back in the win column

     It's good to get one. 

    The Giants came into Sunday's contest against the Commanders as losers of four straight contests, three of which came in embarrassing fashion. With QB Daniel Jones still not cleared for contact, Tyrod Taylor got his second straight start in this one. And once again he was impressive, putting up 279 yards, 2 TD passes, and no interceptions. 

    Although Big Blue's offense was stagnant in the second half, they were able to put two really solid drives together in the first half and score a touchdown on each. Yes you read that correctly, touchdown and first half in the same sentence for the NY Giants. Darren Waller's first touchdown in blue could not have came at a better time. This score was the G-Mens first offensive TD in the first half of any game this season, as well as their first offensive TD since September 21st against the 49ers. Not to mention that was the Giants 1st home touchdown of the entire season. Safe to say it's been pretty bad. But it looks like things could be taking a turn for the better. 

    Like I mentioned Waller scored his first touchdown Sunday but he also had his best performance of the season thus far. He had 7 receptions on 8 targets and ended what was 'National Tight End's Day' around the league, with 98 yards and a score. And he wasn't the only Giant to have a big day, Saquon looked to be comfortable again as he ran for 77 yards on 21 carries and contributed in the passing game as well with 41 yards receiving and a 32-yard TD catch. 

Image via AP Photo/Adam Hunger

    As the scoreboard shows, the biggest story of the game was defense. Specifically the Giants ability to get pressure on the Quarterback, another sentence I have not said a lot in 2023. Washington's Sam Howell entered the game as the most sacked QB in the league (right in front of our buddy Danny), and that was evident in this game. Big Blue's defense took Howell down 6 times, two of which came from big Dexter Lawrence who seemed to be in the backfield on just about every play. Plus Kayvon Thibodeaux had 1.5 sacks himself as he continues to have the best month of his young career. Other notable performances include; Leonard Williams who got a sack and a blocked field goal, Bobby Okereke having his fourth straight game with double digit tackles, and rookie corner Deonte Banks who had 5 solo tackles and his 1st NFL interception.

    

    Looking ahead, next week they will go up against a rested Jets team with one of the best d-lines in the league in the Battle of New York. Although the G-Men should have both Andrew Thomas and Daniel Jones back next week in what is now a pretty big game. Having a healthy Thomas and maybe even getting JMS back in the lineup could be a huge factor for the way the game pans out. Especially with the way the offensive line has stepped up a bit the last two games. This game has 18-13 final score written all over it and I think if either team is able to score 1 TD they can win it. 

    Plus as crazy as it sounds the Giants are just a game and half out of the wild card spot.