The New York Giants rallied with under 2:00 remaining on Monday night to defeat the Green Bay Packers, 24-22, in a game that kept their NFC Playoff hopes very much alive.
Now at 5-8, the Giants are just one game back of the final wildcard spot with two teams — New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams — ahead of them remaining on the schedule.
Who could have seen all this coming just one month ago?
Here is a look at some of the studs and duds (and studly duds) from the Week 14 victory.
STUD: WR Wan'Dale Robinson
Rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito stole the spotlight on Monday night (and we’ll get to him shortly), but what wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson did should not fly under the radar.
Robinson pieced together what could arguably be called the best performance of his young career, tallying 115 yards from scrimmage. But it wasn’t the yardage total that stood out — it’s how he got there.
Through the air and on the ground, Robinson made his presence felt. He made a brilliant toe-tapping catch followed later by an even more impressive catch where he came back to the ball, essentially beating two defenders. Both were must-haves.
And don’t overlook his presence as a blocker down the field. Robinson may be undersized but he plays like a giant.
DUD: RB Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley may have gone over 100 yards from scrimmage on Monday night, but those numbers don’t match the actual performance.
Until the fourth quarter, Barkley was averaging under 2.5 yards per carry, had no explosive runs, and then fumbled away the ball later, nearly costing the Giants a victory.
Yes, the final stat sheet shows 86 yards rushing, two touchdowns, and 4.3 yards per carry, but that’s misleading and not representative of how things played out. Barkley himself would tell you it was an unacceptable performance.
STUD: QB Tommy DeVito
Tommy DeVito. Tommy Cutlets. Tommy Bag O’ Touchdowns. Call him whatever you want, the undrafted rookie continues to impress.
DeVito rallied after struggling early and ultimately led the Giants to their third straight victory with an impressive game-winning drive. He was poised, and confident and played smart, safe football.
Throw the numbers, which were still impressive, out the window. None of those stats matter when it comes to DeVito. The only thing that matters is his competitive nature and a confidence that has helped not only inspire his teammates, but also turn this entire season around.
DUD: CB Cor'Dale Flott
It was a rough night in East Rutherford for Cor’Dale Flott. Not only did he miss a few tackles — some bigger than others — he was also called for defensive pass interference (completely unnecessary) giving the Packers a new set of downs.
Flott was also dinged up in the game, suffering a stinger/shoulder injury.
STUD: CB Deonte Banks
On the opposite end of the cornerback spectrum, rookie Deonte Banks played exceptionally well despite giving up a touchdown (by inches) late in the game.
Banks led the Giants with 12 tackles (nine solo, one for a loss) and one huge touchdown-saving pass defensed.
While Banks has been a bit inconsistent in recent weeks, there’s always more good than bad. He also seems to be improving weekly.
DUD: S Bobby McCain
How is it that the special teams unit seems to have at least one crushing miscue weekly?
Against the Packers, the biggest offender was veteran safety Bobby McCain, who lost track of a Jamie Gillian punt and had it go off his arm only to be recovered by Green Bay.
The Packers made quick work of the short field, connecting on a chipshot field goal to pull within one midway through the third quarter.
STUDLY DUD: LB Kayvon Thibodeaux
Kayvon Thibodeaux recorded eight tackles and a half-sack on the night, bringing his season total to 11.5. He added a QB hit and a pass defensed, which was big at the moment, but it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
To the naked eye, Thibodeaux had another fantastic performance. However, watching him overpursue against the run is a bit frustrating, especially since it’s an area in which he seemed to be improving.
Still, there was more good than bad, but Thibs has to shore up against the run on the edge.
Other STUDS
- LB Azeez Ojulari
- P Jamie Gillian
- WR Isaiah Hodgins
- RB Matt Breida
- NT Dexter Lawrence
Other DUDS
- NFL officials
- WR Jalin Hyatt
- TE Daniel Bellinger
