4 NY Giants who saved the day and led Big Blue over Minnesota

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the ball against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) during the first quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the ball against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) during the first quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) is tackled by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) and defensive end Leonard Williams (bottom) during the second quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) is tackled by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) and defensive end Leonard Williams (bottom) during the second quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

3. DL Dexter Lawrence

In his fourth season, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence continues to get better with each game and he is winning over more and more Big Blue supporters. While putting together an All-Pro season, he regularly stuffed the stat sheet in 2022. He has also quickly proven to be the leader of this Giants defensive front.

When Lawrence and the Giants took on the Vikings earlier in the season, Lawrence put on a show. He consistently applied pressure, recording six total tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one defended pass. This time around, he was even better.

During this matchup, he once again delivered for the Giants defense. Lawrence finished the game recording six total tackles and one tackle for loss. He also consistently applied pressure on Cousins, recording four total quarterback hits.

The Giants defense finished the game with zero total sacks, but they still constantly found themselves in the backfield. In total, they racked up 11 quarterback hits, with Lawrence leading the pack.

Along with Lawrence, Leonard Williams and Kayvon Thibodeaux also made their presence felt in the trenches. Williams recorded four total tackles, one defended pass, and two quarterback hits. In his postseason debut, Thibodeaux once again showed the makings of a star. He recorded three total tackles and one quarterback hit.

While the defense did lose Azeez Ojulari early in the matchup, they still put together a strong game. Having Lawrence on the field was a clear game-changer once again.