The Giants had their first win of the season and one of the best in recent years as they defeated the Saints in the Superdome, 27-21, in overtime. The Giants overcame an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit to secure the win. The Giants improved in a lot of areas from the first three games of the year that allowed them to earn their first win.
1. The Giants' 12 pass plays of 15+ yards led the league in Week 4. They finished with at least three more of those plays than every other NFL team. The Giants only had 20 of those plays over their first three weeks of the season. Of those 12 plays, seven went for 20+ yards and two of those went for 50+ yards.
The two plays that went for 50+ yards (51, deep post to John Ross and 54, catch-and-run by Saquon Barkley) went for touchdowns, accounting for more than half of the Giants' points. The Giants had two explosive pass plays (19, pass to Toney and 17, pass to Kenny Golladay) on their first field goal drive. Golladay's 28-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter helped set up the Giants' tying field goal. On the overtime touchdown drive, they had three explosive plays: a 17-yard deep out to Ross, an 18-yard screen pass to Barkley, and a 23-yard deep out to Golladay.
2. The Giants attempted five plays of 20+ yards down the field, which is the most in any game this year. They attempted two in Week 1, three in Week 2 and two in Week 3. The increase in deep shots helped the offense make more big plays, but receivers did their part by gaining more yards after the catch.
Heading into Week 3, only 33% of Daniel Jones' passing yards had come on yards gained after the catch, which was the second-lowest ratio in the NFL. In Week 4, that number jumped to 49%, which was tied for the sixth in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, the Giants broke 13 tackles on Sunday, which was the sixth in the league.
Saquon Barkley's 54 yard touchdown catch included 29 yards after the catch. Golladay caught a 5-yard slant, but ran through a Malcolm Jenkins tackle to gain 23 more to set up the tying field goal. Barkley gained 23 after the catch on a screen in overtime to convert a 2nd-and-14.
3. The Giants also avoided negative plays throughout the game. They only had three penalties for 25 yards, with only one for five yards (an illegal substitution in overtime) coming after halftime.
The Giants had a turnover, but it came on a "Hail Mary" throw to end the first half and did not impact the game. The Giants recovered two of their own fumbles and the Saints' lone turnover (an interception by James Bradberry) eliminated a potential scoring drive.
The Saints' defense had only two tackles for loss and two tackles for no gain. The Giants had a season-high 485 yards of offense. They also only had one negative play (minus-3 on a run) in the red zone.
Check out the best photos from the New York Giants' Week 4 contest against the New Orleans Saints.
S Julian Love
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
CB James Bradberry
P Riley Dixon
New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) tackles New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
WR John Ross
Ross flashed his speed on a 52-yard touchdown reception in his first game since being activated from injured reserve.
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) celebrates his touchdown reception with wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) and free safety Marcus Williams try to tackle New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) on a touchdown reception in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball prior to an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball and is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) reacts with punter Riley Dixon (9) after a missed field goal during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) runs a route during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) celebrates after a touchdown catch with running back Saquon Barkley (26) during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) catches the ball for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates after a touchdown throw during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates after a touchdown throw with tight end Kyle Rudolph (80) during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal as punter Riley Dixon (9) holds during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Gano missed on the kick. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball and is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
QB Daniel Jones
Jones threw for a career-high 402 yards while completing 70.0 percent of his passes.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
WR Kadarius Toney
The first-round pick showed his elusiveness as he recorded 78 yards on six catches.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) calls out between plays in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries against New Orleans Saints linebacker Tanoh Kpassagnon (90) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) takes a break on the sideline in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28 carries in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge talks to umpire Carl Paganelli (124) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries against New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
RB Saquon Barkley
Barkley had 126 yards from scrimmage and two scores, including the game-winning touchdown run in overtime.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates his two-point conversion with center Billy Price in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
CB James Bradberry
Bradberry notched his second interception of the season.
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal to tie the game near the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime, in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores on a touchdown reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries against New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants holder Riley Dixon (9) congratulates kicker Graham Gano (5) after making a field goal to tie the game near the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime, in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores on a touchdown reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
K Graham Gano
While Gano's streak ended, another began. Gano kicked a 48-yarder to tie the game before the end of regulation after missing his first attempt in more than a year.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown in overtime to defeat the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21.(AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown in overtime to defeat the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21.(AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores a touchdown against New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle to win in overtime during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley carries for a touchdown against New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) to defeat the Saints in overtime during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown in overtime during an NFL football game against the New York Giants in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21.(AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown in overtime with wide receiver Kadarius Toney to defeat the New Orleans Saints 27-21, during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley carries for a touchdown to defeat the New Orleans Saints in overtime during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown in overtime with wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) to defeat the New Orleans Saints 27-21, during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
Head Coach Joe Judge
Head Coach Joe Judge
Head Coach Joe Judge
Collin Johnson (15)
Collin Johnson (15)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Riley Dixon (9)
Evan Engram (88)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Collin Johnson (15)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Collin Johnson (15)
James Bradberry (24), Keion Crossen (31)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Logan Ryan (23), Rodarius Williams (25)
Kadarius Toney (89)
James Bradberry (24), Keion Crossen (31)
Crossen (31)
Crossen (31)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Crossen (31)
Crossen (31)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Riley Dixon (9)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Riley Dixon (9)
Logan Ryan (23)
Daniel Jones (8)
Logan Ryan (23)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Julian Love (20)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99)
James Bradberry (24)
Carter Coughlin (52)
James Bradberry (24)
Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Riley Dixon (9)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Riley Dixon (9)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Matt Peart (74)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Matt Peart (74)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Matt Peart (74)
Matt Peart (74)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
C.J. Board (18)
C.J. Board (18)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Collin Johnson (15)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
John Ross (12)
Collin Johnson (15)
Devontae Booker (28)
Devontae Booker (28)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Darius Slayton (86)
Darius Slayton (86)
Keion Crossen (31)
Keion Crossen (31)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Leonard Williams (99)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Leonard Williams (99)
Julian Love (20)
Dante Pettis (13)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
James Bradberry (24)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Daniel Jones (8)
James Bradberry (24)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Austin Johnson (98)
C.J. Board (18)
C.J. Board (18)
Carter Coughlin (52)
Carter Coughlin (52)
Kaden Smith (82)
Tae Crowder (48)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Tae Crowder (48)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Collin Johnson (15)
Riley Dixon (9)
Mike Glennon (2)
Matt Peart (74)
Graham Gano (5)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Mike Glennon (2)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kenny Golladay (19)
James Bradberry (24)
James Bradberry (24)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
James Bradberry (24), Jabrill Peppers (21), Sterling Shepard (3)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Sterling Shepard (3)
James Bradberry (24), Jabrill Peppers (21), Sterling Shepard (3)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Logan Ryan (23)
James Bradberry (24)
Tae Crowder (48)
Will Hernandez (71)
Tae Crowder (48)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Leonard Williams (99)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99)
Nate Solder (76)
Matt Peart (74)
Elijhaa Penny (39)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Danny Shelton (75)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Julian Love (20)
Danny Shelton (75)
Julian Love (20)
Evan Engram (88)
C.J. Board (18)
Evan Engram (88)
Sam Beal (34)
C.J. Board (18)
Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Lewerke (6)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Brian Lewerke (6)
Carter Coughlin (52), Kaden Smith (82)
Carter Coughlin (52), Kaden Smith (82)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Niko Lalos (57)
Niko Lalos (57)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Riley Dixon (9)
Riley Dixon (9), Casey Kreiter (58)
Cullen Gillaspia (36)
4. The Giants did not allow a sack in the game – one of only four clean teams on Sunday. The offensive line only permitted pressure on 22% of Daniel Jones' dropbacks, which was the seventh-lowest rate in the league. It was an impressive performance by a unit that had to work in an environment that made it very hard to communicate and hear protection calls.
The protection allowed Daniel Jones to have his most productive game of his career. His 402 passing yards were a career-high, and his 70% completion percentage was the fourth-highest of his career.
5. Aside from the quarterback and offensive line, Kenny Golladay led the offense in snaps with 58 (92%). Saquon Barkley played 56 snaps, while Kadarius Toney played his highest percentage of the team's snaps this year with 49 (78%). The Giants used a fair amount of two tight end looks. Evan Engram played 68% of the snaps, Kyle Rudolph played 59%, and Kaden Smith played 14%.
On defense, Logan Ryan, Xavier McKinney, James Bradberry and Tae Crowder never left the field, playing all 68 of the team's defensive snaps. In his first game starting for Blake Martinez, Crowder finished with tied with Logan Ryan for a team-high 9 tackles.
For the second straight week Rodarius Williams played more snaps than Darnay Holmes (17-3), but only four of those snaps came in the slot. Julian Love got most of the playing time at nickel cornerback, with 24 snaps at inside cornerback.
Lorenzo Carter (40 snaps), Azeez Ojulari (37) and Oshane Ximines (14) split time at edge rusher. The Giants (no sacks or QB hits) got pressure on Jameis Winston on one-third of his dropbacks, which was about the league average in Week 4.
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