Articles

By Michael Stewart

The New York Giants beat the odds and the odd makers by defeating the Denver Broncos in Denver in a stunning upset 23-10. The Giants were heavily underdogs (-12) leading up to game time and with the rash of injuries to key starters; wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. (broken ankle), Sterling Shepard (sprained ankle), Brandon Marshall (sprained ankle), offensive center Weston Richburg (concussion), Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (neck), running back Paul Perkins (Ribs), defensive end Olivier Vernon (Ankle), and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (suspension) many believed they had no chance in this game. However; miracles do happen and this was certainly as close as a miracle you can get. Here are my top reasons why the Giants won:

Top reasons why the Giants won

  1. Giants Defense: The Giants defense needed to play their best game of the year with all of the diversity surrounding this team and they did. Denver couldn’t generate anything on the ground as the Giants front 7 smothered the Broncos running game. They also put constant pressure on quarterback Trevor Siemian forcing him into two interceptions; one which was a 43 yard return for a touchdown by Janoris Jenkins. Also, the Giants registered a total of 4 sacks (3 by Jason Pierre Paul).
  2. Giants running game: The Giants needed to run the ball effectively to have any shot of beating the Broncos and they delivered with a season high 148 yards, led by Orleans Darkwa with 117 yards. The Giants handed the offensive play calling to offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan and it was clear from the start that the Giants game plan was to run the ball; which they did 32 times as opposed to throwing the ball 19 times.
  3. Turnovers: The Giants clearly won this battle with 3 turnovers to 0 by the Broncos. Scoring 13 of their 23 points off turnovers. Interceptions by Landon Collins and Janoris Jenkins (who also recovered a fumble) really smothered the Broncos offense in a complete role reversal of teams.

Hero: Giants Offensive Line: I’ve been tough on them all season and rightfully so, however; the Giants won the battle in the trenches with a few changes along the line that included D. J Fluker at left guard and Brett Jones at center.  

Goat: Denver’s defense: Ranked #1 overall and 1st against the run were totally outplayed in every facet. They couldn’t slow down the Giants running game for most of the night and more importantly; they couldn’t make the big play when they needed to.

Final Thoughts: The Giants finally have a win under their belts and now they play the Seattle Seahawks next week who are 3-2. This will be a tough and physical opponent the Giants will face and they better not rest on this victory and must be ready for what should be a battle.