The New York Giants trailed by 20 points at halftime and 21 points early in the second half but managed to rally and complete a historic upset of the Arizona Cardinals to pick up their first win of the 2023 regular season.
The comeback was spurred on by quarterback Daniel Jones, who totaled nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns on the night — nearly all of it coming over the final quarter and a half.
Buy Giants TicketsWith the win, the Giants essentially saved their season. However, the run will be shortlived as they have a quick turnaround and a Thursday night matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.
Here’s a look at some studs and duds (and studly duds) from the
STUD: WR Jalin Hyatt
Welcome to the NFL, rookie.
Jalin Hyatt had two receptions on two targets for 89 yards. One was a deep bomb over the middle of the field where he used his speed to beat the defender. The second was even more impressive as Hyatt went up, high-pointed and contested ball, and came down with the reception. It was a clutch moment. A big moment. And big players make big plays at key times.
DUD: OL Joshua Ezeudu
Joshua Ezeudu was making his first-ever start at left tackle in place of Andrew Thomas, who was inactive due to a hamstring injury, so it’s difficult to rag on him too badly. He understandably struggled in pass protection, especially early in the game, and surrendered several pressures and at least one sack.
Some may feel I am coming down too hard on him by putting him in the “duds” column — and maybe I am — but expecting nothing and getting a little of something doesn’t make it a “stud” performance, either.
STUD: NT Dexter Lawrence
On a day when the defense played its very worst under Wink Martindale, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence was a true bright spot. Some players had a couple of flashes throughout the game but Sexy Dexy was dominant on nearly every snap he took. It didn’t look that good because few around him stepped up but the film will tell the story — especially late in the fourth quarter when the Giants needed him most.
DUD: LB Kayvon Thibodeaux
Someone please contact the milk company and get the missing poster ready. Where is second-year linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux? Yes, he was double-teamed early in the game but he had opportunities to make plays and failed to do so. He overpursued against the run and generated literally zero organic pressure. There were also a few plays where he got eaten up by tight ends.
Thibs finished the game with one late QB hit. That was it. Literally.
STUD: QB Daniel Jones
After looking bad in the first half and underthrowing Darius Slayton on a would-be big play, Daniel Jones flipped a switch and went completely off. I wouldn’t say he single-handedly carried the Giants to victory but it was darn close. He finished the game with nearly 400 total yards and three touchdowns, and was the fire the team needed in the second half. If a play had to be made, he made it. Period.
DUD: LB Bobby Okereke
Linebacker Bobby Okereke made a few plays late that are all fresh in everyone’s mind but he was largely underwhelming for the rest of the game. He missed a few tackles, committed two bad penalties, and allowed Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs to jump over him for a two-point conversion.
DUD: DL Leonard Williams
If we’re not going to put Kayvon Thibodeaux on the milk carton, how about defensive lineman Leonard Williams? He was completely invisible on Sunday and we mean that in every sense of the word. His final impact tally: Zero. His final statistical tally: Nada.
STUDLY DUD: RB Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley played so hard in the second half… So hard. He finished the game with 92 total yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, Barkley also dropped a pass that was intercepted, averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, and (through no fault of his own) got injured late. His longest play was 16 yards. No others went for double-digits.
STUDLY DUD: S Xavier McKinney
Safety Xavier McKinney was the Giants’ lone bright spot in Week 1 and he certainly had his moments in Week 2. Unfortunately, he also had a lot of negative moments, including missed tackles and being leveled by Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs for a touchdown.
STUDLY DUD: S Jason Pinnock
It was a weird night for safety Jason Pinnocks. He made several big plays and led the team with 13 tackles (10 solo), but may have also led them in missed tackles. His three tackles for a loss certainly stand out but again, he missed some behind the line of scrimmage, too.
Other STUDS
- TE Darren Waller
- WR Isaiah Hodgins
- K Graham Gano
Other DUDS
- OL Mark Glowinski
- WR Parris Campbell
- P Jamie Gillan
