Two straight wins for the New York Giants have them just two games back in the NFC East, following a 15-7 victory this past Sunday over the Philadelphia Eagles. The road win was the team’s first in nine contests and it came at the most appropriate time.
Seven days ago, the Giants sat at 0-6 with not a glimmer of hope. Yet somehow, they’ve managed to turn it around. Granted, an inept group of their NFC East foes has helped keep their playoff aspirations alive. But improving play over the last two games has put them in prime position heading into their bye week.
Despite the close score, New York’s Week 8 win was an example of pure domination. The Giants’ failure to get into the end zone kept the Eagles in the game throughout, but Big Blue was superior otherwise from start to finish.
Here’s a look at the Giants’ three biggest stars in their key divisional win…
Antrel Rolle, FS
For the second week in a row, the Giants’ defensive captain stepped up and delivered when they needed him to. He had two big plays early on — an interception and a sack-fumble in the Eagles’ first four offensive plays — and continued his efforts throughout the afternoon.
Rolle finished the game with four tackles and the aforementioned interception, plus a sack and a forced fumble. His stout play set an example for his Giants teammates, who put together their best defensive performance so far this season.
Poor play from the Eagles’ offense certainly made the Giants’ lives easier, but Rolle and his teammates all made the plays necessary to get the job done.
Terrell Thomas, CB
Thomas had a much-needed breakout contest eight games into his comeback season (the defensive back has gone through three ACL surgeries on his right knee). He seemed to be around the football on nearly every defensive snap for the Giants and left his mark on the Eagles’ offensive players.
The 2008 draft pick led all Giants’ players with 10 tackles. He starred against both the run and in pass coverage, looking very much like his former self despite missing two seasons due to his past injuries. He also added a forced fumble on a sack of Eagles’ backup quarterback Matt Barkley late in the game.
Justin Tuck, DE
Yes, it was all defense for New York against Philadelphia. And the most pleasant standout was defensive end Justin Tuck, who had a fantastic all-around game for the G-Men.
He made his presence felt against a shoddy Eagles’ offensive unit, placing their quarterbacks under pressure on five different occasions and making some key stops on running back LeSean McCoy deep in the backfield.
The Giants have been waiting for their pass rush to arrive this season, and Tuck was an integral factor in its success in this game. If he can continue to replicate his Week 8 performance — and if some of his teammates can follow suit — Big Blue could boast a well-rounded defensive unit that might give some teams trouble down the stretch.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. All quotes were acquired first hand or via team press releases unless otherwise noted. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.