It’s the final week of the 2023 NFL regular season. For many teams, including the New York Giants, it’s the end of the road and a chance to find areas of opportunity to focus on during the offseason.
But there’s still one more game to play; one more time to show up. For some, it might be their last time in blue.
Even though the Giants’ season ends against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, they get to end the year at home and they have an opportunity to ruin the Eagles’ chances to win the division.
Ending the season on a high note would be nice after the roller coaster ride that was this season. To get that win, there are six things the Giants must do on Sunday.
Block, block, block
Tyrod Taylor is getting the nod to start the final game of the season. The offensive line has been atrocious all year, but Taylor’s ability to run with the ball saved several sacks (to be fair, he also caused a couple of sacks himself). The focus this week isn’t so much protecting Taylor as it is blocking in general. Pass, rush, RPO, whatever the play call, the line has to be ready to block for whomever gets the ball.
Just get the first down
This is a game of yards and inches. The offense doesn’t have to do anything fancy or have a bunch of big plays. Keep it simple. Simplicity allows for proper execution and smaller goals are easier to achieve. Get the first down. Then the next one and the next one and so on. Eat the clock and keep the offense on the field.
Keep special teams hot
Last week, Gunner Olszewski lit a fire when returned a punt for a touchdown. The Giants couldn’t convert the two-point attempt to win the game, but it was a huge morale booster. Special teams have been, well, not good this season for the Giants.
However, in recent weeks we’ve seen that change. To get a win over the Eagles on Sunday, the Giants must keep that momentum going on special teams.
Win the turnover battle
The Giants’ defense has five turnovers over the last two games — three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown. The Giants only have two turnovers (both interceptions) in the same span. Keeping possession of the ball is a huge part in winning games, so they can’t just get the turnover, they have to keep the ball, too.
Defense stays off the field
The best way to win any football game is by keeping the offense on the field, so the defense’s job is to get off the field as quickly as possible. The defense has vastly improved in the second half of the season, and they have the opportunity to set the tone for the offseason by playing a tight, physical game that gives the offense the best chance to score. Stay off the field so Taylor & Co. have more opportunities to run the clock and put points on the board.
Win time of possession
Notice a theme this week? The Eagles have a very versatile offense that’s difficult to prepare for, so the standard “protect the QB,” “Pressure Jalen Hurts,” and the like don’t fit. Not to mention these two teams just faced off two weeks ago, with several lessons learned.
This week, the Giants’ number one duty is to win time of possession. The more they have the ball, the less it is in the hands of Hurts, who can do so much damage on the field. Win the possession battle, be efficient on the field, don’t turn the ball over, and be smart in play-calling. Any chance of a win surrounds the Giants’ ability to complete this task.
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