In The Hunt: What The Giants Must Do to Make the Playoffs

Following a great defensive performance in a crucial division game, the Giants are all but out of the playoff race at 4-7. They sit one game behind the final Wild Card spot. What does Big Blue need to do to potentially make a playoff push?

SCORE POINTS!!!!!

The Giants fired OC Jason Garrett last week after an abysmal offensive showing against the Buccaneers. Interim OC Freddie Kitchens called the shots in Sunday’s win against the Eagles, but unfortunately was not much better. The Giants mustered 264 total yards of offense and only 13 points with the defense forcing four turnovers. This cannot continue to happen if they plan on winning games down the stretch. With two legitimate AFC threats in the Dolphins and Chargers ahead, Kitchens must find a way to score points. There is too much talent on the offensive side for them to continue to put up benign numbers. On the bright side, free-agent acquisition Kenny Golladay was involved in the offense. Two 18-yard receptions set up a crucial Graham Gano field goal late in the game Sunday. Golladay’s involvement has to continue for the Giants if they want any success, especially with WRs Kadarius Toney and Sterling Shepard sidelined temporarily.

KEEP THE DEFENSIVE MOMENTUM

The Giants defense had a terrific bounce back performance Sunday, holding the Eagles to seven points and terrorizing QB Jalen Hurts in the passing game. If there is any game that messed around with Jalen Hurts’ chances of being Philly’s franchise quarterback, it’s this one. FS Xavier McKinney has solidified himself as Big Blue’s defensive centerpiece, snagging his fifth interception of the season Sunday at the best possible time for the Giants. Aside from that, Big Blue neutralized Philly’s big playmakers, such as rookie wideout Devonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert. After the two of them combined for 123 yards against the Saints the week prior, the Giants held them to a combined three catches for 22 yards. CB James Bradberry looked like his old self, holding Smith to just 2 catches. The Giants defense must remain consistent down the stretch, and their defensive playmakers need to make that evident to each other. Patrick Graham’s squad has also had an interception in eight straight games this season, the longest streak in the league.

FIGURE OUT THE SAQUON BARKLEY DILEMMA

As I’ve mentioned before, RB Saquon Barkley needs to get himself going for the remainder of the season, somehow some way. Barkley still looks hesitant in his running, even with himself back in the lineup. He had a 32 yard run against the Eagles, but finished the day with 40 yards on 13 carries. Barkley has averaged 3.4 yards a carry in his two games back. If the Giants have any shot of making a deep playoff run, Barkley needs to get going and show flashes of his rookie year self. This is crucial not only for the Giants, but for Barkley’s career.

NYG’s next 3 games: @MIA, @LAC, vs. DAL