The Giants did not have time to dwell on Sunday night's big victory, as they were quickly back at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center preparing for this weekend's Christmas Eve matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings offer Brian Daboll's team another tough challenge. Kevin O'Connell's squad currently sits in the NFC's No. 2 seed at 11-3, and are fresh off the largest comeback in NFL history. Minnesota erased a 33-point deficit in the second half to pick up a 39-36 win in overtime against the Indianapolis Colts.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey met with the media Wednesday ahead of this weekend's contest.
Here are five things we learned:
1. 'Fun to watch' healthy defensive front
It's hard to believe but last weekend's game was the first of the year that the Giants had its entire starting defensive front. Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari were available against the Commanders, and the results followed. The foursome combined for two sacks, six quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, in addition to consistent pressure in the face of Taylor Heinicke. Having all four available seems to have unlocked a new level to Wink Martindale's pass rush.
"If Leo's not out there, there's four hands going on Dex all the time," said the defensive coordinator. "Now, they got to deal with Leo on the other side being a single block guy. I think that creates issues plus with what you said with the guys on the edges. The thing that's beautiful about the guys on the edges is the relationship they have with (OLB coach) Drew (Wilkins). And it's like they have a mindset that they're always trying to improve. That's exciting when you have two guys that are 22-years-old on the edge, and they're looking to get better every day. They have that growth mindset, if you will, those outside backers. And then the inside guys, they're having a lot of fun. When Dex and Leo are playing together, you can see they have fun playing together. And it's fun to watch."
While the front as a whole played at a high level, the star of the night was Thibodeaux. The rookie outside linebacker registered a career-high 12 tackles (nine solo), including three tackles for loss, and had the play of the day with his strip-sack of Heinicke which he recovered and ran into the end zone for a touchdown. His performance earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.
"It was fun to watch," Martindale said about the No. 5 overall pick. "I keep telling you all this: He's working on the little things. He's getting better every week. I think that was an accumulation of all the work that he's done. Like I said, it was a lot of fun to watch…
"Obviously the sack, strip, fumble for a touchdown, was a huge play for us. But an even bigger play, I thought, was when he was in coverage and came out of his coverage when the quarterback started scrambling. He tackled him on the 1-yard line down there. That was a huge play for us. We always talk about (how) there's going to be big plays in this game. Both sides of the football get paid. Just get him down to give us a chance to stand. There is no play more evident than that one that he gave us a place to stand, and we were able to come up with the stop."
2. DJ 'always looking for ways to improve'
During Sunday night's win over the Commanders, the Giants offense put together their most impressive drive of the season. Daniel Jones led the unit on an 18-play, 97-yard drive that took over 8:30 off the clock toward the end of the first half and resulted in Saquon Barkley's 3-yard touchdown run. Jones completed 10 of 12 passes for 91 yards on that drive as he displayed poise in the pocket and converted a 3rd-and9 and 4th-and-9.
"Daniel did a nice job on that drive," said Mike Kafka. "There were some really big conversions, but I think overall the offense just executed really well. We had to overcome a couple of second and longs, a couple of third-and-longs, and those guys hung in there and executed when we needed them to."
Through 14 games, Jones leads all starting quarterbacks with just four interceptions and an interception ratio of 1.0 percent. The fourth-year quarterback is set to make his career-best 15th start this weekend, and up until this point has registered new career-marks in completion percentage (66.0 percent) and passer rating (90.5). Jones has also rushed for a career-high 583 yards and five touchdowns. It's safe to say the 25-year-old signal-caller has left Kafka impressed in their one season together.
"Everyday, Daniel, he comes to work. Whether it's in the classroom, he just sat in there with the install, asking questions, and then on the field he's working his butt off, too," said the offensive coordinator. "It's great for him, he's always looking for ways to improve, no matter what day it is. Whether it's future, past, whatever, he's always looking for ways to improve his game. Asking on how certain people did certain ways and bouncing ideas off of Dabs, (quarterbacks coach) Shea (Tierney), myself, and the other quarterbacks. So, he's always looking for ways to learn and grow. That's one of the things I love about him."
3. Trust in Gano
Graham Gano has easily been one of the Giants' most consistent players since he joined the team prior to the 2020 season. Over the last three years, Gano has connected on 91.3 percent of his field goal attempts (84 of 92), including a franchise-record 19 field goals from 50+ yards (the next highest is Joe Danelo with nine). Two of those came Sunday night, when Gano twice extended the Giants' lead to eight with kicks from 50.
Although successfully kicking a field goal from 50+ yards is an impressive feat, it comes with plenty of risk. If the kicker misses, the other team is set up with great field position close to midfield. Luckily for the Giants, they have a kicker they can trust to give them an honest assessment of the situation before they attempt a long field goal.
"That's the hardest thing because the kicker is going to always tell you I can make it," said Thomas McGaughey. "You have to be realistic in the moment and you got to be smart. Look at the situation. Where are we in the game? What's the score? Knowing that, okay if I miss this kick – the field position. You got to be smart in how you do it and we trust Graham. Graham knows. He knows his range and he knows the situations as they come up."
Gano has seven field goals from 50+ yards this season, tying the franchise record and his career high (2021). It also ranks fourth in the NFL, tied with Baltimore's Justin Tucker and Denver's Brandon McManus. Gano ranks within the top 10 in several kicking categories this year, which is even more impressive when considering the less than ideal kicking conditions he deals with playing at MetLife Stadium.
"His numbers speak for themselves, I think," McGaughey said. "He's been to the Pro Bowl before. If you look at him, he's 7-8 from 50 yards and that's hard to do kicking in the northeast. It's one thing to do it in a dome or in the south where it's 75-80 degrees or you got a controlled environment like a dome. It's a whole other thing to do it here in the northeast. It just takes a different animal. Graham is a hell of a player, he's a great pro, and if he doesn't make the Pro Bowl, he's not going to cry – he'll be alright. Obviously, you want your guys to do well, but if it doesn't happen, it is what it is but he'll continue to keep being great."
View rare photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is interviewed by Terry Bradshaw after winning the NFC championship game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giant's quarterback Fran Tarkenton looks for a down-field receiver as he gets set to pass while being chased by Minnesota Viking's Jim Marshall in first half of National Football League game in Twin Cities on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1967 in Minneapolis. Tarkenton threw three touchdown passes to give him total of 19 touchdown passes for the season, best in the NFL. (AP Photo)
Vikings running back Oscar Reed, 32, is stopped on the two yard line by N.Y. Giants line backer Jim Files, 58, and defensive tackle Jim Kanicki, 73, during third quarter action at New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1971. (AP Photo/ Harry Harris
Fran Tarkenton, N.Y. Giants' quarterback, begins first quarter completed pass to fullback Allen Jacobs in NFL exhibition game against the Vikings, Aug. 22, 1967 in New Haven, Ct. The Vikings are Tarkenton?s former team. (AP Photo)
Vikings tight end John Hilton (85) misses a long pass from quarterback Gary Cuozzo, not shown, during third quarter action at Yankee Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 31, 1971, New York. Defending for the N.Y. Giants are defensive back Carl Lockhart (43) and Scott Eaton (20). (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Minnesota Viking?s pass receiver Bill Brown (30) holds hands out but ball bounces off his helmet as New York Giant?s defender Bill Swain (52) watches Brown during first half of National Football League game in Twin Cities at Minneapolis, on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1967. Viking quarterback Joe Kapp attempted the pass. Minnesota downed New York, 27-24. (AP Photo/RW)
Minnesota Vikings Herschel Walker rushes for yardage against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 30, 1989. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings running back Herschel Walker (34) leaps over a fallen teammate during an NFL football game against the New York Giants in November 1989. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants end Leonard Marshall celebrates his second quarter sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Krammer in Monday's 24-14 win at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 31, 1989. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, left, hugs backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler after Hostetler handed off for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their 24-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 31, 1989. The two were instrumental in the come-from-behind win. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler rushes for yardage as he is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Mike Merriweather in the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey Monday, Oct. 31, 1989. Hostetler came off the bench to substitute for injured Phil Simms to lead the Giants over the Vikings 24-14. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during a 17 - 10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on Jan. 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms looks to handoff during the Giants 17-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on January 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Warren Moon, left, fights New York Giants right end Michael Strahan, center, after Moon fumbled during first period action of their NFL game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994. Giants cornerback Phillippi Sparks (22) is at right. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms sets to pass during the Giants 17-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on January 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Minnesota Vikings running back Terry Allen (21) is set to recover a fumble by Vikings quarterback Warren Moon, right, as New York Giants left end Keith Hamilton (75) watches during first period action of their NFL game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings Cris Carter laterals the ball as he is hit by New York Giants Everson Walls, left, and Myron Guyton in the third quarter of play at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 9, 1990. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants head coach Dan Reeves, left, congratulates linebacker Lawrence Taylor after the last defensive series of the NFC playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, Sunday, Jan. 9, 1994. The Giants won 17-10 and will face the San Francisco 49ers next. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter (80) during an 2000 NFC Championship NFL game on January 14, 2001. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants fullback Greg Comella (34) celebrates with wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) after making a touchdown during an NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (84) catches a pass for a touchdown during an NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) carries against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Championship game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday January 14, 2001. The Giants meet the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV Sunday Jan. 28, 2001 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter is stopped by New York Giants linebackers Mike Barrow, left rear, and Jessie Armstead (98), and safety Shaun Williams (36) during the fourth quarter of the NFC championship Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants reached their first Super Bowl in a decade with a 41-0 romp past the Vikings, the biggest rout in NFC championship history. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper (11) is sacked by New York Giants' Cedric Jones (94) during the second quarter of the NFC championship Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) leaves behind Minnesota Vikings cornerback Denard Walker, left, and linebacker Greg Biekert (54) as he runs into the end zone on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Giants quarterback Kerry Collins during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003. At rear is Giants tackle Ian Allen. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, left, throws the ball as he is pressured by New York Giants' Bryan Kehl, left, Dave Tollefson (71) and Jerome McDougle (95) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants linebacker Kevin Lewis (59) fends off Minnesota Vikings running back Mewelde Moore, left, as he returns a fumble by Moore for 16 yards during the first quarter in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. The Giants beat the Vikings 34-13. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) finds his way through a pack of players on a 5-yard touchdown run during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants wide receiver Willie Ponder (87) evades Minnesota Vikings linebacker Raonall Smith, left, and cornerback Brian Williams (29) on a 3-yard gain during the first quarter in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings' Brian Russell (27) and Chris Claiborne tackle New York Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (82) as he pulls in a five-yard pass from Kurt Warner. The catch set up a two-yard touchdown run by Michael Cloud in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004 in Minneapolis. The Giants beat the Vikings 34-13. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Laroni Gallishaw, left, holds on to the towel of New York Giants running back Tiki Barber as he slips past in the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) breaks a tackle by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Ralph Brown as he gains 48 yards on a pass play during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) pulls in a 23-yard pass from quarterback David Carr in front of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, left, during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Minneapolis on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. The Vikings beat the Giants 20-19. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs upfield for a 14-yard gain in the first quarter as the Minnesota Vikings' C.J. Mosley, left, and Spencer Johnson, right, defend at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New York Giants' Damane Duckett, top center, gets a hand up to block a kick by the Minnesota Vikings' Paul Edinger at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson, right is pressured by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Vikings beat the Giants 24-21. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Will Allen, left, breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Minnesota Vikings' Randy Moss, right, in the first quarter Monday night, Nov. 19, 2001 in Minneapolis. Allen was charged with pass interference, setting up Moss for a 28-yard touchdown pass from Vikings Daunte Culpepper on the next play. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Monday October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York won 23-7. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
The New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings meet during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is brought down by New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) in the first half of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Minnesota Vikings offensive line lines up against the New York Giants defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 49-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp (22) pulls on New York Giants wide receiver Ramses Barden's (13) jersey during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 3: Defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants jumps on running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings for a tackle at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 3, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 3: Defensive end Osi Umenyoira #72 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 3, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark (55) celebrates after tacking Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in the first quarter during an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) greets Minnesota Vikings Brett Favre after the Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Andy King)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen, right, brings down New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, left, on a kick return during an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs into Minnesota Vikings safety Jamarca Sanford, right (33), and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield in the second quarter as Minnesota Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game in Minneapolis Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.(AP Photo/Andy King)
New York Giants running back Danny Ware (28) carries the ball during the fouth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 against Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Minnesota Vikings' Chris Cook (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) avoids Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) and Josh Robinson (21) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during a week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points out defensive players during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Minnesota Vikings during a week 7 football game on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) breaks up a pass to Minnesota Vikings' Jerome Simpson (81) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason (52) leaps on the back of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) as he runs the ball for a fourth quarter first down during the NFL week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giants won the game 23-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Minnesota Vikings' Chris Cook (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Peyton Hillis (44) rushes as Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) trails the play during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) leaps and makes a one handed interception of a third quarter pass intended for Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) during the NFL week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giants won the game 23-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants tight end Bear Pascoe (86) leaps over Minnesota Vikings' Jamarca Sanford (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
The New York Giants defense takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a touchdown catch in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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 )
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dane Belton (24)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Darius Slayton (86)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Daniel Jones (8)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
tNew York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants cornerback Nick McCloud (44) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Dexter Lawrence (97)
4. Saquon saved his best for last
Saquon Barkley went into last weekend's game in a bit of a rough patch. After rushing for 152 yards against the Texans in Week 10, Barkley totaled 152 yards on the ground in Weeks 11-14. But going up against the Commanders' talented defensive line, the fifth-year running back got back on track with a solid outing. Barkley carried the ball 18 times for 87 yards, good for an average of 4.8 yards per carry, and a touchdown while adding five receptions for 33 yards.
The talented running back saved his best for when it mattered most. After the Giants took over on their own 14- up five with 6:06 left in the fourth quarter, Barkley broke out for runs of 12, 15 and 14 yards to open the drive. Within two minutes, the Giants were on Washington's side of the field to set up Gano's second 50-yard field goal, which brought the lead back to eight.
"Saquon, he played hard," said Kafka. "He did a nice job and I think those are all things we can learn from and grow from. I hate living in the past on that type of stuff, but he did a really nice job and gave us an opportunity to win the game. We've got to find a way to get back to that again this week and have another good week of practice."
5. Closer look at Vikings offense
The Vikings enter Week 16 as a Top-10 scoring offense. Leading the unit is three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has thrown for 3,818 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season. Cousins' favorite target among a talented group is Justin Jefferson. The third-year wide receiver, who was named second-team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons, leads the NFL with 111 receptions for 1,623 yards and has solidified his rank among the NFL's elite playmakers.
"I told the defense that he's one of the top two receivers in this league, and he's not No. 2," said Martindale. "He's had a phenomenal year – their whole offense has. It's one of those things that they throw the ball, and he could be in double or triple coverage, and he still catches it. I know it's fun for the fan to watch. It's not very fun for defensive coordinators."
Veteran Adam Thielen ranks second on the team with 66 receptions for 686 yards and five touchdowns. Not far behind is third-year receiver K.J. Osborn, who is third with 45 receptions for 457 yards and four touchdowns. Osborn is coming off his best game of the season last week when he caught 10 passes for 157 yards and a score. Martindale noted that the defense must get in the face of Cousins throughout the game and can't give him time in the pocket to find his receivers.
"I think that you got to have the right time to hit the pressure, and you got to keep them guessing," the defensive coordinator said. "Like I said, if we just let him sit back there and they block up our front four, we'll be in for a long day because you can only cover them for so long – especially 18 (Justin Jefferson). Let's not forget about Thielen, either. They got three receivers (including Osborn) playing at a very high level."
The Vikings' passing game is rounded out by T.J. Hockenson. The fourth-year tight end was acquired by Minnesota before the trade deadline. In his seven games (five starts) with the Vikings, he has registered 39 receptions for 335 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, while their run game has struggled overall, Dalvin Cook hit 1,000 yards for the fourth consecutive season. He's averaged 4.5 yards per carry on his way to gaining 1,045 yards with eight touchdowns to go with 33 receptions for 265 yards and two scores.
