback Daniel Jones to keep his contract season from ending on a losing note after a promising beginning. Unlike Daboll, Jones will continue to be evaluated for next season. He is, in reality, the focal point of the evaluation procedure.
The only way for Jones to convince the Giants they need him back is to end their two-game losing streak and kick off December with a victory that propels the team into the playoffs for the first time since 2016 with a strong enough closing run. On Sunday, Jones will make his 49th career start for the Giants against the red-hot Commanders at MetLife Stadium. No game this late in the season in the past has had greater significance than this one.
Daniel Jones AP
Jones stated, in his customary unenthusiastic manner, “We are tremendously delighted.” “We are energized and ready to go. It’s a December divisional match, a significant contest. This is the desired location, and these are the desired games. Everyone is excited and can’t wait to get out there.
The Giants (7-4) are the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff rankings, while the Commanders (7-5) occupy the last postseason berth at No. 7. This is the first of two games between the Giants and the Commanders in three weeks. The teams are approaching each other from opposing directions. The Giants have dropped consecutive games for the first time this season, whilst the Commanders have won six of their previous seven. The turnaround coincides with Taylor Heinicke’s promotion to starting quarterback.
Can Jones provide the Giants with a comparable spark?
There is no better opponent for Jones to face when his side is in need of a victory, based on his track record. Jones’ record versus Washington is 4-1. At one point in his career, he defeated Washington, but subsequently lost his last nine starts. At one point in his career, he lost six straight starts before defeating the Washington Nationals. This business is his lifeblood. He has thrown five touchdown passes versus Washington in a game.
Jones has displayed his speed and athleticism with ease against Washington, which is maybe even more crucial to the Giants’ success. He has gained 74 and 95 yards rushing versus Washington. It seems obvious that the Giants and Saquon Barkley will struggle in this game if he does not find some open space with his legs. Without at least portion of the outstanding Commanders defensive line focusing on Jones and the option attack to the edges, where can Barkley find room to grind for yards inside?
Since Jones exposed significant holes in the Jaguars’ defense in Week 7 and rushed 11 times for 107 yards, opponents have been on guard to prevent this from occurring. Six, five, seven, and three running attempts over the previous four games for Jones. His running yards in the previous four games were 20, 24, 50, and 14 yards.
Mike Kafka, the offensive coordinator, stated, “I believe defenses have done a good job defending that.” “When we examine the schemes for getting DJ to the perimeter, some teams may play the defensive end slightly differently in order to stop the QB run if that is effective.” We must be adaptable and generate complements based on these elements. At this point in the season, we’re assessing what we’re doing exceptionally well and how we can build upon those strengths. And then we must carry out the plan.”
Everything the Giants accomplish from here on out will be earned. They will conclude the season with the league’s most difficult remaining schedule. Their opponents’ winning percentage is currently 0.688.
Jones said, “This is where you want to be.” “These are the games you want to play in, and it’s exciting to be a part of them.”
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