In this edition of Cover 3, the Giants.com crew reflects on the first season of the Joe Judge era.
John Schmeelk: In the end, the Giants weren't good enough to make the playoffs. With all the talk about the Sunday night game, there was a way the Giants could have made Philadelphia's strategy irrelevant in the grand scheme of things - win seven games.
Ironically, the Giants would have won seven games if they held onto a 21-10 lead at Philadelphia on Oct. 22. On that day, the Giants failed to make enough plays on both sides of the ball to secure the victory they needed against a division opponent that would have given them seven wins and a playoff berth.
It is only one example, but there are others when the Giants could have won another game or two and came up short. Every other NFC East team probably can say the same thing. Washington did enough to win the division and the three other teams did not.
So why were the Giants unable to do that in 2020? In seven of their 10 losses, the Giants scored fewer than 17 points. They surpassed 24 points only twice and never had a 300-yard passer. They finished next to last in the NFL in points and yards per game.
It is impossible to win with any level of consistency, especially against the better teams in the league, when a team cannot generate more points. A young offensive line has to continue to improve in pass protection and the team must get more from their perimeter playmakers. It takes explosive plays to win games and the Giants only had 36 completions of 20+ yards (only the Bengals had fewer). Perhaps this was less of a reflection on Daniel Jones than what was happening around him.
The team seemed to have found something defensively, using a powerful front, multiple safeties and a zone-heavy scheme to slow down opposing offenses. They made teams earn their way up and down the field. Only four teams allowed fewer than the Giants' 43 passes of 20+ yards. Patrick Graham looks like an up-and-comer as a defensive coordinator, and they have a good base to build on.
In what may be the most significant revelation from 2020, the Giants appear to have found a long-term solution at head coach. Joe Judge has taken to the CEO role of a head coach, managing all aspects of the team while letting his assistant coaches run their units. He has a philosophy, is flexible, steady, smart and has an obsessive attention to detail while being able to connect to his players on a personal level.
Judge's vision on how to win is fairly clear. He wants smart, tough players who can handle shifting schemes each week and guys who will win up front. Like the Steelers or Ravens, he wants his team to be the more physical team and to win the trenches when they take the field each week.
As the Giants' front office continue to build the roster, it will be important to keep that in mind when trying to figure out what players they may target in the draft or free agency. The foundation of that identity was built this season, but there is still a lot more work to do.
Re-live the most memorable moments and images from the first year of the Joe Judge era.
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) prepares to snap the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton (28) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts with linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after a defensive play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) gets sacked by New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle B.J. Hill (95) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) is pushed by Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine (24) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
QB Daniel Jones
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) pushes Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) out of bounds during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
San Francisco 49ers' Jordan Reed, right, tries to grab a pass over New York Giants' Logan Ryan during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, center, throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman (22) runs with the ball during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens, center, is sacked by New York Giants Leonard Williams (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) makes a catch during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) during NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett, left, fumbles the ball which would then be recovered by the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) is seen in action during NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) lines up out wide during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson (27) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a reception against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman (22) carries the ball in front of Los Angeles Rams free safety John Johnson (43) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants punter Riley Dixon (9) punts the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants center Nick Gates (65) and offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) block during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/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 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' 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 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 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)
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.
2021: DL Leonard Williams (No. 84)
Head Coach Joe Judge picks up his first win as a head coach.
Leonard Williams (99)
QB Daniel Jones completed 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, adding seven carries for 74 yards.
New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles Washington Football Team's J.D. McKissic (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
WR Darius Slayton caught two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown.
New York Giants' Daniel Jones plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
WR Golden Tate caught just one pass but made it count, taking it 39 yards for a touchdown.
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) makes a catch to score a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Ric Tapia/NFL)
New York Giants' James Bradberry (24) intercepts a pass against Philadelphia Eagles' John Hightower (82) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
New York Giants' Daniel Jones runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Blake Martinez reacts after a missed sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) catches a touchdown pass against Philadelphia Eagles' Darius Slay (24) and Rodney McLeod (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
New York Giants' Logan Ryan (23) celebrates with teammates after the Giants forced a turnover on downs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) celebrates after picking up a fumble during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants' James Bradberry, right, knocks away a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mike Evans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, fends off Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Lavonte David during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) dives with the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants' Golden Tate, right, catches a touchdown in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Sean Murphy-Bunting during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Austin Mack (81) runs down field against Washington Football Team cornerback Ronald Darby (23) in the first half of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates with New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
LB Blake Martinez finished with a team-high 10 tackles (three solo), two passes defended and an interception.
TE Evan Engram recorded five receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown on a team-high 10 targets.
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
RB Alfred Morris carried the ball nine times for 67 yards (7.4 yards per carry) and caught one pass for four yards.
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to runs past Washington Football Team safety Deshazor Everett (22) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Al Drago)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
DB Logan Ryan registered six tackles (five solo), two passes defended, a forced fumble and the game-clinching interception at the end of the fourth quarter.
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) celebrates with long snapper Casey Kreiter (58) and punter Riley Dixon (9) during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman (22) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Philadelphia Eagles' Avonte Maddox (29) tackles New York Giants' Austin Mack (81) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) reacts to a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass in front of Philadelphia Eagles' Avonte Maddox (29) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Golden Tate (15) catches a pass in front of Philadelphia Eagles' Nickell Robey-Coleman during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman (22) jumps over Philadelphia Eagles' Rodney McLeod (23) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
CB James Bradberry registered four solo tackles and two pass breakups.
Logan Ryan (23), Julian Love (20)
Nick Gates (65)
Leonard Williams (99), B.J. Hill (95)
Leonard Williams (99), Kyler Fackrell (51)
Leonard Williams (99), B.J. Hill (95)
Wayne Gallman (22)
Julian Love (20), Logan Ryan (23)
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
Logan Ryan (23)
Dion Lewis (33)
Logan Ryan (23)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Isaac Yiadom (27), Dalvin Tomlinson (94), Niko Lalos (57), Tae Crowder (48), Darnay Holmes (30), David Mayo (55)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Evan Engram (88)
Daniel Jones (8)
Evan Engram (88)
Leonard Williams (99), Dalvin Tomlinson (94)
Leonard Williams (99)
Blake Martinez (54)
Darius Slayton (86)
Leonard Williams (99)
Graham Gano (5), Riley Dixon (9)
Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99)
Wayne Gallman (22)
Niko Lalos (57)
Wayne Gallman (22)
Wayne Gallman (22)
Blake Martinez (54)
Wayne Gallman (22)
Tae Crowder (48)
Niko Lalos (57), Logan Ryan (23), James Bradberry (24), Darnay Holmes (30)
Jabrill Peppers (21), Carter Coughlin (49)
Leonard Williams (99), Carter Coughlin (49)
Tae Crowder (48), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Carter Coughlin (49), Julian Love (20), B.J. Hill (95), Niko Lalos (57), Xavier McKinney (29), Dexter Lawrence (97), Jabaal Sheard (91), Jabrill Peppers (21), Tae Crowder (48), Darnay Holmes (30), Austin Johnson (98), James Bradberry (24), Dalvin Tomlinson (94), Madre Harper (45)
Alfred Morris (41)
Tae Crowder (48)
Austin Johnson (98), Tae Crowder (48), Niko Lalos (57), Xavier McKinney (29), David Mayo (55), Dalvin Tomlinson (94)
Tae Crowder (48), Carter Coughlin (49)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Darius Slayton (86)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Evan Engram (88)
Dalvin Tomlinson (94), Leonard Williams (99)
S Xavier McKinney
Golden Tate (15)
Dexter Lawrence (97),
Dalvin Tomlinson (94)
James Bradberry (24)
Golden Tate (15)
Tae Crowder (48)
Julian Love (20), Logan Ryan (23), James Bradberry (24)
Tae Crowder (48)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Niko Lalos (57) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) breaks up a pass during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24)breaks up a pass during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Darius Slayton (86)
Tae Crowder (48)
Logan Ryan (23)
Wayne Gallman (22)
Darius Slayton (86)
Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97), Logan Ryan (23)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Logan Ryan (23)
Julian Love (20)
Blake Martinez (54)
Evan Engram (88)
Devante Downs (52), Dalvin Tomlinson (94), Carter Coughlin (49), Leonard Williams (99)
Levine Toilolo (85)
Leonard Williams (99)
Nick Gates (65), Shane Lemieux (66)
Alfred Morris (41)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Devante Downs (52)
New York Giants defensive tackle B.J. Hill (95) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants long snapper Casey Kreiter (58) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants center Nick Gates (65) Will Hernandez (71) and Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants punter Riley Dixon (9) throws a pass on a fake field goal during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Levine Toilolo (85)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a catch during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Colt McCoy (12),
Austin Johnson (98)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Leonard Williams (99), Dalvin Tomlinson (94), James Bradberry (24), David Mayo (55),
Dante Pettis (13)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Darius Slayton (86)
Nate Ebner (43)
Kevin Zeitler (70),
Blake Martinez (54)
Dante Pettis (13)
Leonard Williams (99)
C.J. Board (18)
Alfred Morris (41)
Jabaal Sheard (91)
Evan Engram (88)
Carter Coughlin (49)
Dante Pettis (13)
Isaac Yiadom (27)
Daniel Jones (8)
Xavier McKinney (29), Tae Crowder (48)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Blake Martinez (54)
Dalvin Tomlinson (94), Logan Ryan (23)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Blake Martinez (54)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Daniel Jones (8)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Leonard Williams (99), Kyler Fackrell (51)
Levine Toilolo (85), Kaden Smith (82), Sterling Shepard (87)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Leonard Williams (99)
Andrew Thomas (78),
James Bradberry (24)
Leonard Williams (99)
Blake Martinez (54), Carter Coughlin (49)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Julian Love (20)
Blake Martinez (54)
Daniel Jones (8)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99)
Dante Pettis (13)
Dante Pettis (13)
Xavier McKinney (29), Niko Lalos (57)
Kyler Fackrell (51)
Daniel Jones (8), Head Coach Joe Judge
Sterling Shepard (87)
Graham Gano (5), Riley Dixon (9)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Dante Pettis (13)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Dan Salomone: While teams like the Chiefs and Packers washed windows on their skyscrapers, the Giants worked on their foundation in 2020. That's how you get back to the top – not only for a season, but for many seasons.
That was Joe Judge's stated goal when he took over as head coach one year ago this week. He didn't promise to bring any magic wand to the organization or feed fans with the schematic flavor of the year. Rather, he set his sights on improving one percent each day. Although it may not have looked like it on the outside when the Giants started 0-5 (and then 1-7), Judge said after the regular-season finale that he learned more about the team during that stretch than he did during its four-game winning streak - one that kept the NFC East race alive until the 256th and final game of an unprecedented NFL season.
So, what's Phase II of the construction project? Judge was a little less forthcoming with those blueprints in his season-ending press conference.
"I have kind of a vision internally that I know where we're going, and I have a process and steps," he said. "Obviously, we have to improve on the field with some tangible results. We could look at that. We have to make sure we make progress across the board with personnel and schematics. But I have kind of measures in the rungs along the way that I kind of keep tabs on. I make sure the team is moving in the right direction. Not to be kind of evasive with that answer right there, but I'm not going to set out some identified goal for everyone to go ahead and measure us against on a yearly basis."
You'll know it when he takes out the Windex and squeegee.
Lance Medow: The 2020 Giants' season can be summed up in this way: walking that fine line between winning and losing. Many will focus on the late three-game losing streak for a team that went 4-2 against the division and finished one game out of first place, But it's really what happened early in the season that came back to haunt the team. Consider that 10 of New York's 16 games were decided by one possession (eight points or less) and the Giants went 5-5 in those games. In fact, six of those 10 games were decided by three points and in three of those six, they blew double-digits leads. When you play that many close games, it's the little things that add up and get magnified. The Giants had opportunities to control their own destiny and let those chances slip away earlier by not closing out games.
Overall, it's fair to say the defense exceeded expectations. Given they were implementing a new scheme during an unconventional off-season, added Logan Ryan right before the start of the season and didn't have a premiere pass rusher (with multiple double-digit sack years), it says a lot about where the unit finished. Compared to 2019, from a statistical standpoint, the defense essentially improved across the board and finished tied for 12th in the NFL with 40 sacks and tied for 10th with 22 takeaways. Several rookies contributed in their first year and received valuable snaps, including Xavier McKinney, Darnay Holmes, Tae Crowder, Carter Coughlin and Cam Brown. There's a lot to like in terms of where the overall group started to where it finished, but the key will be maintaining continuity considering Leonard Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson and Kyler Fackrell are scheduled to be free agents.
Although the defense made strides, that unit faced a lot of pressure with a minimal margin for error, given the offense averaged just 17.5 points per game (31st in the NFL). The Giants scored less than 20 points in nine of their 16 games and went 2-7 in those contests. That's no coincidence. Neither is the fact that 11 of this season's 14 playoff teams finished among the league's top 14 teams in scoring. There were a variety of factors that contributed to Giants' low output: red zone struggles, third-down inefficiency and turnovers. New York's offense scored just 25 touchdowns in 16 games; they had 41 the year before. The Week 17 win over the Cowboys was their first win of the season in which they lost the turnover battle after going 0-5 in that situation.
It was a down year for the entire NFC East with each team starting multiple quarterbacks, leading to a rare seven-win champion. That's more of a reason why it's imperative to take care of your own business as opposed to relying on outside circumstances.
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