4 NY Giants who could save the season with a big SNF game vs. Washington

It goes without saying, but the NY Giants are in must-win mode going up against the Washington Commanders, an NFC East rival who is also 7-5-1 on the year.

It’s been a rough go of late for the G-Men. Over their last four games, they have a 0-3-1 record. In recent weeks, this Commanders team has been among the hottest in the NFL – over their past four games, they are 3-0-1.

In Week 13, the last time these two teams faced off, the game ended in a 20-20 tie. Now as they take each other on once again, both sides will be desperate for a W. If the Giants hope to keep their playoff hopes alive, they must take down this division rival. Here’s four guys that will need to deliver for Brian Daboll and Co.

4. Safety Julian Love

Throughout this season, fourth-year safety Julian Love has emerged as a leader for this young defense. With injuries to several key players, including Xavier McKinney and Adoree’ Jackson, much of the pressure has fallen onto Love. He has responded in a big way.

In 13 games, Love has recorded 107 total tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, four defended passes and two interceptions. Love has been the definition of reliable for this Giants defense. Outside of a poor play in Week 14, he has been near-perfect at times. Now, as the Giants take on a Commanders team full of talented options, he will need to show up once again.

The Commanders offense is led by wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin, and running backs Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson. Slowing them down will be key to the Giants winning this matchup. It will take yet another big game from Love to do just this. His leadership not only in the secondary but along the entire defense will be necessary.

The last time that these two teams took the field together, Love put on arguably his biggest showing of the season. He finished the game with the second-most tackles of the year with 13. Now, in a must-win scenario, he may need to do this once again.

3. Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins

In recent weeks, second-year wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins has emerged as a reliable option for this Giants offense. Now, in Week 15, the Giants may need to rely on him once again. Hodgins, a former Oregon State standout, spent his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills. Heading into Year 2, after spending time on both the Bills active roster and the practice squad, Hodgins was eventually signed by the Giants. He has now fully earned a spot within the starting unit.

On the season, Hodgins has recorded 21 receptions for 224 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In five games with the Giants, he has recorded 17 receptions for 183 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Over the past two weeks, Hodgins has played the best football of his NFL career. He has been targeted 12 times, recording nine receptions for 82 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

The Commanders will likely focus on slowing down Darius Slayton. If much of the focus is on Slayton, Hodgins could have several opportunities to make a big play. Him having another strong showing could lead to the Giants earning a victory.

3. Pass-rushers Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari

The Giants have solidified their edge rush of the future with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari. In their limited time together, the pair have already made their presence felt. In 11 games this season, Thibodeaux has recorded 26 total tackles, one tackle for loss, three defended passes, ten quarterback hits, and two sacks.

Two weeks ago, when these teams faced off for the first time, Thibodeaux played arguably the best game of his rookie season. He recorded five total tackles, two quarterback hits, and one sack.

Ojulari, who has just recently made his return to the field, picked up right where he left off during his explosive rookie season. On the year, Ojulari has played in four games. He has totaled eight total tackles, two tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, four sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Over the past two games, Ojulari has looked like a star. He has recorded five total tackles, four quarterback hits, three total sacks, and one forced fumble.

The Commanders offensive line will have their hands full with this Giants pass-rush. Along with Thibodeaux and Ojulari, they will likely be dealing with both Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence. If this front can consistently apply pressure, they could stop this offense in their tracks.

1. Quarterback Daniel Jones

This season, Jones has once again shown flashes of how good he can be. On the year, Jones has thrown for 2,534 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He has also been strong on the ground, rushing for 548 yards and five touchdowns on just 95 carries. He is currently averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

When the Giants took on the Commanders in Week 13, Jones delivered one of his strongest outings of the season. He threw for 200 yards and one touchdown while adding 71 rushing yards on the ground.

Over the past four games, while the Giants have recorded a 0-3-1 record, Jones has put up some of the best numbers of his career. During this stretch, he has thrown for 938 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has also got it done with his legs, totaling 161 yards and two touchdowns.

Even with injuries plaguing the offense, a depleted wide receiver core, and an offensive line that has struggled to keep him protected, Jones has proven to be a leader on this team. There is still no telling if he is the franchise quarterback for this squad, or if he will still be on this team next season, but his resilience can’t be denied. On Sunday night, he may be the one player that can truly save the Giants season.

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