Darius Slayton makes PFF's team of the week after explosive performance
Darius Slayton got his season off on a strong note in Week 1. Going up against a tough Steelers defense, the second-year receiver reeled in six passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns, including one from 41 yards out, the Giants' longest offensive play of the season.
Slayton was held in check from Weeks 2 through 4, catching three passes in each contest for a total of 134 yards and no touchdowns. But last week against the Cowboys, the former fifth-round pick exploded for a huge day.
Slayton was targeted 11 times in Dallas, catching eight of those passes for 129 yards. Among those eight catches, seven of them resulted in first downs while none went for less than nine yards, resulting in an average of 16.1 yards per catch.
According to Pro Football Focus, Slayton forced four missed tackles against the Cowboys, helping him earn the second-highest overall grade (91.6) among all wide receivers from the analytics site last week.
Slayton's performance led to him being named to PFF's Week 5 team of the week. His 76.7 overall grade on the season now ranks 22nd among all wide receivers.
Other quick notes from PFF
James Bradberry continues to shine in the secondary. The veteran corner limited Cowboys WR Amari Cooper to one catch for eight yards, earning a 77.9 overall grade on the day. His 85.7 overall grade for the season ranks second among all cornerbacks.
Markus Golden saw significant action for the first time this season, playing 86 percent of the defensive snaps. He led the team with four pressures and added a half-sack and two quarterback hits.
Inside the Numbers: Graham Gano's impressive start
Graham Gano's only missed field goal attempt of the season prevented him from owning a quirky distinction in NFL history.
On the final play of the first half in Chicago on Sept. 27, Gano's 57-yard try was wide left. If the ball had split the uprights, Gano would share the record for the longest field goal in Giants history; Aldrick Rosas kicked a 57-yarder against the Bears in MetLife Stadium on Dec. 2, 2018.
Had that happened, Gano would have been the only kicker with the longest field goal for a franchise and the longest three-pointer against that same team. On Oct. 7, 2018, his 63-yard field goal with one second remaining gave the Carolina Panthers a 33-31 victory against the Giants. By two yards, it is the longest field goal ever kicked against the Giants.
Of course, Gano's impressive start to his first Giants season suggests he still has a good chance to accomplish that unique double.
His 13 field goals in 14 attempts are tied for the league's third-highest total and his .929 success rate is tied for second among kickers with more at least 12 attempts. Gano's 14 tries tied him with three other kickers for second in the NFL.
Of course, one reason for his numerous attempts is the Giants' lack of touchdowns. They have scored only six and tried two-point conversions after two of them. Gano's four extra points are the fewest among the top 32 kickers listed in this week's official NFL statistics.
Gano's 43 points place him eighth in the NFL and are the most by a Giants kicker through five games since Josh Brown scored 50 points in 2015.
But the real reason Gano is a threat to tie or exceed Rosas' record is his demonstrated success with the long ball. He has succeeded on four of five attempts from 50 or more yards, missing only the aforementioned 57-yard try. Gano has kicked three-pointers from 52, 55, 50 and 54 yards. His four 50-plus-yard field goals tie the Giants' single-season record – with 11 games remaining. The mark is held by Brown in 2014 and Rosas in 2017.
View photos from the Week 5 matchup between the Giants and Cowboys in Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass to running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) under pressure from New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks an extra point as punter Riley Dixon (9) holds during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting the pass in front of Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) celebrates after a touchdown with offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (75) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting the pass in front of Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to throw on a roll out during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) sprints to the end zone for a touchdown after catching a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daryl Worley (28) is unable to stop New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) from scoring a touchdown after catching a pass in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants' Blake Martinez (54) gives escort as linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) returns an interception thrown by Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott (4) for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) is upended by the combined stop of New York Giants' James Bradberry, top right, and safety Adrian Colbert, bottom right, as Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (13) looks on in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) and defensive end Aldon Smith (58) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Head Coach Joe Judge picked up his first win as a head coach in this Week 5 victory over the Cowboys.
New York Giants punter Riley Dixon (9) and place kicker Graham Gano (5) celebrate a field goal kicked by Gano in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
RB Devonta Freeman scored his first touchdown as a Giant, registering 60 yards on 17 carries while adding two receptions for 27 yards.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) pursues New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) who gains yardage after a catch in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants' Casey Kreiter (58), place kicker Graham Gano (5) and punter Riley Dixon (9) celebrate a field goal kicked by Gano in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end B.J. Hill (95) and outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a 50-yard field as punter Riley Dixon (9) holds during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) looks for running room as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) defends in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) prepares for the snap from center Nick Gates (65) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman (22) carries the ball as Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) makes a tackle during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
WR Darius Slayton led the team with eight receptions for 129 yards.
OLB Kyler Fackrell finished the game with 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended, 1 quarterback hit and an interception which he returned 46 yards for a touchdown.
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks the ball on a kickoff during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) is seen on the field during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) reacts during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches a 2-point conversion pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches a 2-point conversion pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants punter Riley Dixon (9), place kicker Graham Gano (5) and offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (75) celebrate a field goal kicked by Gano in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches a pass for a two-point conversion in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Levine Toilolo (85) and Nick Gates (65) celebrate with Andrew Thomas (78) who caught a pass for a two-point conversion in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) tackles New York Giants running back Dion Lewis (33) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) celebrates kicking a field goal as punter Riley Dixon (9) stands by in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Joe Judge Report: Breaking down film with Coach
Check out the video below to watch a new episode of the Joe Judge Report, where the head coach uses the telestrator to break down film, including some big plays from Week 5 in Dallas.
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