(East Rutherford) For the New York Giants, who haven’t won more than six games in a season since 2016, there is real hope in Sunday’s 21-20 victory at Tennessee in their debut in office of Brian Daboll.
Posted at 8:10 p.m.
With a 4-13 record last year, the Giants wowed against the NFC South Division champions in 2020 and 2021.
New York was down 13-0 at the half, but an in-form Saquon Barkley helped turn things around.
In addition, the defining points came from a convert that came in the form of a paid catch from Barkley, with 1:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. A game where we thought the visitors would settle for a kick, which would probably lead to overtime.
Afterwards, head coach Daboll still reminded his troops to keep a cool head.
Things can change quickly and we have to think about Sunday’s game at Metlife Stadium against the Carolina Panthers.
“I’m happy with the win but it’s only one game,” said Daboll. And if we had lost, it would be the same answer. There is still a long way to go and things to correct. »
Let’s not forget that the Titans’ Randy Bullock missed a field goal attempt from 47 yards, with four seconds on the clock.
Giants fans haven’t been spoiled since Tom Coughlin led the club to a fourth Super Bowl title in February 2012.
Since then, the Giants only reached the playoffs at the end of the 2016 season, only to last one game.
On Sunday, Barkley looked like the athlete named the league’s 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year. He rushed for 164 yards on 18 carries, an average of 9.1 yards, in addition to provide 30 receiving yards.
Those are great numbers for a player who many say was on the decline after a knee injury in 2020 and mixed results last year.
Among the aspects to be refined, Ryan Tannehill managed two touchdown passes to a Dontrell Hilliard left alone. Giants linebackers need to cover this type of receiver better or assign him a winger.
Additionally, Daniel Jones was the victim of five sacks. One of them was also a fumble picked up by Tennessee, who took a field goal.
Wide end Wan’Dale Robinson, a second-round pick this year, had to leave the game with a knee injury. His case is being assessed on a daily basis, Daboll said.
The Panthers started the campaign losing 26-24 at home to the Cleveland Browns.