Led by Daniel Jones, the New York Giants are currently in the middle of their best season in years. Heading into Week 16, they find themselves at 8-5-1, and very much in a position to make the playoffs.
With their success, the Giants have relied on several key players. In turn, they will have studs on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball ready to represent them in the Pro Bowl.
On offense, star running back Saquon Barkley has earned a Pro Bowl nod. Following two injury-plagued seasons, Barkley has returned to form. Through 14 games, he has rushed for 1,170 yards and nine touchdowns on 269 total carries. Through the air, he has added 47 receptions for 294 receiving yards on 62 total targets.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Giants will be represented by star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Now in his fourth season, Lawrence has undergone a full breakout. While quickly becoming a leader on the defense, Lawrence has been near perfect on the field. He has racked up 57 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 24 quarterback hits, and a career-high 6.5 sacks.
Barkley and Lawrence were the two likeliest candidates to represent the Giants in the Pro Bowl. But with them being the only two to be nominated, many are arguing that several other players were snubbed. They may just happen to have a point with that. Here’s three players who deserved to be selected:
3. Kicker Graham Gano
Now in his 13th season in the NFL, Giants kicker Graham Gano has long since established himself as one of the best in the business. But with how he has played throughout the 2022 season, there is reason to believe he belonged in the Pro Bowl.
Gano has been near perfect for the Giants this season. He has missed just five total kicks.
Gano has attempted 27 total extra points this season. He has gone 25-27, with his two misses coming against the Detroit Lions in Week 11. Before that, Gano had hit 17 straight extra points. In the four games since his last misses, Gano has made eight straight extra points.
Gano has also been efficient when kicking field goals, regardless of where he is on the field. On the season, he has gone 24-27 on his field goals. His longest make of the season came against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12 when he made a 57-yard attempt.
So far this season, Gano has attempted 17 kicks from 40 yards or more. On kicks between 40-49 yards, he has gone 8-9. And with kicks of 50 or more yards, he has gone 7-8. Gano has the resume of a Pro Bowl kicker. While he did earn the nod as an alternate, an actual spot in the game should have been his.