Not everyone was expecting the New York Giants to reach the NFL playoffs this season, but they surprised many by starting 7-2, claiming a wild-card spot and beginning the playoffs by upsetting the 13-4 Minnesota Vikings on the road, 31-24.
The Giants headed into their divisional round matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles feeling good and confident, and many felt they would have a real shot at victory.
Since 1990 the New York Giants are an NFL best 6-0 against #1 seeds in the playoffs.#TogetherBlue #TommysTakes
— Tommy (@TommyG105) January 17, 2023
But Philly humbled them, 38-7, and they dominated in just about every facet of the game.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw two touchdown passes and ran for a third himself, and the team overall had 268 rushing yards, seemingly making a mockery of New York’s front seven.
Meanwhile, New York’s signal-caller, Daniel Jones, had one interception and zero touchdowns, and he got sacked five times, while star running back Saquon Barkley was held to 61 rushing yards.
It was a cold reality check for the Giants and a reminder of where they truly are at this point of their development.
While their fans should have hope for the future, they should remember that their team still has a very long way to go before it could be considered a true contender.
The Giants Need A Lift Offensively
While New York got this far by mucking up the game for opponents, it will not win big being so reliant on Barkley.
The wide receiver position looks frightfully weak, as no one came even close to 1,000 receiving yards this season, and other than Darius Slayton, no one even reached 600 yards.
The team could use a stud at wideout, whether it gets one via trade or the upcoming NFL draft.
It badly needs to improve on its regular season ranks of 24th in passing touchdowns and 26th in passing yards in order to challenge the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys next season for NFC East superiority.
