The New York Giants picked up their third straight win in Week 14, defeating the Green Bay Packers, 24-22, at MetLife Stadium on Monday Night Football.
The victory raised the Giants’ record to 5-8 on the season and there is renewed optimism again in East Rutherford.
Here are there things we learned from Monday’s win.
Talk of 'tanking' is ridiculous
There is a gaggle of Giant fans who apparently want the team to ‘tank’ — a term used when a professional sports team intentionally loses games to better their draft lot for the next season — so they can draft a top quarterback next April in the NFL draft.
It is a ridiculous notion on many levels. First off, the integrity of the game must be maintained at all times (ask the Miami Dolphins).
Second, professional athletes are conditioned — and paid — to win. Third, the fans pay top dollar to see the best product put out on the field. Anything less is an insult to your hard-working fanbase.
Fourth, the coaches are paid to win, too. Their jobs are on the line practically every week in the NFL. There’s no way they ‘take a dive’ with five games left in the season, sacrificing their careers in hopes of drafting some kid who has never played a down in the NFL.
And fifth — and most importantly — anyone who has played the game of football knows it can only be played at one speed. Not giving 100 percent will either get you or someone else on your team hurt.
Please stop this nonsense. You play to win the game. The chips will fall where they fall.
Daboll made the right call
Head coach Brian Daboll could have started veteran Tyrod Taylor at quarterback in this game but chose to go with rookie Tommy DeVito.
Seeing that DeVito has more upside for the Giants’ future plans than the 34-year-old Taylor, Daboll said DeVito deserved to play and earned the right.
DeVito, after a shaky start, rewarded his coach with a solid showing completing 17 of 21 passes for 158 yards with one touchdown and no picks for a 113.9 rating. He also rushed 10 times for 71 yards.
Starting DeVito was the right call by Daboll. It galvanized the fanbase as the ‘local boy does good’ narrative surrounding DeVito continues to grow.
In a season that was once thought to be lost, here the Giants are still relevant in mid-December and making headlines with some enthralling play.
Schoen knows what he's doing, after all
DeVito could have signed with Washington or New England as an undrafted free agent this past spring but chose to stay close to home with the Giants.
Two things had to play into making that decision. Giants general manager Joe Schoen being the other. He saw potential in DeVito, signed him, and then handed him over to Daboll, offensive coordinator Mike Kakfa and quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney. You’re witnessing the results right now.
Injuries have crushed the Giants’ season, but we’re beginning to see the effect Schoen has had on the Giants’ roster as the season rolls on.
There are quite a few young studs on both sides of the ball. On offense, wide receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt are beginning to show their playmaking ability. Rookie center John Michael Schmitz is settling in as the anchor on the offensive line.
On defense, linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux is fast becoming a top pass rusher and rookie Deonte Banks has opened eyes with his play at cornerback.
And the draft might not be the only place Schoen has scored talent. Free agent inside linebacker Bobby Okereke could be a Pro Bowler this season.
The injuries may’ve gotten the Giants and their fans down, but Schoen’s diligence and patience have kept them from being counted out. They are still in the hunt and are playing their best football of the season down the stretch here.
