The NY Giants will need standout performances from at least four key contributors if they are going to clinch the NFC East and make some noise in the NFL Playoffs
This is it, the NFL stretch run has arrived with the sprint to the NFL Playoffs in full swing, and the NY Giants have somewhat surprisingly crashed the party.
Now that the NY Giants have arrived, following an 0-5 and then 1-7 start, first year head coach Joe Judge’s team seems to have found a winning formula; impose your will on offense with the running game, and play strong defense at all three levels.
It is that formula that powered a 17-12 upset victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, and what will be necessary to wrap up the NFC East crown and possibly give this group a chance to surprise some people in January.
Here’s a look at the Giants’ four most important players over the final four games as the intensity rises and playoff implications increase:
1. RB Wayne Gallman
Wayne Gallman has been the focal point of the Giants’ offense over the past six weeks, and arguably the roster’s most important player.
Gallman rushed for a career-high 135 yards on Sunday against the Seahawks, setting the tone in the second half by gashing Seattle for a 60-yard run that set up Alfred Morris’ first of two touchdowns.
While Gallman had a five-game touchdown scoring streak snapped by the Seahawks, he still was the spark that ignited the Giants’ offense and this offense is at its best when it is committed to the running game. It’s no secret that the offensive line has dramatically improved over the past month when the offense leaned heavier on Gallman and the run. That’s the formula that must continue if the Giants are going to get across the finish line into the postseason and make some noise in the tournament.