In the NY Giants biggest game of the season, almost everyone on the roster showed up big time to help the team take down the Washington Commanders and almost guarantee a playoff berth for the first time since 2016.
We know about the big time performers like Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, who were all arguably the biggest reasons the Giants managed to win. However, there were some very underrated players who played a massive part in this game.
These players are both not only underrated in general, but despite a lack of crazy statistics, had a huge impact that cannot be overlooked. Without these five guys, there is a very good chance the Giants do not pull this win out.
4. WR Richie James and WR Isaiah Hodgins
After a very rough stretch in which it seemed like Richie James may end up getting cut, he finally showed up in a big way on Sunday, catching four passes for 42 yards. While this isn’t the most mind-boggling receiver stat line, James led the team in yards and was a key reason for the Giants first offensive touchdown drive.
In said drive, James caught two massive passes on third and fourth down to keep the offense alive, which eventually led to a Saquon Barkley TD to put the Giants up 11 early in the second quarter. It was very nice to see James finally perform well. When he manages to play consistently well, he is a very talented player, but we have not seen a consistent James in a very long time.
As for Isaiah Hodgins, he has been one of the best receivers on the Giants since making his way to town from Buffalo. While this isn’t necessarily saying much, Hodgins has provided a much needed spark for the Giants offense.
Against the Commanders, Hodgins caught four passes for 37 yards, including three catches on the aforementioned touchdown drive that gave the Giants a ton of momentum early in the game.
In Hodgins’ six games with the Giants, he’s caught 21 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Considering the expectations surrounding Hodgins, it is safe to say he more than likely has earned a spot on the roster next season.
3. LB Landon Collins
The NY Giants linebacker core has been abysmal this season and with that in mind, the team decided to call up Landon Collins from the practice squad. In the limited snaps Collins played, he made a pretty big impact, including a massive tackle on third down to end a Commanders drive.
The trio of Tae Crowder (released on Tuesday), Micah McFadden, and Jaylon Smith have been quite bad all season long, so it was very nice to see Collins not only get called up, but to make an impact. If he manages to keep up this solid level of play, we could very easily see Collins become a full-time starter as the season comes to an end.
Collins has never been the best player in coverage, but he doesn’t even necessarily need to succeed at that. The impact Collins can make on the field comes in his ability as a run-stopper, something the Giants current linebacker core really struggles with.
It was very nice to see the Giants defense finally make a change at the position, and hopefully this change will stick as NY plays some extremely talented running backs and tight ends during their final stretch of the campaign.
2. DT Dexter Lawrence
It is very odd to have Dexter Lawrence on an underrated list, as this season Lawrence has been one of the best players at his position. However, despite a lack of statistical dominance, Lawrence played a massive role in the Giants win, especially down the stretch.
Lawrence had a very quiet game up until the fourth quarter, when on third down, and the Commanders in the red zone, Lawrence took down QB Taylor Heinicke and forced the ball out, giving the Giants a chance to chew the clock.
This was a massive play for Lawrence, arguably the biggest of his young career which not only gave him his eighth sack of the season, but almost guaranteed a Giants win and a potential playoff berth.
In this game, Lawrence would rack up three tackles, a sack, and three QB hits. While this isn’t nearly the stacked box score we are used to seeing from him, Sexy Dexy showed up and got the job done when it mattered the most.
Hopefully Lawrence continues his dominance as the Giants enter the final stretch of the season and the team’s potential playoff run. He has been arguably the Giants best defensive player all season and the team needs him to perform at a high level.
1: K Graham Gano
It’s honestly a shock that Graham Gano has not been elected to a Pro Bowl with the Giants, as in his three seasons since joining the team, he has arguably been a top three kicker in the NFL, undoubtedly top five.
This game showed just how important he is to this team, being responsible for eight of NY’s 20 points, while kicking in less than desirable conditions. The wind during this game was so bad at moments that the Commanders decided to punt on the Giants 34 yard line during their first drive. However, this was no problem for Gano, who drilled two field goals from 50 yards.
The Giants have almost always had rather good kickers in the team’s history, especially in recent years. For the team to go from a Pro Bowl kicker in Aldrick Rosas, who had his own off the field problems, to arguably a top three kicker in the NFL is amazing to see.
A lot of sides struggle to find consistent kickers and often leave points on the board due to this. With how poor the Giants offense can be at times, it is a miracle that the G-Men have one of the best in the game. There are no doubts that Gano should be elected two his second career Pro Bowl this season, let’s just hope the voters make the correct decision.
4 embarrassing mistakes from refs during the NY Giants win over Washington
Despite the NY Giants coming out on top during Sunday Night Football, the officiating crew was a disgrace and they blew it several times.