The New York Giants appeared destined for an additional ugly loss on Sunday towards the Cleveland Browns, falling right into a 7-0 gap after simply 11 seconds. The staff might have stop and crumbled, however that’s not what transpired.
Behind a swarming protection and strong offensive play, the Giants rallied, stabilized issues, and ultimately closed out a 21-15 victory.
It wasn’t a factor of magnificence within the second half however it was sufficient to perform their purpose. They averted the dreaded 0-3 begin and are frustratingly a Week 2 kicker away from being 2-1 and main the NFC East.
Whose inventory is up and whose is down after the Week 3 victory? Let’s have a look.
Top off: LB Azeez Ojulari
There are a lot of instructions to take right here however linebacker Azeez Ojulari deserves his flowers. He was everywhere in the discipline on Sunday afternoon, creating chaos towards each the run and the cross. He blew up a number of inside runs whereas additionally producing quite a lot of key pressures (and one sack) whereas spelling each Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns. If that is the sort of play the Giants can get from their rotation, they’re in fine condition.
Inventory down: RB Eric Grey
Getting into the season, Eric Grey gave the impression to be No. 2 behind Devin Singletary however that position has rapidly vanished. Not solely has Grey taken a again seat to rookie Tyrone Tracy, however he continues to wrestle as a return man. Along with his one carry for zero yards on Sunday, Grey fumbled the opening kickoff and set the Browns up for an instantaneous landing. Nonetheless, in some unspecified time in the future, Grey’s particular groups struggles aren’t longer on him however the coaches.
Top off: WR Malik Nabers
Rookie large receiver Malik Nabers is one thing particular. He’s like the best mixture of Odell Beckham Jr., Justin Jefferson, and Plaxico Burress. His routes are impressively sharp for a first-year participant, his discipline consciousness is unparalleled, and his physique management is elite. The statistics and NFL data are all very spectacular however it pales compared to what you see on tape — even when the ball doesn’t go his manner. Nabers has true All-Professional celebrity potential.
Inventory down: CB Deonte Banks
Cornerback Deonte Banks did a pleasant job towards Justin Jefferson and Terry McLaurin over the primary two weeks of the season however he couldn’t cease Amari Cooper on Sunday afternoon. Banks was roasted for 2 touchdowns — one in all them non-competitive — and have become Deshaun Watson’s prime goal late within the recreation. Even on Cleveland’s last offensive play, Watson focused Banks and managed to get a cross by him solely to have it dropped by Cedric Tillman. The Giants want extra from their second-year nook.
Top off: DC Shane Bowen
After back-to-back ugly performances, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen determined to modify issues up and incorporate the blitz. It labored to perfection on Sunday because the Giants recorded 17 QB hits, 8.0 sacks, and 5 tackles for a loss. Maybe Bowen was merely attacking the injury-riddled Cleveland offensive line or maybe he discovered he wants the blitz to assist his younger secondary. Both manner, it was a serious step up from the earlier two weeks.
Inventory down: Okay Greg Joseph
Possibly it’s not truthful to place kicker Greg Joseph on this spot after only one week with the staff however he very almost price the Giants the sport. Positive, a 48-yard boot isn’t essentially a gimme however utterly shanking it warrants some criticism.
If Joseph showing within the “inventory down” part appears unjust, how about we give an honorable point out to return man Ihmir Smith-Marsette for repeatedly calling truthful catches contained in the 10-yard line?