The Giants will return from their bye week with one of the best records in the NFC at 6-2.
The week off comes at a good time for Brian Daboll's squad. The Giants went on the road for three of their last four games, including two long flights to London and Seattle. They will return after the bye with back-to-back home games against the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions. In fact, four of their next five games will take place at MetLife Stadium.
Here are five players to watch on each side of the ball in the second half of the season.
QB Daniel Jones
Jones leads the NFL with five game-winning drives heading into Week 9. His current completion percentage of 65 percent would be a career-high, while his four total turnovers puts him on pace for the fewest in his four-year NFL career. Jones hasn't been asked to really sling the ball yet this season, as he is averaging just under 175 passing yards per game with only six passing touchdowns. His 363 rushing yards rank third among quarterbacks (behind Lamar Jackson and Justin Fields), while his three rushing scores are tied for the second-most at the position.
"We're all excited," Jones said about the team's start. "It's been fun to win, it's been fun to play well, and pull out some of these games down the stretch. We appreciate the position we're in, we're enjoying that but there's a lot of work to do. I don't think anyone is satisfied with where we are. I think we understand, like I said earlier, we understand there's a lot still out there for us, there's a lot we still need to do if we want to be the team that we think we're capable of being."
RB Saquon Barkley
Now two years removed from the ACL injury that forced him to miss most of the 2020 campaign, Barkley looks to be back to his elite self. The talented running back has played at least 80 percent of the offensive snaps in each game, while his 191 total touches lead the NFL. Going into Week 9, Barkley ranks second in all-purpose yards at 968, only 14 yards behind Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill for the most in the league. Barkley's 97.4 rushing yards per game would easily shatter his previous career-high of 81.7 yards per game. The fifth-year back has also caught a team-high 28 receptions for 189 yards.
"It's really important to reset," said Barkley about the bye week. "It's a great time to look back at what we did so far, what we accomplished in the first half of the season. Learn from the good, learn from the bad, use that to get ready for the second half of the season and come out with the right mindset. At the end of the day you want to win every single game, but being 6-2, there's a lot of good out of that, but there's also a lot we can learn from it to be the team we want to be."
WR Wan'Dale Robinson
Robinson missed four games due to a knee injury suffered in the season opener. In his first game back, he had three receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens. The following week, he reeled in six passes for 50 yards. Coming out of the bye, Robinson should be one of the team's leading receivers for the remainder of the year.
LT Andrew Thomas
Barkley's numbers are the flashiest, while Jones' game-winning drives might look the most impressive on paper. But neither would be possible without the stellar play from Thomas. The left tackle has been one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL this season, and perhaps one of the top overall players. On 308 pass block snaps, Thomas has yet to surrender a sack and has allowed only one quarterback hit and nine total pressures. Jones called Thomas one of the top tackles in the league on Monday, and rightfully so.
"He's playing at an unbelievable level," Jones said about the left tackle. "I think when you compare him to guys across the league, I think he's the best. If not, he's certainly in that top two or there. He's playing at an unbelievable level and that's huge for us on offense. It's huge for me as a quarterback and being able to count on him playing at that level down after down, game after game. He's been huge for us. He deserves a lot of credit, certainly. It's no surprise to us, he comes to work every day. I think even last year he was playing at a really high level. He had some injury stuff; he was going in and out a little bit and that made it tough on him. He's a heck of a player for sure."
OL Nick Gates
Gates' comeback has been one of the feel-good stories in the NFL this season. 410 days after suffering a gruesome leg injury that at one point was thought to possibly be career-ending, Gates made his return to the field on Sunday and played five offensive snaps against the Seahawks. He played exclusively as an extra offensive lineman in some jumbo packages and helped lead the way for Barkley's 1-yard touchdown run. Gates could fight for time at one of the normal five positions on the O-line in the second half of the season.
"That was a great moment I think for us, and definitely for him," Thomas said about Gates' return. "Seeing him in practice was a great feeling for us earlier the past few weeks but seeing him on game day getting a chance to get out there and be on the field again is a great thing."
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
DL Dexter Lawrence
While Thomas has been the most dominant player on offense, Lawrence earns that recognition on defense. Eight games into the season, the defensive lineman already has four sacks, 11 quarterback hits and one forced fumble, all of which matches his previous career-high marks which came across 16 games. Lawrence has been the team's most effective pass rusher, as his four sacks are more than twice as many as the next highest (Oshane Ximines has two) while his 26 total pressures are nine more than Kayvon Thibodeaux, who ranks second on the unit with 17. Lawrence has been doing this while playing some of the highest snap totals of his young career.
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
Thibodeaux has the second-most total pressures on the team with 17, and that's with him missing the first two games of the season. The rookie outside linebacker has played at least 74 percent of the team's defensive snaps in each of the last five games. He had the highlight of his rookie season in Week 6, when he strip-sacked Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and the defense recovered to seal the victory. Thibodeaux will likely benefit from the eventual return of fellow outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (calf), who has played in only two games this season.
LB Jaylon Smith
Smith was brought back to the team on Sept. 20 when he was signed to the practice squad. Less than two weeks later, he was signed to the active roster and has seen a good amount of playing time ever since. The veteran linebacker has played at least 65 percent of the team's defensive snaps in three of the last four weeks, including a season-high 84 percent in Week 8. In his five games (three starts), Smith has recorded 26 total tackles (14 solo) with one tackle for loss and will likely continue playing a big role in the middle of the defense.
CB Adoree' Jackson
Jackson entered the season as the team's No. 1 cornerback, the first time in his career he began a year as the top guy in the room. The 27-year-old has performed admirably in the role, breaking up five passes and totaling 43 tackles (34 solo) and two tackles for loss. Jackson made the defensive play of the game against the Seahawks when he stripped wide receiver Tyler Lockett of the football on Seattle's own 2 and recovered it himself, setting up the Giants' lone touchdown of the day. Jackson and veteran Fabian Moreau have been a solid duo on the outside.
"For us, it's just go back to the lab on Monday when we get back, figure out the things we need to correct and try to get our minds away from it, but still stay locked in," Jackson said after Sunday's loss. "But at the same time, get our bodies together, get our minds right so we can get ready for the second half of the season."
S Julian Love
Love has been all over the field through the first eight games. In his first year as a team captain, the 24-year-old leads the team with 58 total tackles (37 solo) and has shown a very strong ability to finish off plays. Love has also registered one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and two passes defensed. He picked off Lamar Jackson in the fourth quarter of the Week 6 matchup, which led to the game-winning touchdown. Love has lined up all across the defense with snaps on the D-line, in the box, at slot corner, wide corner and free safety, in addition to some snaps on special teams. Love has taken a step in his development this year and will look to keep it going in the second half.
"As long as we just continue to do the important things, which is take care of the football, take the football away, stop the run, get our running offense going, play complementary football. If we do all that – regardless of the score – we're going to win games," Love said before the bye week. "That's what it's kind of been for us. Yeah, we want to be winning by more and all that stuff, but at the end of the day, if we win by one or we win by 30, a 'W' is a 'W.' That's kind of been our mindset. Is it sustainable? Yeah, because it's really based off of all the fundamentals of being successful at football. That's kind of what Dabs harps on each day."
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