I’m just going to come right out and say it. The New York Giants are in the NFL playoff hunt.
I don’t know anyone who would have said this four weeks ago, I certainly wouldn’t have.
And yes, it’s not as crazy as some may think, especially as the Giants are on a four-game winning streak after a disastrous 0-6 start, their worst start since 1976.
Fast forward four games and here we are, as the Giants are only a game and a half behind division leaders, the Philadelphia Eagles.
So how have the Giants come to this point?
Well in the first six games the defence was just awful, and much blame was put on the usually sack-happy front four who couldn’t muster 10 sacks between them in those first six games.
Also quarterback Eli Manning threw a league leading 15 interceptions during the first six games, matching his total from last season.
Injuries at the running back position didn’t help either, as they brought back old fan favourite Brandon Jacobs.
We also heard loud calls for the Giants to bench quarterback Eli Manning. Not a good idea then and most definitely not a good idea now.
During this four game winning streak, the defence has generated nine sacks and the overall play has been much improved. Manning has also taken much better care of the football, throwing only two interceptions.
Perhaps luckily for the Giants they play in an awful division where the division leading Philadelphia Eagles are only 6-5.
They also have somewhat of a favourable schedule, as four out of the last six games remaining are against teams currently sitting at .500 or below. Three of these are against divisional opponents starting this week against the Dallas Cowboys.
What a huge game that will be for both teams.
The Giants have certainly shown in recent times that they love a comeback, and they are putting one together right now. Would you write them off now as we all did after they started 0-6?
So here they come. The Giants are sneaking up on everybody in the NFC playoff race.
And if they get to the playoffs? Well we all know what they are capable of.
Jorji Costava
Guest
Superbowl champs.
Calum
Guest
For all that the NFC East has been of a terrible standard this year, it is actually exciting - or it is if you support a team in the division. I'm calling it the 'race to 9-7' Of course the Giants are in the hunt but I can't seem them doing it. The problem is their non - divisional games; In division, they have cowboys (home) and home and away to washington. All winnable. But out of division they are away to the chargers and lions and home to seahawks. All hard games. In some ways you'd want it the other way around, San diego and lions you could definately see winning at home.. So, NY are 4-6 at the moment. They'd need to win at home to Dallas (I'd give that a 60-70%), home and away to the washington (defo possible since the washinton defence can't actually tackle and their special teams are an embarrasment), and win at least one of those remaining games (away to the lions?). That would make them 9-7. However, if they loose any additional game then that means they finish 8-8. Especially if it is to dallas then D would likely go 9-7. In addition, the Eagles are 6-5 at the moment and playing well. They have definately winnable games; home to the Cardinals and away to Vikings. Then they are at home for ones that you think would be really tight against the Bears and the Lions. They finish up @ dallas in a game that could decide the division. If they win 3 of them they go 9-7. Overall I just see 2 teams more likely to fall over the line to 9-7...
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Well the way he's been playing the last four games, he's stopped having multiple interception games and that'll need to continue if the Giants are to have a chance of sneaking into the playoffs. However, if they lose against Dallas this week, then we can all but count them out of the playoff race. Can't we?
josh
Roar Rookie
hopefully not with Eli throwing a record number of interceptions.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Interesting stat, thank you Ian. As I mentioned the Giants still have three games against division opponents, all winnable games. They also play the San Diego Chargers which is winnable, with the other two coming against the Seahawks and Lions. They may beat the Lions although it won't be easy but I wouldn't pick them to beat the Seahawks. Amazing to think that the Giants could possibly finish the season 9-7, which would be an amazing achievement given their shocking start.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
They are, because someone from the NFC East has to qualify. Remember, NFC East teams have a total of 18 wins, 11 within the conference. Thats right, they are a collective 4-11 against the rest of the league.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
That Dallas game could very well be the game of the week in terms of division/playoff implications. The Giants however are a team that just doesn't know when to quit, regardless of who's put in front of them. They continue to stick to the run and having Andre Brown back is a big help. Yes they haven't faced the best QB's in recent weeks but Eli is doing a good job of not turning the ball over as much as he did during the first six games. I personally wouldn't count them out, especially if they beat Dallas.
astro
Guest
Can't see it happening. The Giants 4 wins have come against Josh Freeman starting his first (and only) game for the Viks, Matt Barkley playing back-up to an injured Vick for Philly, Oakland (who they just edged) and Green Bay minus Rogers. Agree that the Dallas game will be fascinating though...