The New York Giants improved to 3-8 on the season with their 31-19 victory over the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field on Sunday.
Here are some things we learned from the Week 11 game.
Did somebody say "tank?"
The ridiculous notion that NFL teams ‘tank’ for a better slot in the upcoming draft was laid to rest by the Giants in this game. They played hard and had each other’s backs the entire game.
You can’t ‘tank’ in the NFL. Once you take the field, you can only play at one speed — at that is full speed — or you’re going to get either yourself or someone else hurt.
Yes, the Giants’ draft stock took a hit with the win. They dropped to the fifth slot, which means they would not be getting Caleb Williams or Drake Maye should the draft be held tomorrow. They don’t seem to care. They want to win.
Loyalty test
Saquon Barkley talked about the lack of loyalty in the NFL this week but none of that chatter affected his play on the field.
Ever the professional, Barkley went out and carried the Giants on his back with 81 rushing yards, 57 receiving and two touchdowns. He is a leader on a team that is in desperate need of leadership.
Barkley would prefer to be back with the Giants next season and is making his case here, week by week. Let’s hope the Giants recognize that come the offseason.
DeVito inching his way into the Giants' plans
Rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito looks more and more comfortable with each passing week. He still has a long way to go as a pro, such as holding on to the football longer than he should, but is gaining the confidence of the coaching staff and the fans.
DeVito threw three touchdowns on Sunday against Washington as well as several other impressive passes in the game. With the Giants’ quarterback situation for the future uncertain, DeVito is making it clear that the Giants have at least a functional option at primary backup.
Finally, a free agent pans out
The Giants inked Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke to a four-year, $40 million deal this past March with the hope and expectation that he run coordinator Wink Martindale’s defense.
After a slow start, Okereke has come on like a gangbuster and is in the top three in the NFL in total and solo tackles and has assumed the leadership role the team had hoped he would.
On Sunday, Okereke racked up 14 total tackles and forced two fumbles.
