The New York Football Giants had one interesting offseason. They re-signed everyone that they wanted, however, it left them with -29 million in cap space. Before the draft they only had 44 players on their roster, however, most of their needs were in the depth department. They made a big splash in the draft acquiring the first overall pick in exchange for picks 3 and 11. Many thought this was a bad move and the Giants could have grabbed more value in those two picks, however, Coach Burn and company had a plan. With that plan they drafted the best player in the draft, superstar right end, Kayvon Thibodeaux.
After an uneventful preseason, the Giants came into week one with no one hurt, however, Kenny Golladay is still suspended for 4 games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The game plan in this game was to use Barkley in the run game and play action, to set up the pass. The Vikings have a great defensive line, however, their defensive backfield could be abused with the right amount of time in the pocket.
Daniel Jones and company came out on fire, as he was looking to prove the doubters wrong about his accuracy last season. The offense came out and did whatever they wanted, while the defense did a great job at stopping the offense of the Vikings. Jones, Barkley, and Toney were too much for the Vikings to overcome as the Giants took a big lead early on and coasted until the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, the backups came in the game and turned the ball over three times. Rookie quarterback Slovis had a good opportunity to score a touchdown, however, floated the ball into the waiting arms of cornerback Yiadom in the endzone. Rookie running back Ealy out carried Barkley 15 to 12, however, had less yards and 2 more fumbles with those lost fumbles coming on back to back plays. The Giants defense was able to tighten up after the turnovers resulting in the 40 – 24 Giant win.
Jones was pinpoint in his throws, as he threw for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns on 12 completions. As promised Barkley was given the ball more and amassed 2 touchdowns and 196 yards rushing and receiving. The Giants had 6 players with at least one catch, and 3 players with touchdowns. They came out to play in this game, and if their offense can play turnover free football each week, they will have a shot to go far unlike last season where they were top 5 in turnovers.
The starting defense largely stayed the same as last year, however, played better in this game then they had in any game last season. This could be attributed to the defensive line consisting of 4 pass rushers that the Giants have built this season. Their front four is one of the best in the league, which is led by the reigning defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Williams amassed two sacks, with 5 players including rookie superstar Thibodeaux getting 1. The secondary would not be forgotten as they were able to pick Mond off three times. It was a good day to be a Giant defensive player.
Week 1 of the season was very successful for the Giants and the kind of mood booster that they needed to start the season off on a good foot. After last year’s disaster season, they are looking to make a run at the playoffs. With a good new coach in Philadelphia as well as winning coaches in Dallas and Washington it won’t be an easy road for the Giants, however, playing turnover free football is the best way that they can stay in games and compete with these coaches. Next up they will face off against the Chicago Bears.
