3 key stats that defined NY Giants’ upset win over Las Vegas Raiders

1-for-6

Following a very strong defensive effort from defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s unit in the latter half of the 2020 season, the defense often fell flat throughout the first half of this season, allowing 27+ points in four of the first six weeks.

Since Weak 7, the defense has allowed just 39 points across three contests, seemingly turning a corner out of nowhere after allowing 82 points in weeks 5 and 6. The difference? The NY Giants’ red zone defense.

The Raiders scored just one touchdown in six visits to the red zone over the course of Sunday’s matchup. The Chiefs were just 2-for-6 in the red zone the previous week, while the Panthers failed to get in the end zone in their lone red zone trip in week 7.

From Week 1 to Week 6, opponents were 16-for-24 in red zone trips, contributing to the Giants allowing 29.5 points per game. Over the past three games, opposing teams are just 3-for-13 and averaging just 13 points per game.

Whether it’s some schematic changes to Graham’s game planning, or the emergence of rookie Quincy Roche, there’s no denying that the defense is starting to come around.

With games against the Eagles, Dolphins, Bears and Washington coming up in the second half of the year, there’s reason for optimism going forward for the defense to be a top-10 unit moving forward.