PLAYOFFS

BY: Jeff Knapp

Going into week 17, the Giants took the field for their last home game of the season against the fledgling Colts, who were 1-8 in their last nine games. 

Heading into the 2nd quarter, the Giants started turning up the heat. Down 3-0, the Giants went 71 yards on 11 plays to have Daniel Jones hit Richie James on a 9-yard TD pass for the 1st of his two passing TDs of the day. Jones wasn’t done there, taking the Giants 64 yards on nine plays on their next possession and capping the drive off with a 6-yard TD pass to Isaiah Hodgins.

Things got worse for the Colts during their next possession when Nick Foles dropped back on 3rd and 11 from their 46-yard line and had his next pass intercepted by returning Giant Landon Collins, who took it 52 yards for a pick 6.

After that, things hit rock bottom for Indy when on 3rd and 4, Nick Foles was sacked by Kayvon Thibodeaux for a 9-yard loss. Foles was injured on that play and was knocked out of the game for the rest of the day.

Although the Giants continued to dominate the 3rd quarter with yet another TD by Daniel Jones, who rushed this one in for 18 yards, three things had me wincing. The 1st thing was the Darius Slayton fumble that the Colts recovered, and although the Colts couldn’t capitalize on that, ball security must remain at the forefront of every Giant on the field. The 2nd one was less than the Colts scored a TD in the 3rd, but they converted on two different 4th down plays. If the game weren’t so far out of hand, I’d be much more disturbed about that. The last big one for me was the 1st of two hard shots Jones took running in for his 2 TD rushes. The one in the 4th quarter was even stiffer and should allow Barkley to take those hits.

I’m still trying to understand why the Giants would go for it and not punt it away on 4th down when they are up 38-10 with 2 minutes left. I know it didn’t hurt the Giants, but there was no point in it to me.

Once again, Jones threw for 200 yards or less for the 11th time this season, but when he did pass, he was decisive and on point. He ran with authority and purpose, ending the day with 91 yards rushing (leading the team) on 11 attempts. 

I would have loved to have seen some of those holes that Jones got have gone the way of Saquon Barkley, who had 12 attempts for a total of 58 yards, with only one long run of 19 yards in the 2nd quarter during the Giants’ 1st TD drive.

Jones distributed the ball to 6 receivers, including Richie James, who led the team in receptions (7) and receiving yards (76), including 1 TD. 

On defense, the Giants and the returning Xavier McKinney ran roughshod over the Colts, ending the day with two sacks, 1 INT, and 4 QB hits. 

I hope that Nick Foles is ok, but that sack from KT was tremendous, and he attacked Foles like I attacked the couch after a long day at work.

Next week, at 4:25, the Giants play their season finale in Philly against the NFC East-leading Eagles.