Big Blue View - Giants vs. Colts 2022, Week 17: Everything you need to knowYour place for year-round New York Giants discussion and informationhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47371/bigblueview_fave.png2023-01-01T19:51:18-05:00http://www.bigblueview.com/rss/stream/232914192023-01-01T19:51:18-05:002023-01-01T19:51:18-05:00Giants’ Landon Collins recaptures his 2016 form
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v New York Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5xCWm4QFjrTisbHvwYpsRSTjY7k=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71814241/1453648362.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Landon Collins helped the Giants to a postseason appearance</p> <p id="a7R639">For the first time since 2016, the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> are heading back to the playoffs. Late in the second quarter, one player from 2016 was able to recapture some of that magic. Veteran Landon Collins read Nick Foles and broke on a short pass, taking it 52 yards down the sideline to break the game open 21-6.</p>
<div id="2JY7LP">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">LANDON COLLINS WITH THE PICK 6!!!!!!!<br><br> : CBS <a href="https://t.co/kgnRqFNzc4">pic.twitter.com/kgnRqFNzc4</a></p>— New York Giants (@Giants) <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1609628509521207297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="DejnzO">Collins was a three-time pro bowler as a member of the Giants and after some negative feelings towards the previous regime, finally had the chance to make an impact at the place he always wanted to be.</p>
<p id="zJifRq">“This is a great opportunity. Glad to be back like I said before. Just a blessing just to be back in the locker room with these guys, having fun and playing ball.” Collins stated, “That’s the biggest thing. Making (sure) we have the opportunity and now we have the opportunity to continue to clinch the playoffs, we clinched the playoffs and now do our thing.”</p>
<p id="M8652U">Collins has waited for his opportunity to again make an impact play for the team he left in 2019. After signing with the Giants practice squad on October 6th, Collins was elevated for both the Jaguars and <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> matchups before having to wait for his moment again. After five weeks without being elevated, Collins again had his opportunity against the team he signed with after he departed in free agency and solidified his spot on the active roster after that.</p>
<p id="FqYwMh">On this young Giants defense, many of whom are without playoff experience, the veteran leadership can provide key insight into what to expect.</p>
<p id="3PZT0H">“The sense of urgency is through the roof.” Collins stated on what the postseason feels like, “Every little detail, every little fine thing that we need to be perfect on, we have to be perfect on.”</p>
<p id="xkCz5l">The experience Collins brings was key when it came to making one of the biggest plays of the game against the Colts. Making his first start of the season, Collins took a pass intended for Paris Campbell back to the house to send MetLife stadium into a frenzy. The veteran’s study of the game made all the difference on that play.</p>
<p id="EL4bg5">“Formation wise, like I said I’m a big formation kind of guy.” Collins stated, “I watched this play almost six times throughout the week and I saw it number one (wide receiver Parris Campbell) breaking out and I had the flat, I just broke my underneath it and took it to the house.”</p>
<p id="CznV4a">You could see the entire defense celebrating the moment with Landon Collins after the play. That togetherness is something that has been a big part of the culture that this staff has tried to build all season long.</p>
<p id="Kc7Xy5">“The togetherness, how steadfast this team is, how family oriented this team is, and how everybody stays accountable, and we keep each other accountable.” Collins said, “Everybody stays on other each just about any old thing because that’s how this thing goes.”</p>
<p id="jKIblv">The highlight of that family mentality was rookie linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux hunting down the ball after Collins let it go in the end zone to celebrate with the fans.</p>
<p id="iCpg9U">“You’ve got to go get the ball because that’s a part of his history.” Thibodeaux stated, “That’s part of his story now. I just had to make sure that he got that.”</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534941/2022-ny-giants-indianapolis-colts-landon-collins-interception-touchdown-2016MichaelParra2023-01-01T19:37:47-05:002023-01-01T19:37:47-05:00Giants clinch playoff berth with 38-10 victory over Indianapolis Colts
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v New York Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tqo6Vsj7GTSXFugzdQ-8e5W_wuQ=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71813581/1453650652.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Giants fans had a lot to celebrate on Sunday. | Photo by Vincent Alban/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Giants are in the postseason for first time since 2016 season</p> <p id="dbyIqQ">EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> qualified for their first playoff berth since the 2016 season on Sunday with a lopsided 38-10 victory over the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. The Giants are 9-6-1, while the Colts fell to 4-11-1.</p>
<p id="HERKiT">The Giants also broke the 30-point barrier for the first time since Week 5 of the 2020 season — Oct. 11, to be exact — when Daniel Jones ran 18 yards for a score with 10:40 left in the third quarter. The Giants had gone 43 games without reaching 30 points.</p>
<p id="17Fzbl">Jones had a four-touchdown day. He completed 19 of 24 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 11 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Jones exited the game with slightly more than seven minutes remaining to chants of “Daniel Jones.”</p>
<p id="kAlstb">Saquon Barkley ran 12 times for 58 yards. That allowed him to surpass his 2018 single-season career high of 1,307 rushing yards. He now has 1,312 rushing yards.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v New York Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BxhFUv_QMx6cNrbQUDK0sZIxxxY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24329936/1453645493.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Richie James celebrates a touchdown with a backflip.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="Z5W4cO">First half summary</h2>
<p id="w9fdvt">The Giants took command of the game with a dominant second quarter, taking a 24-3 lead to the locker room. Jones threw second-quarter touchdown passes of 6 yards to Richie James and Isaiah Hodgins, Landon Collins returned an interception of Nick Foles 52 yards for a touchdown and Graham Gano added a 36-yard field goal.</p>
<p id="OXhW16">Jones finished the half 15 of 20 for 131 yards, two touchdowns and 34 yards rushing on eight carries.</p>
<p id="D1aEpN">A Kayvon Thibodeaux sack near the end of the half knocked Foles out of the game with a rib injury.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5Lomah">
<h2 id="842Q2q">More Giants-Colts coverage</h2>
<ul>
<li id="EOK8LX"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23532530/things-i-think-daniel-jones-earned-the-cheers-he-got-on-sunday">‘Things I think’: Daniel Jones earned the cheers he got on Sunday</a></li>
<li id="sgsZCq"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534377/2023-ny-giants-offense-defense-indianapolis-colts-playoffs-takeaways-news-analysis">4 downs: Takeaways from Giants’ beatdown of the Colts</a></li>
<li id="taLUU8"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534396/live-reaction-talking-ny-giants-indianpolis-colts-week-17">Live reaction! Talking Giants-Colts, Week 17</a></li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lpnMns">
<h2 id="4OAoI2">Pulling out all the stops</h2>
<p id="GyuKXS">The Giants brought out legendary Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor to ring the victory bell at the start of the game. Taylor ran out of the tunnel to a thunderous ovation.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v New York Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JyqYow1Jm6mbmxVyxXFLFcwA7D8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24329834/1453645352.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Vincent Alban/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="x1WFey">See it</h2>
<div id="02wzPW">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Give 'em a lil dance! <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Giants</a>) <a href="https://t.co/APUQvHNNVJ">pic.twitter.com/APUQvHNNVJ</a></p>— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYGiants/status/1609641201216405506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="KFo1iw">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HAVE YOURSELF A DAY, DANIEL JONES. <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <a href="https://t.co/lx3Q4bMs8c">pic.twitter.com/lx3Q4bMs8c</a></p>— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYGiants/status/1609638451879501824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="mxSqS6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">LANDON COLLINS. HIM. <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Giants</a>) <a href="https://t.co/AG0zjrgEsj">pic.twitter.com/AG0zjrgEsj</a></p>— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYGiants/status/1609628606459674628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="WKdRlQ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANOTHER ONE ‼️<br><br> : CBS <a href="https://t.co/xofbQKXRd6">pic.twitter.com/xofbQKXRd6</a></p>— New York Giants (@Giants) <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1609625215583277056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="mC5cQY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Things you love to see: Richie James hitting a backflip after getting the TD <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <a href="https://t.co/8KAz8GBlYe">pic.twitter.com/8KAz8GBlYe</a></p>— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYGiants/status/1609621136064581634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h2 id="10MlUT">Injury news</h2>
<p id="8JmGNX">Defensive lineman Leonard Williams left the game in the third quarter with a burner. Williams has been dealing with a neck issue for several weeks.</p>
<h2 id="VwVnC1">Giants inactives</h2>
<p id="AIWCCW">CB Adoree Jackson (knee)<br>CB Rodarius Williams <br>G Jack Anderson <br>G Wyatt Davis <br>S Dane Belton<br>TE Lawrence Cager<br>LB Jarrad Davis</p>
<h2 id="4OMlUV">What’s next? </h2>
<p id="cpWijU">The Giants finish the regular season next Sunday with a 1 p.m. ET game at Lincoln Financial Field against the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>.</p>
<p id="WnlYwG"></p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534363/giants-clinch-playoff-berth-with-38-10-victory-over-indianapolis-coltsEd Valentine2023-01-01T19:35:11-05:002023-01-01T19:35:11-05:00‘Things I think’: Daniel Jones earned the cheers he got on Sunday
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jNTWTTJAQ_CZ1v1cDqZhyAYH5-s=/0x0:6823x4549/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71814201/usa_today_19710145.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Daniel Jones en route to one of his two rushing touchdowns on Sunday. | John Jones-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This was likely Jones’ best performance as a pro</p> <p id="iqQ44a">EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — These were MetLife Stadium moments that many thought would never come.</p>
<p id="V50Q46">First, an “MVP” chant broke out for quarterback <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> Daniel Jones after his second rushing touchdown on Sunday put the playoff-bound Giants ahead, 38-10.</p>
<div id="j2jvgn">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MVP chants for Daniel Jones after his 2nd rushing TD of the day <br><br>Giants up 38-10 with 9 to go <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogrtherBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogrtherBlue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLTwitter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLTwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Giants?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Giants</a> <a href="https://t.co/SYq8H6E900">pic.twitter.com/SYq8H6E900</a></p>— Mo Sports (@MoSportsNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoSportsNetwork/status/1609647740245651456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ZDDu76">With barely more than seven minutes remaining and fans chanting “Daniel Jones,” head coach Brian Daboll sent backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor onto the field to replace the quarterback. Jones, found wanting by many Giants fans over most of his four seasons, left the field to a thunderous ovation.</p>
<div id="9W0u0y">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saquon Barkley is all of us tbh <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Giants</a>) <a href="https://t.co/XlSiSedd6O">pic.twitter.com/XlSiSedd6O</a></p>— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYGiants/status/1609649215315099650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="fz1Pcg">Like Gates, star running back Saquon Barkley was happy for the quarterback.</p>
<p id="UoH6yh">“He’s a heck of a player, heck of a quarterback. I think it really showed, not just today, but the whole season and I’m just happy for him,” Barkley said. “Hearing his name getting chanted — it’s a beautiful thing and you can finally see he’s starting to get the respect that he earns. I know everyone wanted to be a big critic of him and say this and say that, but he gave us the opportunity to play playoff football and he locked it in today. When we needed him most he came up and made big plays.”</p>
<p id="q77S61">What did Barkley say to Jones when he greeted him on the sideline as the quarterback came off the field?</p>
<p id="QJY0Pq">“I told him, “I love you.” I think that was a cool moment. Hearing his name be chanted,” Barkley said. “I know it’s been a tough couple years here and since I’ve been drafted or before I got drafted or since he’s been drafted, but it’s just cool to see he’s finally getting the respect that he earns because that guy, he works his tail off. I think I said it to one of you guys earlier, he’s the toughest quarterback in the league. He’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win football games. He comes to work every single day with that mentality and I’m just happy for him.”</p>
<p id="7r0gV9">The Giants’ selection of Jones No. 6 overall in the 2019 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> has been snickered at by many for years. Even as they won enough games this season to put themselves into position to clinch a playoff berth, many wondered if Jones was doing enough to earn the right to come back in 2023 or if the Giants would be looking for a new quarterback.</p>
<p id="o5cgAc">There was a report Sunday morning that the Giants were<a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534311/giants-want-long-term-deals-with-daniel-jones-saquon-barkley-report"> interested in keeping Jones</a> and running back Saquon Barkley in 2023 and beyond. </p>
<p id="NFcNbv">Sunday afternoon, Jones absolutely made that look like a good idea.</p>
<p id="hgvfv2">It was a ‘win and in’ day for the Giants, with a victory over the woebegone Colts getting the Giants their first playoff appearance since 2016. Jones wasn’t the only reason the Giants made that happen on Sunday, but he was certainly the biggest.</p>
<p id="7SeIcr">Jones passed for a modest 177 yards, but this was really a career day for the 25-year-old. He accounted for four touchdowns, two passing and two running, as the Giants blew past the 30-point barrier for the first time in 44 games. He went 19 of 24, missing on just three passes after the Giants’ opening possession. He carried 11 times for 91 yards. </p>
<p id="aYTzay">“He was ballin’ today,” Barkley said.</p>
<p id="GpXHUy">Jones wasn’t only balling. He was throwing his body around with little regard for his personal safety. </p>
<div id="Ddgudu">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DANIEL JONES CANNOT BE STOPPED. <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <a href="https://t.co/IQulVFTww6">pic.twitter.com/IQulVFTww6</a></p>— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYGiants/status/1609645514219200512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="KPzHTB">With the Giants comfortably ahead, 31-10, Jones scrambled and took a hit from Colts’ linebacker Bobby Okoreke, who was flagged for unnecessary roughness. Two plays later, Jones threw a shoulder at Okoreke at the goal line as he produced his fourth and final touchdown of the day, the exclamation point on what had to be be the most gratifying day of his career.</p>
<div id="Ez3V3T">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I'm really appreciative and grateful for the support of the fans, but it's a team thing. This was a complete team win today"<br><br>- Daniel Jones on the cheers he received from the fans during today's game <a href="https://t.co/62BgnoBeP0">pic.twitter.com/62BgnoBeP0</a></p>— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYGiants/status/1609661626814185472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="oHsx3B">Jones enjoyed the reaction from the crowd.</p>
<p id="bNrTSr">“I’m really appreciative, grateful,” he said. “Our fans have been tremendous all year. They supported us today, they came out and brought a lot of energy. The whole game, we felt it and fed off it the whole game. Grateful, really appreciative of their support for me personally and for our team.”</p>
<p id="o6Rcpz">Jones, who has heard plenty of jeers from the faithful at MetLife, said the reaction on Sunday “beats the alternative, for sure.”</p>
<p id="8CLboB">Daboll arranged the curtain call for the quarterback “Because I thought he earned it.”</p>
<p id="3ZQm2h">Co-owner John Mara, who has been one of Jones’ biggest supporters throughout the past few season, <a href="https://twitter.com/Ian_OConnor/status/1609654864652693504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1609654864652693504%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=about%3Asrcdoc">told the New York Post</a> that it was “gratifying” to see Jones lead the Giants back to the playoffs.</p>
<blockquote><p id="mjYno4">“It’s great. To draft him as high as we drafted him, we got a lot of criticism. He took a lot of criticism,” Mara said. “To see him come into his own is very gratifying.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="Rx0IYq">Jones was feeling good enough that when Daboll asked him to break down the post-game huddle, the quarterback gave the team Monday and Tuesday off — without consulting the coach.</p>
<p id="TaG5cp">Daboll’s reaction? The coach said all he could do at that point was say “we’ll go with what Daniel said.”</p>
<p id="FavbsN">Barkley wasn’t the only Giants player who praised the quarterback.</p>
<p id="O0qFrn">“DJ did a great job today, whether it was running, whether it was throwing, being a leader,” said Giants’ left tackle Andrew Thomas. “I felt like he had the tools to do this all along. I feel like he’s a great player, and people are starting to realize it. He’s dealt with some tough times, so I’m happy for him.”</p>
<p id="wFUe53">Thomas, though, does wish his quarterback wasn’t so willing to take hits.</p>
<p id="a10lQZ">“I told him to get down,” Thomas said.</p>
<p id="ldOM52">Offensive lineman Nick Gates said the reaction when Jones was lifted from the game was “awesome.”</p>
<p id="qmO0ft">“I’m proud of him. I’m so, so happy for him. He works his butt off, day in and day out, first one in and last one out,” Gates said. “I’m really happy. It’s finally paying off for him. He’s a hard worker. I’ll go to battle for that man any day of the week.”</p>
<p id="KgGVj2">Wide receiver Darius Slayton said it was “stressful” watching Jones initiate contact at times.</p>
<p id="SfeM4F">“I’d rather he slide, but I think it shows toughness,” Slayton said. “He’s a real football player. He’s not a quarterback that sits in the pocket and sits above everybody. Stuff like that just shows you who he really is inside and what he’s willing to do.”</p>
<p id="QSPIlp">Jones may never be Patrick Mahomes. He may never be Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady in their primes. His teammates, though, certainly appreciate what he has helped them accomplish. I would certainly hope that even those who have not been Jones’ biggest boosters would recognize that, as well.</p>
<p id="YNQC5i">I think he certainly earned the recognition he got on Sunday.</p>
<h2 id="0nIsJA">‘Playoff fans’ showed up</h2>
<p id="CzwNmD">Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale wanted “playoff fans” to show up on Sunday. I think Giants fans delivered. The stadium was as full, and as approvingly loud, as I can remember. Which was entirely appropriate for the Giants’ biggest game in New Jersey since their 2012 Wild Card victory over the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a>.</p>
<p id="8ThKjL">“That’s the best fans I’ve seen in this stadium since I’ve been here. Great atmosphere. It was pretty cool,” Thomas said.</p>
<p id="aM5Rdd">Nick Gates has been a Giant since 2018, spending his rookie season on IR.</p>
<p id="0NR5If">“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a stadium like that before,” he said. “So it was jumping for all four quarters.”</p>
<p id="PGNUxM">Barkley said it was “fun” to play in the raucous MetLife atmosphere.</p>
<p id="uYkCJZ">“You could feel the energy just driving here from the fans. We challenged the fans — the coaches, the captains, the team — and they showed up. They showed up, man,” barkley said. “They were loud, made a lot of noise and created the energy that we needed and we were able to win the game because of them.”</p>
<h2 id="BRt6da">I think this is wild</h2>
<p id="bRgq80">The Giants won on Sunday. They are locked into the No. 6 seed in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoffs">NFC playoffs</a> no matter what happens the rest of the way. The <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> lost to the New Orlelans Saints on Sunday.</p>
<p id="1pB2Tm">That means that the 13-3 Eagles have not clinched the NFC East and after losing two straight are now in danger of losing the NFC East to the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> and falling out of the top seed in the NFC and the home field advantage that comes with it. That means the Eagles need to play their starters against the Giants next Sunday in Philly, while Giants coach Brian Daboll could rest some players if he chooses to.</p>
<h2 id="1NSQsa">I won’t criticize Kayvon Thibodeaux</h2>
<p id="5q1HDB">I think — no, I know — it was bad optics for Kayvon Thibodeaux to be doing snow angels while Colts’ quarterback Nick Foles was laying on the ground injured after a Thibodeaux sack. I will not, though, criticize Thibodeaux.</p>
<p id="YVyNZP">I have watched the play a number of times. Thibodeaux was celebrating his accomplishment. It was obvious to me he did not know that Foles was injured. </p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23532530/things-i-think-daniel-jones-earned-the-cheers-he-got-on-sundayEd Valentine2023-01-01T17:48:33-05:002023-01-01T17:48:33-05:004 downs: Takeaways from Giants’ beatdown of the Colts
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v New York Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x5DKVfvSPEmfDeWcH5v1sq4NxLo=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71813955/1453648356.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There aren’t enough adjectives to describe what the Giants did to the Colts</p> <p id="vRUuRU">The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> absolutely beat down the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> on Sunday, dismantling them to the tune of 38-10. </p>
<p id="bqfJ0k">This was, easily, the Giants’ most complete game of the year, as they dominated a lost Colts team on offense and defense. New York has also secured its first playoff berth since going 11-6 in 2016. There isn’t a lot of complexity or nuance to this game, at least not on first blush. </p>
<p id="65Ft91">So, what can we take away from a game that was decided in the first 25 minutes?</p>
<h2 id="ZZ4Apj">First down: The Giants are going to the playoffs</h2>
<p id="KqL0cD">This game was over before the first half was out. It was over after about 10 minutes into the second quarter. </p>
<p id="Zkxt5r">This was, easily, the Giants’ best game of the season — granted, the Colts didn’t exactly make it hard on them (more on that in a bit). New York probably would have liked to clinch their playoff berth a couple weeks ago and not flirt with the novel possibility of being a .500 team in a 17-game season. But they couldn’t have asked for a better match-up and got the win they needed when they needed it.</p>
<p id="Luit2E">This was, frankly, a slaughter as things quickly snowballed on the Colts after the Giants’ early second quarter touchdown. </p>
<p id="IQgR5J">Now the Giants will look ahead to a road trip to take on the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> and then likely to San Francisco to take on the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>. If the Giants beat the 49ers, they’ll get the Eagles again, for the third time in five weeks. Giants fans should absolutely savor this victory, but it’s back to work on Monday because things will get considerably harder over the next couple weeks. </p>
<h2 id="08dlaG">Second down: The Colts are <em>bad</em> bad</h2>
<p id="Q3O5nC">As I said above, we knew Indianapolis was bad and that while the Giants are a flawed team, they just had to not beat themselves to have a good shot at the win.</p>
<p id="FEug9L">But wow, this Colts team is legitimately atrocious and definitely took over for the Jaguars the NFL’s “train wreck”. </p>
<p id="Y4jshQ">While Lovie Smith’s <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> are bereft of talent, they fight and try to elevate their level of play. The Colts actually have talent on their roster, but you wouldn’t know it from watching them play. Their offense is an albatross with offensive line that actually is as bad as Giants fans think New York’s has been, and terrible quarterback play that is the worst situation in the NFL.</p>
<p id="KX6rfn">The Colts’ defense is a bit better, but they were missing their leading pass rusher, second-best corner and two other top defensive backs by the second quarter. Gus Bradley’s scheme has been good in the past, but when you run a defined scheme with well-known vulnerabilities (ie: a base Cover-3 scheme), you need the players to compensate. The Colts don’t, and what’s worse, they appeared to give up after Landon Collins’ Pick 6. </p>
<p id="5KyWWf">This game puts a bright highlight on the work of Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka, and Wink Martindale have done in their first year in New York. The Colts were probably considered the more talented team coming into the season, but the difference in coaching was on stark display this week. As I’ve been saying since about Week 5, there’s a very good argument that the Giants have one of the (if not the) best coaching staffs in the NFL. </p>
<p id="USt2uN">By contrast, Indianapolis has quickly gone from a flagship franchise to an absolute mess, and the rest of the AFC South probably hopes that Jeff Saturday sticks around as head coach.</p>
<h2 id="J8toDT">Third down: “Landon Collins, you magnificent bastard”</h2>
<p id="r56zXI">It felt like I was saying that every week when Collins had his historic 2016 season. But then the Giants’ locker room fractured under Ben McAdoo and Collins was allowed to leave by Dave Gettleman. The veteran safety was solid for the Washington Commanders, but he struggled with injury and was never able to play as well as he had for Steve Spagnuolo. </p>
<p id="8JpuJO">Now back with the Giants, Collins is healthy and in a system that will allow him to be used aggressively at the second level — exactly how he succeeded in his first stint. We saw that as soon as the Giants started getting him on the field, and he’s only played better since joining the active roster. His pick six was a vintage “2016 Collins” play, and was an absolute backbreaker for the Colts. </p>
<p id="lpY3R5">Whether you call him a box safety or a linebacker, Collins is a player who should probably stick with the Giants after this season.</p>
<h2 id="gYGgMn">Fourth down: Daniel Jones’ efficient day</h2>
<p id="ej2PFY">We got a report from Ian Rapoport earlier on Sunday that the Giants are at least <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534311/giants-want-long-term-deals-with-daniel-jones-saquon-barkley-report">interested in re-signing Jones</a> and Saquon Barkley after the season. The cheers of Giants fans likely cemented that decision in the minds of the Giants’ brass. </p>
<p id="BnckKM">Things started off a bit shaky as Colts defenders got their hands on two of Jones’ passes on the first drive but they failed to haul them in. </p>
<p id="PXsTCa">Jones, and the Giants, quickly settled down after that, leaning on their running game to move the ball the down the field. Once the Giants opened a seemingly-insurmountable 7-3 lead over the hapless Colts offense, they were able to do pretty much whatever they wanted. Perhaps Bradley’s tendencies are too strong, but it seemed as though Kafka (The Tendency Exploiter™) always knew what as coming, and always had the right coverage-beater called. </p>
<p id="dBQTC4">With the Giants’ receivers finding all the voids in the Colts’ zone-based defense, Jones proceeded to play a very efficient game that took advantage every weakness in Gus Bradley’s defense. </p>
<p id="WEq7zU"><strong>Extra point - Get well soon, Nick Foles</strong></p>
<p id="AoGlNT">If there was one damper on this game, it was the injury to Nick Foles. Plays like that remind us that football is an inherently dangerous game where young men are putting their short and long-term health on the line for our entertainment. </p>
<p id="Ewzkmw">Foles is a (two-time) former Eagle who has found himself in the “Mike Glennon” tier of quarterbacks, but that doesn’t mean he deserves to get hurt. Seeing him on the ground in obvious pain was scary and instantly brought images of Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion earlier this year to mind. Hopefully, Foles’ injury (which is being reported as a rib injury) isn’t serious and he’ll be able to get healthy soon. </p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534377/2023-ny-giants-offense-defense-indianapolis-colts-playoffs-takeaways-news-analysisChris Pflum2023-01-01T15:49:22-05:002023-01-01T15:49:22-05:00Live reaction! Talking Giants-Colts, Week 17
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p3bNaakKl_1gS8MOk2-HwDga2Zg=/0x118:450x418/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71813585/Megaphone_Podcast_Graphic.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Nick and Chris go live to talk about Week 17</p> <p id="Gdz1XY">Chris Pflum and Nick Falato go live on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Bigblueview">Big Blue View YouTube channel</a> to react to the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>’ Week 17 performance against the Colts.</p>
<p id="ch92VC">If you miss the live show, watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast app.</p>
<h2 id="ILQw2o">See it here!</h2>
<div id="DijGaH"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/be815xPoBtA?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="1KiRke">Subscribe to our podcasts</h2>
<p id="EzbQuo">Subscribe to Big Blue View Radio <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/VMP1728867394"><strong>from the show’s home page</strong></a><strong>, </strong>our<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/big-blue-view-radio"><strong>Big Blue View Radio Hub Page</strong></a><strong> </strong>and all of your favorite podcast apps:</p>
<p id="afUmYJ"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?xcust=___sb__p_23120469__t_w__r_bigblueview.com/big-blue&id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-blue-view/id1435941205?mt=2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYXJ0MTkuY29tL2JpZy1ibHVlLXZpZXc%3D"><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></a> | <a href="https://pca.st/8gT2"><strong>Pocket Casts</strong></a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1yEpfQExlpprvlZlgKjBLi"><strong>Spotify</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=235373&refid=stpr"><strong>Stitcher</strong></a> | <a href="https://feeds.podcastmirror.com/big-blue-view"><strong>RSS</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1267-big-blue-view-for-new-yor-30692012/"><strong>iHeart Radio</strong></a></p>
<p id="5kscnP">If you would rather watch our shows, you can find many of them on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Bigblueview"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="r5rlUN">Finally, be sure to check out all of the shows across the expanding <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/podcasts"><strong>Vox Media Podcast Network</strong></a></p>
<h2 id="6bSIUt">Follow us on social media</h2>
<p id="m5cR6M"><strong>BBV on Twitter:</strong> Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/bigblueview"><strong>@BigBlueView</strong></a><br><strong>Ed Valentine:</strong> Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/Valentine_Ed"><strong>@Valentine_Ed</strong></a><br><strong>BBV on Facebook: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Big-Blue-View-157292454292756/"><strong>Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook page</strong></a><br><strong>BBV on YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Bigblueview"><strong>Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channel</strong></a><br><strong>BBV on Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/big_blue_view/"><strong>Click here to follow our Instagram page</strong></a></p>
<p id="odzBqg"></p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534396/live-reaction-talking-ny-giants-indianpolis-colts-week-17Nick Falato2023-01-01T12:20:47-05:002023-01-01T12:20:47-05:00Giants-Colts, Week 17: Live updates
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Yx3oNU4_WB4gqVv0N9KVeUMSFmw=/0x0:6373x4249/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71813001/usa_today_19708769.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Jones-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Follow Sunday’s action right here</p> <p id="FAr5qY">The New York Giants have a postseason berth within their grasp on Sunday. Win their game against the 4-10-1 Indianapolis Colts, losers of eight of their last nine games, and the Giants are in the NFC playoffs. Lose and they can still get in, but with a season-ending game looming on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles the Giants might need help.</p>
<p id="rw114e">Follow all of the action right here. Check all of our coverage in our <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/12/27/23527378/giants-vs-colts-week-17-everything-you-need-to-know">Giants-Colts StoryStream</a>, and be sure to check back after the game for a full recap and analysis.</p>
<h2 id="6X2Xem">Staff picks</h2>
<div id="FwBSFz"><iframe src="https://tallysight.com/widget/org/big-blue-view/NFL/2022-23-week-17/default:ml/overall/showodds/condensed/topics:0ce7/types:ml/?id=bfc31132-6b95-4b48-9ad0-d051c5ea1a47" allowtransparency="true" title="Big Blue View NFL Picks" height="600px" width="100%" scrolling="auto" style="border: 0; margin: 0 !important;"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="Jbkmnf">More Giants-Colts coverage</h2>
<ul>
<li id="EUbiOB"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23531437/sunday-could-be-great-day-at-metlife-if-the-giants-deliver">Sunday could be great day at MetLife ... if the Giants deliver</a></li>
<li id="NoG8Y7"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/12/31/23533778/new-york-giants-xavier-mckinney-activated-will-play-vs-indianapolis-colts">New York Giants Xavier McKinney activated, will play vs. Indianapolis Colts</a></li>
<li id="aDkKkc"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/12/30/23528918/giants-colts-what-to-expect-when-the-giants-have-the-ball">Giants-Colts: What to expect when the Giants have the ball</a></li>
<li id="ULgOgu"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/12/30/23529406/2022-week-17-ny-giants-defense-indianpolis-colts-offense-news-analysis-preview">Giants vs. Colts: What to expect when Indianapolis has the ball</a></li>
<li id="D1PyBB"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/12/29/23531373/blood-in-the-water-giants-dc-wink-martindale-will-bring-the-heat-to-colts-qb-nick-foles">‘Blood in the water’: Giants’ DC Wink Martindale will bring the heat to Colts’ QB Nick Foles</a></li>
<li id="AJs5TT"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/12/29/23530729/giants-colts-have-colts-players-already-checked-out-as-miserable-season-nears-end-jeff-saturday">Giants-Colts: Have Colts players already checked out as miserable season nears end?</a></li>
<li id="Bkfml5"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/12/29/23527031/nfl-week-17-picks-predictions-will-giants-handle-their-business-against-the-colts">NFL Week 17 picks, predictions: Will Giants handle their business against the Colts?</a></li>
</ul>
<div id="N7jKNw"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=VMP4934654527" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="LJx3iK">Follow us on social media</h2>
<p id="m5cR6M"><strong>BBV on Twitter:</strong> Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/bigblueview"><strong>@BigBlueView</strong></a><br><strong>Ed Valentine:</strong> Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/Valentine_Ed"><strong>@Valentine_Ed</strong></a><br><strong>BBV on Facebook: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Big-Blue-View-157292454292756/"><strong>Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook page</strong></a><br><strong>BBV on YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Bigblueview"><strong>Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channel</strong></a><br><strong>BBV on Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/big_blue_view/"><strong>Click here to follow our Instagram page</strong></a><br><strong>BBV podcasts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.voxmedia.com/show/big-blue-view"><strong>Click here to subscribe to BBV Radio</strong></a></p>
<h2 id="IU14jg">Live updates</h2>
<div id="6r3fH0">
<a class="twitter-timeline" href="https://twitter.com/bigblueview/lists/nyg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">A Twitter List by bigblueview</a> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h2 id="YPqAPx">Remaining Giants schedule</h2>
<p id="4jarmr"><strong>Week 18 </strong>— @ <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> (Jan. 7 or 8 | <strong>Time: </strong>TBD)</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534365/giants-colts-week-17-live-updatesEd Valentine2023-01-01T11:44:29-05:002023-01-01T11:44:29-05:00Giants-Colts inactives: CB Adoree’ Jackson out for Giants
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: The Record" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mHhYE4XzEKlu0scsOIxe5RayIE4=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71812914/usa_today_19072869.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Adoree’ Jackson (22) | Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Xavier McKinney, Azeez Ojulari are playing</p> <p id="a5FCdf">Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, out since suffering a sprained MCL while returning a punt Week 11 against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions,</a> will not return to the lineup for the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> on Sunday. Jackson, who had been listed as questionable, is inactive for the Week 17 game against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>.</p>
<p id="y1xdqZ">Safety Xavier McKinney, activated from the Non-Football Injury list on Saturday, will play. McKinney has missed the last seven game. Edge defender Azeez Ojulari, questionable with an ankle injury, will also play for the Giants. Ojulari has 4.5 sacks in his last four games.</p>
<p id="fSJy0H">With McKinney back in the lineup, rookie safety Dane Belton will be inactive. With tight end Chris Myarick elevated from the practice squad, Lawrence Cager is inactive.</p>
<p id="7EdEyk">Newly-acquired Giants Jarrad Davis and Wyatt Davis, both acquired during the week, are inactive. </p>
<h2 id="E5Q7jl">Giants inactives </h2>
<p id="cY96m3">OL Jack Anderson<br>S Dane Belton<br>TE Lawrence Cager<br>LB Jarrad Davis<br>G Wyatt Davis<br>CB Adoree’ Jackson <br>CB Rodarius Williams</p>
<h2 id="o8rt2x">Colts inactives</h2>
<p id="kOTXm1">WR Ashton Dulin<br>C Wesley French<br>TE Kylen Granson<br>DT Eric Johnson II<br>LB Cameron McGrone<br>CB Kenny Moore II<br>QB Matt Ryan</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23534302/giants-colts-inactives-cb-adoree-jackson-out-for-giants-xavier-mckinney-azeez-ojulariEd Valentine2023-01-01T07:00:00-05:002023-01-01T07:00:00-05:00Sunday could be great day at MetLife ... if the Giants deliver
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: New York Giants at Washington Commanders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/267xT-quUon_Ek2qqnGgbvu4fgc=/0x0:3944x2629/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71812207/usa_today_19649353.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s a ‘win and in’ game for the Giants, but everything could fall apart if they don’t defeat the struggling Colts</p> <p id="dUo3mE">Sunday could be a glorious, fun day at MetLife Stadium. </p>
<p id="uyZOMK">The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> are playing their most meaningful game in the building since the end of the 2011 season, when they beat the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> Week 17 to win the NFC East and reach the playoffs, then routed the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a> on Wild Card Weekend to begin their run to a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> title.</p>
<p id="XnJg8r">The Giants have made the playoffs just once since then. They can clinch a playoff berth Sunday afternoon by defeating the down-trodden 4-10-1 <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. </p>
<p id="75M5wc">They are supposed to beat the Colts. <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/nfl?wpcid=163147&wpcn=HowtoWatchContent&wpsrc=Vox&wpcrid=NFL&pcid=163147&psn=Vox&pcrn=HowtoWatchContent&pscn=NFL&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1672353636812556&usg=AOvVaw1dtsp-OkJLOpAWPruedfB7">DraftKings Sportsbook</a> has the Giants as 5.5-point favorites (-245 on the moneyline). Indianapolis has lost eight of its last nine games. The Colts and inexperienced interim head coach Jeff Saturday managed to blow a 33-0 halftime lead to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> a couple of weeks ago, the biggest single-game regular-season collapse ever in the NFL.</p>
<p id="zxNIio">All five Big Blue View writers who picked the game <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/12/29/23527031/nfl-week-17-picks-predictions-will-giants-handle-their-business-against-the-colts">have the Giants winning it</a>. As of Thursday afternoon, 98 percent of 346 analysts who had posted picks at Tallysight had chosen the Giants to win the game. ESPN used its <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35330806/predicting-nfl-playoff-picture-espn-football-power-index-projects-weeks-17-18-division-races-wild-card-hunts">Football Power Index</a> to simulate the results for Weeks 17 and 18. FPI has the Giants shredding the Colts, 34-0.</p>
<p id="0tVRzx"><a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-nfl-predictions/?ex_cid=rrpromo">FiveThirtyEight</a> gives the Giants a 92 percent chance of making the playoffs. The Football Power Index puts the chance at 95.4 percent. <a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/nfl/playoff-odds">Football Outsiders</a> calculates a 91.4 percent chance the Giants will make the playoffs.</p>
<p id="EtuBSR">There are, though, no guarantees. </p>
<p id="j7Yw2H">A loss to the Colts on Sunday and the Giants could still reach the playoffs if the right teams lose during the day. They could also go into Week 18 needing to beat the 12-3 <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> or hope for help to reach the postseason.</p>
<p id="kyElkQ">So, as close as the playoffs are, as much as the Giants and their fans can taste them, there is work to be done.</p>
<p id="Ppl0nt">Giants’ guard Mark Glowinski was part of an Indianapolis team last season that looked like a playoff shoo-in with two weeks left in the season, but lost its final two games to the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> and the 3-14 <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>.</p>
<p id="TIFkNm">“All I can do is refresh everybody, use all the time that I’ve had in the past for situations of wins and losses to remind guys that it’s here and right now,” Glowinski said this week. “We need to execute and make sure that we give everything we can.”</p>
<p id="Q5pDuo">Glowinski said the Giants just have to handle their business.</p>
<p id="ZMvDjX">“I think it’s just more of us not taking anybody lightly, making sure that you’re in the moment, making sure you’re executing, making sure that it goes back down to fundamentals and technique, making sure that you want it more,” he said. “Sometimes things slip between your fingers, and you wish you had them back, but new team, new game, let’s build off of it.”</p>
<p id="vpVlrZ">Veteran safety Tony Jefferson was part of a 2017 <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> team that lost out on a playoff berth when the 7-9 <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> beat them 31-27 in the final week of the season on a fourth-and-12 49-yard pass from Andy Dalton to Tyler Boyd with just :44 remaining.</p>
<p id="FFRHKr">“There’s nothing really different you need to prepare for except that we’re going to get their best shot,” Jefferson said. “Nothing’s going to be given to us.”</p>
<p id="U4RHM2">Coach Brian Daboll has been loathe to talk about the playoffs all week. </p>
<p id="V1nXdj">“We’re not in it yet,” Daboll said early in the week.</p>
<p id="QogzgT">Media members asked and asked throughout the week, trying to get the first-year coach to express even a hint of feelings about making the playoffs. He never bit.</p>
<p id="oX2tnx">“You got to do the things you need to do to win each game. I know there’s ‘What’s this? What’s this?’ The way I was raised in this business, in terms of getting ready to play games, doing the things you need to do each week, prepare the right way, practice the right way,” Daboll said. “I know it’s a boring answer, but that’s the truth. I don’t think you can get too far ahead of yourself in anything. Each game is important. And as you get going throughout the season, if you’re lucky enough to keep going, they’re one-game seasons then. So, our focus is on this game. And we’re going to have to do a good job.”</p>
<p id="Pfmwom">Daboll has preached consistency all year. That isn’t changing with Sunday’s ‘win and in’ scenario at hand.</p>
<p id="LS44a2">“Same way we’ve been doing it all year: Just do the things we need to do to try to win a game and focus on that week. That’s what’s hard to do [in] this league,” Daboll said. “There’s a lot of other things going on, and I understand all the questions [about the playoffs]. But it is really, truly – live in that moment. Control the things that you can control. And each day, have a good day. And then ultimately, go out there on Sunday and play and coach a good game.”</p>
<p id="2Jht9r">Not reaching the playoffs would bring a disappointing end to what has otherwise been a promising turnaround season for the Giants in Year 1 of the Daboll-Joe Schoen regime.</p>
<p id="vVN9Uv">“I think we are all aware of what’s at stake and what we can accomplish. You can’t get lost in that. You got to keep focus on the main thing,” said running back Saquon Barkley. “We got to get back to playing tight football, take care of the ball, take care of the little things and if you look throughout the course of the season when we do that, we put ourselves in position to win football games. That’s just the focus. Try what we can do to win this game. Everything else that’s at stake, if you take care of what you got to take care of – the rest will handle itself.”</p>
<p id="DoWavk">Barkley and the Giants don’t want to leave their fate up to a Week 18 roll of the dice, especially facing a game in Philadelphia.</p>
<p id="Vmazn6">“You don’t want to leave it to chance. The way you do that is by doing what you got to do this week. That’s really it,” Barkley said. “You just got to treat it like another week. One game at a time, it’s the most important game because it’s the next game on the schedule and try to do the little things, take care of the football, and go out there and try to win the football game.”</p>
<p id="KGlPA9">Let’s see if the Giants can do what they are supposed to do Sunday afternoon. If they do, MetLife Stadium could be quite the party scene. </p>
<p id="AZ75aF">If they don’t? Well, do we really want to think about that?</p>
<p id="PYKPlL"></p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/1/1/23531437/sunday-could-be-great-day-at-metlife-if-the-giants-deliverEd Valentine