The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
The Giants' best game of the year was the NFC Wild Card win over the Vikings
John Schmeelk: Fact - The better win against the better team was against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 16, but the Giants were aided by a couple of Ravens turnovers and self-inflicted wounds (illegal formation penalty and a bad snap) late in the game. The playoff game against the Vikings, however, was simply a matter of them outplaying a team that won 13 games in the regular season. They had their best offensive performance of the season, and Daniel Jones may have had the best game of his career. The defense made two crucial stops at the end of the game with a great defensive scheme and sharp execution. It was also a high-pressure situation in a raucous environment that the players handled quite well. It was a complete win and the team's best game of the year.
Lance Medow: Fact - This game was by far one of the Giants' most, if not the most, efficient offensive performances of the season as they didn't punt until the third quarter and produced four touchdowns and a field goal in seven possessions with a realistic chance to score. They also showcased a balanced attack with the run and pass and relied on Daniel Jones' full skillset (he finished as the team's leading rusher). Although the defense surrendered three touchdowns, Wink Martindale's unit still made critical stops on the Vikings' final drive to secure the win. Strong execution in situational football was on full display, something you like to see, especially in the postseason.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Seeing the Giants' win in the postseason for the first time since Super Bowl XLVI was certainly the most exciting win of the year. However, if we're talking the Giants' best, all-around game of the season, that honor clearly goes to the win over the Colts on New Year's Day. Needing a win in order to clinch a playoff spot, the Giants excelled on both sides of the ball. The offense put up nearly 400 yards of total offense and 31 points, as Daniel Jones threw for two touchdowns and added two more on the ground. Meanwhile, the defense held the Colts to just 252 yards of offense and added Landon Collins' 52-yard interception return for a TD. This was easily the team's best game of the year and perhaps their most dominant outing from the past few seasons.
The defensive play of the year was Kayvon Thibodeaux's touchdown on Sunday Night Football in Washington.
John Schmeelk: Fact - If you want to find the most impressive play, there are a dozen ridiculous plays by Dexter Lawrence throughout the year where he sends an opposing center careening into the backfield before hitting the quarterback, but that's not the statement. The play of the year includes importance of the game, difficulty of the play, and impact on the game. It is hard to find one more important than Thibodeaux's sack against Washington. If the Giants don't win the game, it's likely they do not make the playoffs. The play accounted for a third of the team's points in the game, and one of their two touchdowns. On the play, Thibodeaux beat offensive tackle Charles Leno one-on-one, got the strip-sack, and kept his balance to recover the ball and score. It checks all the boxes.
Lance Medow: Fiction - Kayvon Thibodeaux's strip-sack and recovery for a touchdown in Week 15 deserves heavy consideration and turned out to be a critical play given the Giants won by one score. But when you take into consideration the magnitude and timing of a play, can anything top the group effort of stopping Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk at the goal line in Week 7? New York was leading by six with five seconds to go when Trevor Lawrence connected with Kirk for 16 yards at the 1-yard line. Fabian Moreau, Xavier McKinney, Julian Love and Co. managed to keep him out of the end zone on pure effort. If they don't make that play, who knows how things end and who knows how it impacts their postseason hopes. This play also included several players as opposed to one, so it serves as a bit of a microcosm for the entire season with respect to multiple defensive players stepping up in key movements.
Matt Citak: Fact – As referenced above, the Giants scored multiple defensive touchdowns this season, while they also came up with some huge defensive plays in clutch situations. Julian Love's interception of Lamar Jackson, along with Kayvon Thibodeaux's strip-sack of Jackson a few minutes later, were significant plays that led to an important win for the Giants. But the honor of biggest play of the year on the defensive side of ball goes to Thibodeaux for his scoop-and-score. The Week 15 matchup against the Commanders on Sunday Night Football was probably the most important game of the season, with the winner putting themselves in a great spot to make the postseason. Thibodeaux's strip-sack and fumble recovery for a score gave the Giants the lead and more importantly changed the momentum of the game. The Giants never looked back after this play and went on to win the key matchup, which eventually led to their postseason berth.
Re-live the season with the best photos from the Giants' 2022 playoff campaign.
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Richie James (80) Darius Slayton (86)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Darius Slayton (86)
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Adoree' Jackson Dane Belton
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) catches a 2 point conversion during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Xavier McKinney (29)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Saquon Barkley (26) Matt Breida (31) Nick Gates (65)
Carter Coughlin (52)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Xavier McKinney (29), Adoree' Jackson (22)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) makes a touchdown catch during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday December 4, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Jihad Ward (55)
Saquon Barkley (26), Daniel Jones (8)
Sterling Shepard
New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Micah McFadden (41), Dane Belton (24), Julian Love (20)
Landon Collins (21)
Jihad Ward (55)
Daniel Bellinger David Sills V
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Dexter Lawrence
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley Mark Glowinski Daniel Bellinger
Daniel Jones (8)
Julian Love (20)
Graham Gano (9), Casey Kreiter (58)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Mark Glowinski (64), Jon Feliciano (76)
Jihad Ward (55)
Julian Love (20)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darnay Holmes (30), Adoree' Jackson (22), Tony Jefferson (36), Julian Love (20), Tomon Fox (49)
Daniel Jones (8)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22), Oshane Ximines (53)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Daniel Bellinger (82), Kenny Golladay (19)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Dane Belton (24)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22)
Darnay Holmes Julian Love Dane Belton
Ryder Anderson, Dane Belton (24), Leonard Williams (99), Tomon Fox (49), Dexter Lawrence (97), Jaylon Smith (54)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22), Oshane Ximines (53)
Jaylon Smith (54), Dane Belton (24), Adoree' Jackson (22), Julian Love (20), Leonard Williams (99), Fabian Moreau (37), Nick McCloud (44), Xavier McKinney (29)
Saquon Barkley
Xavier McKinney (29)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Saquon Barkley
Jihad Ward (55)
Saquon Barkley (26), Daniel Jones (8)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Darius Slayton (86)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Jihad Ward (55)
Dexter Lawrence (97), D.J. Davidson (98)
Richie James (80)
Nick Williams (93)
Saquon Barkley (26), Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Jamie Gillan (6), Graham Gano (9)
Daniel Jones (8), Saquon Barkley (26)
Mark Glowinski (64), Jon Feliciano (76), Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Ben Bredeson (68), Mark Glowinski (64), Jon Feliciano (76)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Julian Love (20)
Adoree' Jackson (22), Aaron Robinson (33), Nick Williams (93), Tae Crowder (48), Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Dexter Lawrence (97), Justin Ellis (71)
Micah McFadden (41), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Tanner Hudson (88), Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Daniel Jones (8)
David Sills V (13), Daniel Bellinger (82), Tanner Hudson (88)
Saquon Barkley (26), Sterling Shepard (3)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Saquon Barkley (26), Matt Breida (31)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26), Sterling Shepard (3)
Jihad Ward (55)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Saquon Barkley (26)
Nick Williams (93), Oshane Ximines (53), Julian Love (20)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Nick Williams (93), Oshane Ximines (53), Julian Love (20)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Julian Love (20), Cor'Dale Flott (28)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26), Jon Feliciano (76)
Richie James (80)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Nick McCloud (44), Julian Love (20)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Evan Neal (73)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Gary Brightwell (23), Matt Breida (31)
Darius Slayton (86)
Evan Neal (73)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Dexter Lawrence (97), Tae Crowder (48)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Xavier McKinney (29), Darnay Holmes (30)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Darius Slayton (86)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dane Belton (24), Jihad Ward (55)
Jihad Ward (55)
Justin Ellis (71)
Jaylon Smith (54), Adoree' Jackson (22), Julian Love (20)
Chris Myarick (85), Chris Myarick (85), Oshane Ximines (53), Cam Brown (47), Gary Brightwell (23)
Julian Love (20)
Micah McFadden (41), Dane Belton (24). Julian Love (20), Fabian Moreau (37)
Jihad Ward (55), Tae Crowder (48), Micah McFadden (41)
Dexter Lawrence (97), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Tyrod Taylor (2), Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8), Ben Bredeson (68)
Daniel Jones (8)
Xavier McKinney (29), Fabian Moreau (37)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8), Daniel Bellinger (82)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Daniel Jones (8), Daniel Bellinger (82)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Jon Feliciano (76), Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Chris Myarick (85), David Sills V (13)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Saquon Barkley (26), Jon Feliciano (76)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Carter Coughlin (52), Jason Pinnock (27), Cam Brown (47), Jamie Gillan (6)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Jihad Ward (55)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Julian Love (20)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Julian Love (20), Micah McFadden (41)
Jihad Ward (55), Henry Mondeaux (96)
Jihad Ward (55), D.J. Davidson (98)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Saquon Barkley (26), Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Jihad Ward (55)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22), Oshane Ximines (53)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Julian Love (20)
Micah McFadden (41), Dane Belton (24), Julian Love (20)
Micah McFadden (41), Dane Belton (24), Julian Love (20), Jihad Ward (55)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Micah McFadden (41), Dane Belton (24), Julian Love (20)
Micah McFadden (41), Dane Belton (24), Julian Love (20)
Micah McFadden (41), Dane Belton (24), Julian Love (20)
Rodney Hampton during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Harry Carson and Leonard Marshall during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Samantha Morris gets emotional with her dad Joe Morris during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Kyle Rote Jr during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Rodney Hampton during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Rodney Hampton gets a hand shake from his son during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Otis Anderson walks the blue carpet to receive his Ring of Honor jacket during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Ronnie Barnes receives his ring of honor jacket from Brad Daluiso during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Otis Anderson walks the blue carpet to receive his Ring of Honor jacket during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Rodney Hampton walks the blue carpet to receive his Ring of Honor jacket during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Leonard Marshall walks the blue carpet to receive his Ring of Honor jacket during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Julian Love (20)
Matt Breida (31)
Ronnie Bones walks the blue carpet to receive his Ring of Honor jacket during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Kyle Rote Jr. walks up to receive his fathers Ring of Honor Jacket during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) intercepts a pass during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) intercepts a pass during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Julian Love (20)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) intercepts a pass during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Evan Neal (73)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Dane Belton (24), Xavier McKinney, Tae Crowder (48)
Nick Williams (93)
Daniel Jones (8)
ryder anderson
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Ben Bredeson (68)
Justin Ellis (71), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Bob Papa speaks during the ring of honor ceremony during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
David Sills V (13), Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Leonard Williams (99), Xavier McKinney (29), Jaylon Smith (54)
Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Saquon Barkley (26), Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (9) kicks a field goal during the first half an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Wan'Dale Robinson
Fabian Moreau (37)
David Sills V (13)
Adoree' Jackson, Leonard Williams (99), Landon Collins (21)
Adoree' Jackson, Dane Belton (24)
Daniel Jones (8), Andrew Thomas (78)
Saquon Barkley (26), Matt Breida (31)
Julian Love (20), Darnay Holmes (30)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Darnay Holmes (30), Tae Crowder (48), Xavier McKinney (29), Nick Williams (93)
Daniel Jones (8)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Mark Glowinski (64), Tyre Phillips (79), Jon Feliciano (76), Andrew Thomas (78)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Daniel Jones (8), Casey Kreiter (58), Cam Brown (47), Graham Gano (9)
Darius Slayton (86)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Nick Williams (93), Jihad Ward (55), Adoree' Jackson (22), Julian Love (20)
Nick McCloud (44)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Darius Slayton (86), Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Wan'Dale Robinson
Darius Slayton Wan'Dale Robinson
Matt Breida
Darius Slayton
Daniel Jones (8)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Mark Glowinski (64), Saquon Barkley (26), Tanner Hudson (88)
Tomon Fox (49)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Wan'Dale Robinson (17), Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Jones (8), Saquon Barkley (26)
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
Andrew Thomas (78), Lawrence Cager (83), Tyre Phillips (79), Daniel Jones (8), Jamie Gillan (6), Chris Myarick (85)
Julian Love (20), Fabian Moreau (37)
Jihad Ward (55)
Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
Julian Love (20)
Nick Williams (93)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Daniel Jones (8), Tanner Hudson (88)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Dane Belton (24)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Jason Pinnock (27)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Jon Feliciano (76)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Daniel Jones (8), Daniel Bellinger (82)
Xavier McKinney (29), Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Saquon Barkley Mark Glowinski Daniel Bellinger
Jihad Ward (55)
Leonard Williams (99)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Daniel Jones
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Nick Williams (93), Oshane Ximines (53), Julian Love (20)
Daniel Jones (8), Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Landon Collins (21)
Jihad Ward (55)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Jihad Ward (55)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22), Oshane Ximines (53)
Cam Brown (47)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Darius Slayton (86)
Xavier McKinney (29), Fabian Moreau (37)
Jon Feliciano (76), Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Carter Coughlin (52), Jason Pinnock (27), Cam Brown (47), Jamie Gillan (6)
Daniel Jones (8)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Xavier McKinney (29), Adoree' Jackson (22)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Xavier McKinney
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday October 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday December 4, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
Jason Pinnock
Jason Pinnock
Saquon Barkley
Tyre Phillips
Graham Gano Jamie Gillan
Matt Breida (31)
Dexter Lawrence Leonard Williams Oshane Ximines
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Julian Love
Jihad Ward
Darnay Holmes Jaylon Smith
Dexter Lawrence
Gary Brightwell (23)
Saquon Barkley
Jaylon Smith
Saquon Barkley
Daniel Jones (8)
Jihad Ward (55)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams
Daniel Jones
Landon Collins (21) Tony Jefferson (36) Zyon Gilbert (38) Leonard Williams (99) Xavier McKinney (29)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Lawrence Cager, Kenny Golladay
Azeez Ojulari (51) Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Landon Collins (21)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Gary Brightwell (23)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Graham Gano (9)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Micah McFadden (41)
Tony Jefferson (36)
Vernon Butler (91)
Ryder Anderson (90)
Nick McCloud (44)
Tony Jefferson (36)
Zyon Gilbert (38) Gary Brightwell (23)
Jason Pinnock (27)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Landon Collins (21)
Marcus Johnson (84)
Richie James (80)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Jihad Ward (55), Leonard Williams (99)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Zyon Gilbert (38)
Xavier McKinney (29) Dexter Lawrence (97)
Zyon Gilbert (38) Tony Jefferson (36)
Daniel Jones (8)
Richie James (80)
Isaiah Hodgins
Oshane Ximines (53)
Saquon Barkley (26), Daniel Jones (8)
Jason Pinnock (27)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Adoree' Jackson (22), Dane Belton (24)
Leonard Williams (99)
Graham Gano (9)
Matt Breida (31)
Landon Collins (21)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Darius Slayton (86)
Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Richie James (80)
Jamie Gillan (6)
Darius Slayton (86)
Jaylon Smith (54), Darnay Holmes (30)
Henry Mondeaux (96), Oshane Ximines (53)
Gary Brightwell (23)
Darius Slayton (86)
Julian Love (20)
Daniel Jones (8)
Richie James (80)
Richie James (80)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Daniel Jones (8)
Richie James (80)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Landon Collins (21)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Leonard Williams (99)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Gary Brightwell (23)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Darnay Holmes (30),
Jamie Gillan (6)
Jihad Ward (55)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Nick McCloud (44)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Evan Neal (73)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Darius Slayton (86)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Gary Brightwell (23)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Ryder Anderson (90)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Micah McFadden (41)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Darius Slayton (86)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Daniel Jones (8)
Nick McCloud (44)
Tony Jefferson (36), Zyon Gilbert (38)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Daniel Jones (8)
Tyre Phillips (79), Evan Neal (73)
Darius Slayton (86)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Gary Brightwell (23)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Darnay Holmes (30), Julian Love (20)
Julian Love (20)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Richie James (80)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Chris Myarick (85)
Richie James (80)
Gary Brightwell (23)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Jaylon Smith (54), Tony Jefferson (36), Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Tony Jefferson (36), Darnay Holmes (30)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Azeez Ojulari (51), Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Saquon Barkley (26), Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Nick McCloud (44)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Micah McFadden (41)
Oshane Ximines (53), Jaylon Smith (54), Dexter Lawrence (97), Micah McFadden (41), Leonard Williams (99)
Fabian Moreau (37)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Pinnock (27) during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Saquon Barkley (26)
New York Giants cornerback Rodarius Williams (25) intercepts a pass during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) and Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday November 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants wide receiver Richie James (80) makes a catch during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday November 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants center Nick Gates (65) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants tight end Nick Vannett (89) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) makes a touchdown catch during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday December 4, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the ball during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants cornerback Fabian Moreau (37) during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday December 4, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday December 4, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants running back Gary Brightwell (23)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Leonard Williams (99)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Jihad Ward (55)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Jihad Ward (55)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Jamie Gillan (6) Graham Gano (9)
Lawrence Cager (83) HC Brian Daboll
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
HC Brian Daboll
The offensive play of the year was the two-point conversion to win Week 1 at Tennessee
John Schmeelk: Fact - This play checks all the boxes and ended up winning the game for the Giants. It got the season off to a strong start against a team that was the defending top seed in the AFC. The play itself featured an upper-echelon move by Saquon Barkley to avoid a player in the backfield and run it in for a touchdown. It also proved to the players that Brian Daboll's approach to the game wasn't all talk, and he would make calls that reflected the way he told the team he would coach. It was a very important play to set the stage for a successful season.
Lance Medow: Fiction - Week 1 feels like ages ago. It's almost as if that was a completely different season. The Saquon Barkley two-point conversion was a nice early momentum swing but let's go to Week 5 in London against the Packers, when they ran a double end around near the goal line and Daniel Bellinger ran for a TD despite an option to throw. It's easy to overlook as it happened early in the game and Giants were trailing by two touchdowns; but creativeness, execution and decision-making were on point and, most important, the play put points on the board.
Matt Citak: Fact – Brian Daboll's decision to go for two and the win during the season opener not only gave the Giants a victory to start the season, but it laid the foundation for the entire year. Daboll showed his team that he would be aggressive and, perhaps more importantly, he showed that he was willing to put his trust in his players to make big plays when the team needed it most. The players spoke in the locker room after the game about how much it meant that the new head coach put his trust in them. The whole team seemed to rally around that decision, which helped them jump out to a stellar 6-1 start. A 2-yard gain may not sound like it deserves to be called the offensive play of the year, but it was certainly the most impactful offensive play this season.
Dexter Lawrence had the most dominant defensive performance by a Giant over the past 10 seasons.
John Schmeelk: Fact – Jason Pierre-Paul's 2014 performance with 12.5 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and 16 tackles for loss is in the conversation here from a statistical standpoint. Landon Collins' 2016 season could also be in consideration here given the success of the team and his five interceptions paired with 100 tackles. But those performances did not leave you in awe or force you to marvel at their play as Dexter Lawrence's efforts did this season. It's hard to dominate in the center of the defensive line with so many bodies around you, yet Lawrence did it in nearly every game. The Giants do not win a playoff game this year without him. His constant presence in the lap of opposing quarterbacks changed the way opponents could play the Giants. He only had 7.5 sacks, but he finished the season with 28 quarterback hits. PFF tracked Lawrence with the second most pressures (68) amongst interior defensive linemen (behind only Chris Jones). At 340 pounds, that's ludicrous. He was also a terror against the run in the center of the line. Lawrence was probably the best player on the Giants this season and he deserves every compliment he gets.
Lance Medow: Fact - The other two strong candidates are Markus Golden in 2019, when he had 10 sacks and 27 quarterback hits and Leonard Williams in 2020, when he collected 11.5 sacks and 30 QB hits. While both had standout performances, it's hard to remember as many disruptive plays as Dexter Lawrence had throughout this year. It seemed as if almost every contest, Lawrence came through with some significant game-changing moment – and this goes way beyond his 7.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits. Even on plays when he didn't receive credit for one of those stats, he still seemed to do something to create opportunities for teammates.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Dexter Lawrence had a phenomenal season and was one of the NFL's biggest breakout players. Despite his strong performance throughout the entire season, his 2022 campaign does not quite compare to Landon Collins' 2016 season. Collins' stat line from that season is crazy: 125 total tackles (100 solo), five interceptions, 13 passes defensed, and four sacks. He became the first player in NFL history to have more than 100 tackles and two sacks to go with at least five interceptions and 12 pass breakups. Collins was named First-Team All-Pro, finished third for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year at the 101 Awards. His performance led to him being ranked 28th in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017, voted on by his peers.
