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5 reasons why NY Giants are in position to win the NFC East
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- 5 reasons why NY Giants are in position to win the NFC East
EAST RUTHERFORD - The New York Giants are in first place in the NFC East, eyeing their first divisional title since 2011.
That crown produced the only home playoff game for the Giants or the Jets in the history of MetLife Stadium, which opened the previous season. The 15-year streak has a chance to be threatened by Big Blue in John Harbaugh's first season, as they return to action following their bye week as the only team in the NFC East with a winning record.
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The Giants (4-2-1) have already matched last season's win total. Now they'll face a pair of divisional opponents in a five-day span, beginning Sunday against the Eagles (2-6) in Philadelphia, where the Giants have not won since 2013.
Here are the five biggest reasons why the Giants are in this position right now.
1. John Harbaugh and his coaching staff
The Giants could have felt sorry for themselves on the plane back from Los Angeles, but Harbaugh got ahead of that possibility by taking the time and meeting with groups of players in the locker room after the game. Jaxson Dart was ultimately lost for the season the next morning, yet Harbaugh refused to let this team lose its grip of the rope.
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For five consecutive games now, the Giants have been on the field with the game on the line for a final play - three times at the end of regulation, twice in overtime - and they have lost just once in those circumstances.
Harbaugh has established a standard inside the organization of accountability and meritocracy, and he's done what he can with his coaching staff and within this locker room to eliminate any gray area when it comes to expectations.
That's done so much to convince these Giants that they are capable of dreaming big, which is what they're doing now.
2. Quarterbacks and offensive brain trust
Jaxson Dart beat the Cowboys on opening night. Jameis Winston picked up two wins and a tie in his four starts. J.J. McCarthy was acquired in a trade with the Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round pick and less than a month after his arrival, he led the Giants as double-digit underdogs to an overtime triumph in Houston.
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Credit offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Brian Callahan have done an exceptional job in making sure all three starters have been prepared. There were different game plans for all three against completely different defenses, and what the former head coaches in Nagy and Callahan have shown - they deserve a lot of credit for doing their jobs at a high level. It'll be an interesting watch to see how this offense evolves yet again with McCarthy getting even more comfortable with these weapons and in this offense.
3-. Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor, perfect together
The Giants' offensive line has been maligned for a decade, and what a foundation to reset and change that perspective with Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor as bookend tackles. Their presence is tremendous, and together, Thomas at left tackle and Eluemunor at right tackle form one of the best tandems in the league. You're going to have a chance to do big things offensively and really whatever you want against the NFL's top defenses when the tackle question is settled. With Thomas and Eluemunor, that is the case for the Giants.
EXCLUSIVE: Jermaine Eluemunor nearly quit football. His NFL journey started in New Jersey
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4. Secondary a strength, not a weakness
Led by two guys who were written off last season, the Giants have turned their secondary from a weakness into a strength. Two wins were delivered by safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Deonte Banks, both of whom picked off passes late and in the end zone to beat Tennessee and Arizona, including Banks' Pick 6. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has gained the trust of his players on the back end, and vice versa. Between Wilson, secondary coach Donald D'Alesio and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch, they have done an outstanding job with this group. A year ago, they were passive; this season, few groups are more aggressive.
5. Game changers actually changing games
You need your best players to play great, and the Giants have been getting great play from theirs. Malik Nabers has four consecutive 100-yard receiving games and he is playing at a high level, reminding everyone of his trajectory prior to his knee injury last September. Isaiah Likely has been one of the best free agent signings in the entire league, and he is a nightmare for opposing defenses.
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Rookie Arvell Reese has been outstanding in the middle of the defense. Abdul Carter is one of the best pass disrupters in the league. D.J. Reader is the best run stopping defensive lineman in the league. All-Pro punter Jordan Stout has been fantastic.
Overall, the Giants have more top shelf players than some would like to admit.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 5 reasons why NY Giants are in position to win the NFC East
