5 NY Giants responsible for getting Big Blue back to the playoffs
After a tumultuous six years, the Giants are finally back in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and fans couldn’t be happier. It’s been a long and at times frustrating journey, but to see a team that should be in the midst of a rebuild push their way into the playoffs is truly spectacular.
However, this ride would not be possible without the help from some of the current members of the organization. Whether it be the players, coaches or front office figures, everyone meshed perfectly this season to make this unlikely playoff push.
These five members of the team are who fans can thank the most for this run, as without them, we more than likely would be in the midst of yet another losing season, so hats off to these guys for all they have done for the NY Giants and their fans.
5. DT Dexter Lawrence
After three seasons in which he was one of the more solid defensive tackles in the league, Dexter Lawrence finally broke out of his shell and evolved into arguably the best player at the position. Without him, the Giants defense would look entirely different than it currently does. Not only is Lawrence the best player on that side of the ball, but he is also the most consistent, and a great leader.
Through 16 games, Lawrence has racked up 61 combined tackles, nine sacks, 63 combined pressures, and two forced fumbles. Lawrence has been an absolute monster as both a run-stopper and pass-rusher and fans could not be more grateful.
The Giants defense has been without a consistent pass-rusher for years now, and for them to finally find one to go alongside budding stars like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari is huge for the future of this team.
With Joe Schoen accepting Lawrence’s fifth year option in the offseason, Big Blue will have the 25 year old back for the 2023 season where he will likely receive a massive extension to stay with the team for the foreseeable future.
The impact Lawrence has had on and off the field cannot be underestimated. The first time Pro-Bowler and likely soon to be All-Pro team member has been arguably the best player on the Giants this season. Hopefully Schoen can give him the money he deserves to keep him around for a while.