Three things to watch for in the Giants' final four games
Brian Burns fires his web after a sack against the Eagles earlier this season. Credit: Ed Murray
For the first time since Oct. 9, the Giants finally won something. According to Tankathon, they currently hold the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, thanks to the Titans’ victory over the Browns on Sunday.
It’s not the way the Giants had hoped to end their bye week when the season began, but it’s a fitting booby prize for a sinking season. At 2-11, they’re tied for the NFL’s worst record with the Titans and Raiders.
They also return to work holding a seven-game losing streak. With four games left, the Giants have little to play for except pride and draft position. Their three remaining home games likely will feature visiting fans outnumbering Giants fans.
Here are three things to watch for the rest of the season, which resumes Sunday against the visiting Commanders:
1. How many games can the Giants win?
There’s a good chance the Giants can go at least 2-2. According to Tankathon, the Giants have the second-easiest remaining schedule based on win-loss record. The Commanders, Vikings and Raiders all have losing records. The Cowboys are 6-6-1.
The Commanders have the NFL’s longest active losing streak at eight games and quarterback Jayden Daniels reinjured his left elbow Sunday. Coach Dan Quinn said Daniels could have gone back in but the game got out of hand. Tight end Zach Ertz also suffered a torn ACL.
The Vikings were reeling before beating the Commanders, 31-0, on Sunday. The Raiders have lost seven in a row and have the NFL’s second-worst point differential. Both are winnable games. The Cowboys, of course, have won nine straight games against the Giants.
Whatever the case, Giants fans shouldn’t be concerned about chasing a top-five pick after the team added Malik Nabers, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart in the first round in the last two drafts. If the Giants do wind up in the top five, that pick is instant trade bait to any team willing to offer significant draft capital.
Wins are important. The Giants can’t afford to go 2-15 or have a second straight 3-14 season. Two more wins are possible, but so is anything — even an 0-4 finish.
2. Can Jaxson Dart win Offensive Rookie of the Year?
The primary goal this season is Dart’s development and gaining more game experience. It might help him win some hardware if he can stay healthy.
Dart has a strong case to be the Giants’ first Offensive Rookie of the Year since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Dart leads all rookie quarterbacks in total touchdowns (18), passing touchdowns (11), rushing touchdowns (seven) and passer rating (94.1). He’s second in passing yards (1,556) to Titans quarterback Cam Ward (2,468).
The Commanders and Cowboys are 30th and 32nd in passing defense, respectively, which could help Dart pad his stats.
He’ll face stiff competition from Carolina receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who leads all rookies in receiving yards (826) and co-leads with six receiving touchdowns. Other contenders include Buccaneers receiver Emeka Egbuka (806 receiving yards, six touchdowns) and Browns running back Quinshon Judkins, who leads all rookies with 784 rushing yards and is tied with Dart with seven rushing touchdowns.
Dart just needs to stay healthy and avoid unnecessary hits. If he can and puts up more solid numbers, he’ll have a reservation at the NFL Honors ceremony.
3. Brian Burns’ sack pursuit
The Giants’ best individual season belongs to linebacker Brian Burns, whose 13 sacks are second behind Myles Garrett’s 20. It’s the most by a Giant since Jason Pierre-Paul had 16.5 in 2011.
Burns can keep climbing up the Giants’ single-season sack list if he finishes the year well. He’s been held without a sack in three of the last four games and likely won’t catch Garrett — who’s closing in on the NFL record of 22 1⁄2 sacks held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt — but if Burns can get to 16 or 17, expect him to get serious consideration for his first All-Pro team and third Pro Bowl selection. He’ll also get votes for Defensive Player of the Year, although that award seems to be a lock for Garrett.
Even though the Giants’ defense has been a major disappointment, Burns is having a remarkable season. He has proved worthy of being named one of the Giants’ captains in his second season here.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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