With how things have gone this season, go ahead and celebrate this win, NY Giants fans. The first two weeks of the year were brutal, but smiles are being showcased all over the place after the G-Men were able to take down the Browns in Cleveland, 21-15. There was a bit of a scare late, but there was no miracle comeback for the home side.
Brian Daboll was fired up following the victory and understandably so. His guys on both sides of the ball played well, with several guys standing out. So, which playmakers were among the best of the best to help NY improve to 1-2?
4. NY Giants pass-rusher Brian Burns
Maybe no one feels better following the win more than Brian Burns. Thus far, his career with the Giants hasn't gone according to plan and expectations were high after he signed his massive extension. Burns had a breakout party vs. Cleveland, though, as he finished the win with his first sack, a forced fumble and consistent pressure on Deshaun Watson. This is exactly what people wanted to see out of No. 0. The Giants had eight sacks, with Dexter Lawrence posting two. Sexy Dexy deserves a ton of love as well, but we had to give Burns some props.
3. NY Giants quarterback Daniel Jones
Back-to-back strong performances for Daniel Jones? You better believe it. Danny Dimes was efficient throwing the ball and he was able to evade plenty of pressure from the Cleveland pass-rush. On the day, the sixth-year signal-caller tossed for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Was he perfect? Nope, not at all, but he let the ball rip and didn't turn the ball over either. More of this is needed from the veteran QB, especially with Dallas up next.
2. NY Giants pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari
The forgotten man on defense. When healthy, Azeez Ojulari is so fun to watch, but he's been hurt so much over the past two years. With the Burns trade going down, Ojulari was an afterthought for this defense, but he took advantage of his extra reps vs. Cleveland. Ojulari was a force on the field, recording 1.5 sacks and a huge fumble recovery in the fourth quarter. While Kayvon Thibodeaux and Burns are the leaders for the pass-rush, along with Lawrence, knowing Ojulari can perform like this off the bench is enormous for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
1. NY Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers
Come on, you knew we were going to save the best for last. Malik Nabers was incredible in the win over Cleveland - he caught eight balls for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He made some eye-opening plays for Jones and the offense. This is why he's being labeled as the savior at the position. Whenever someone needs to step up, it feels like Nabers is ready to deliver for the veterans on the squad. He was devastated after his crucial drop in Week 2 to the Commanders, but all is forgotten there, Malik. He kept his head up and was a superstar in this victory.