The New York Giants lost to the New England Patriots this week. The Giants lost 35-14, indicating a blowout loss, but that is not what the game truly was
In fact, the Giants’ defense played an exceptional game through the first three quarters. Things fell apart in the fourth, but there is a lot to build on from the Giants’ week six performance.
In particular, the Giants’ pass-rush looked solid. Lorenzo Carter had what could be a breakout game and Markus Golden continued his underrated and excellent play. Markus Golden has been one of the best players on the Giants’ defense this year, and not many people seem to realize just how good he has been.
Markus Golden’s Underrated Season
He has flown under the radar, but Markus Golden has been performing at a very high level this season. Golden leads the Giants in sacks and is proving to be one of their best players on a struggling defense.
Through the Giants’ first six games of the season, Markus Golden has totaled 5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits. He is generating pressure at a very high rate and making an impact for the Giants like very few other defenders. Golden has also recorded 22 combined tackles and even scored a touchdown on a 42 yard fumble recovery and return.
One of Markus Golden’s best games of the season was this week against New England. The Tweet below details his stats and shows his extraordinary touchdown.
Markus Golden : 3 tackles, 0.5 sack & a 42-yard scoop and score pic.twitter.com/tshtQEAR2g
— Lee Harvey (@AyeThatsLee) October 11, 2019
A Great Value Contract
The Giants signed Markus Golden this offseason. Golden was coming off of a significant knee injury, so he did not garner too much attention on the open market, luckily for the Giants. Additionally, the Giants had a familiar connection to Markus Golden, giving him even more reason to bring his talents to the Big Apple.
Markus Golden is a former Arizona Cardinal. So is the Giants’ current defensive coordinator James Bettcher. Golden’s familiarity with Bettcher’s scheme made him a good fit for the team’s defense and a must-have in free agency.
Since he was coming off of an injury, the Giants gave Markus a one-year “prove-it” deal worth $3,750,000. For a player who has totaled 5 sacks in 6 games, this is incredible value. Markus Golden has exceeded all expectation and could be a player the Giants resign and keep around for the long run.