The New York Giants (7-5-1) find themselves playing in another big game that could determine their playoff destiny, as they will take on the Washington Commanders (7-5-1) for the second time in three weeks in a Sunday Night Football showdown.
Both teams currently hold the final two playoff spots in the NFC and played a 20-20 draw in Week 13, so this game will all the more likely determine each team’s route to the postseason. (unless they somehow tie again).
Washington currently holds the tiebreaker over the Giants as they have a better divisional record than New York, setting the stage for what is now one of the biggest NFL games this season.
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The Giants must right the ship now to get a playoff spot:
After starting the season on a magical 6-1 run, the Giants have begun to regress, having gone just 1-4-1 since that start.
The mounting list of injuries is a key factor into their recent slide, but New York is slowly but surely getting key pieces back in action, with guys such as tight end Daniel Bellinger and linebacker Azeez Ojulari returning to play in recent weeks.
With the Giants’ secondary loaded with injuries, the reliance has shifted towards the pass rush on the front lines of the defense, with Ojulari and rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux having to be the largest contributors.
Since returning from a calf injury early in the season, Ojulari has recorded three sacks and a forced fumble, bringing back some excitement to a Giants defense that is decimated to the core.
As for Thibodeaux, he has just two sacks recorded for his rookie season, but after a slow start, he seems to finally be turning the corner, and the Giants are going to require his services more than ever right now with their entire season at stake.
Thibodeaux described to reporters what the combination of him and Ojulari is like on the d-line and provided a humorous metaphor to fit his description.
“We’re like peanut butter and jelly. I say that because one isn’t more important than the other. One doesn’t taste better than the other. They’re different, but they’re equally important.”
Kayvon Thibodeaux via New York Post
Quarterback Daniel Jones looks to lead the offense on Sunday
On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Daniel Jones will look to continue what has been a very solid season for him.
Jones is doing what he can with the options that have been given to him, but despite the adversity, he does not doubt that the team will come out hungry for vengeance.
“I don’t think we’re going to have any issue getting amped up or getting excited for this game,” Jones stated. “I think everyone realizes the opportunity and how big of a game this is.”
Daniel Jones via New York Post
Jones has faced tremendous pressure in the pocket all season, which has forced him to be more mobile when making plays. The pressure he has faced could increase on Sunday, as Commanders’ young defensive end Chase Young could possibly make his long-awaited return from an ACL injury suffered in 2021 on Sunday.
Nevertheless, the Giants will have to pull together and come out looking for a win, as it will ultimately provide a foundation for what’s to come as the regular season draws to a close.
New York got a little help from a team that is hot on their tale, as the Seattle Seahawks, who are currently a game behind the Giants for the last playoff spot, lost to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.
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