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The New York Giants are so far holding true to Odell Beckham‘s wish to win out. During the Giants bye week in Week 9, the Giants All-Pro wide receiver said he wanted to “win eight games” when asked what his goal for the team was in the second-half of the season.
His goal is still a reach, even though they've rattled off two straight victories. They defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10, while beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11. They're victory in Week 11 was uncommon, with them winning in a shootout. The score was 38-35 at the final whistle, becoming just the second game they surpassed 30 points since 2016.
It was another nice performance from the offense, even though the Buccaneers defense is historically bad. It's hard to see this Giants roster going undefeated the rest of the way though.
Their remaining schedule includes the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys. Of course anything is possible, but in the NFL it's hard to string off eight straight wins.
The Giants improved their record to 3-7 now, which is still last place in the NFC East. There were a few guys who stood out among the rest on Sunday for the G-Men.
Alec Ogletree: 9 Tackles, 1 Interception, 1 Touchdown
Alec Ogletree has had a relatively quiet year since being acquired via trade before the season began. He came from the Los Angeles Rams, where he played for 5 years.
This year he has 64 tackles and 2 interceptions, with him being the second-leading tackler on the Giants. The only guy in front of him is Landon Collins.
He's always been a freakish-athletic linebacker, doing most of his damage in the passing game. He did just that in Sunday's win over the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers had the ball at their own 11 yard line, attempting a pass on 2nd and 9. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a risky pass intended for DeSean Jackson.
Janoris Jenkins was playing coverage on Jackson, breaking up the pass. As the ball was making it's way to the ground, it somehow managed to roll off of Jenkins leg into Ogletree's hands. Ogletree intercepted it as he went to the ground, then rolled over to proceed to the end zone for a pick-six. Here's the play in its entirety, definitely making a case for play of the year so far.
Big Blue with the pick-6 and squad celebration 📸
(via @Giants)https://t.co/9wQXRDISqV
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 18, 2018
It still amazes me how he was able to keep the ball off of the ground by using Jenkins leg. That's what teammate are for.
Eli Manning: 17-18, 231 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Eli Manning was essentially perfect in Week 11, against a depleted Buccaneers defense. Manning threw just one incomplete pass, but played well enough to come away with the win.
This is the type of play the Giants could have used from Manning earlier in the year. He played mistake-free football, which is a uncommon site at his point of his career.
Turnovers have been detrimental to Manning's decline, throwing 90 interceptions since 2013 (most in the NFL). It's hard not to think that the Giants would be in a way better position this year if Manning could remain consistent.
He's gone two straight weeks of playing great football, but it remains to be seen if he can uphold that level of production. It's tough to feel confident that he'll continue this level of play, as he has been incapable of doing so in recent years.
One of the reasons for Manning's recent success, is the improved play of the offensive line. The signing of Jamon Brown could prove to be very beneficial for the Giants going forward.
The offensive line allowed 4 sacks, but there are more plays where Manning is able to have plenty of time to make plays. There are also still times where he has time and misses throws.
No plays like that occurred though on Sunday, with him failing to complete a pass just once. The Giants are hoping that Manning can remain hot when they face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12.
Saquon Barkley: 27 Carries, 142 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards, 1 Touchdown
It was yet another week where Saquon Barkley showed why he was the second overall pick in this past year's draft. Barkley is a generational talent, being able to be a threat in many situations on offense.
It was a career high day in carries, rushing yards and total touchdowns on Sunday for the rookie phenom. “Saquads” (blame Eli for the nickname) gashed the Buccaneers defense all day, proving to be unstoppable on the ground.
Not many teams have been able to slow down Barkley this year, adding the Buccaneers to that cast of teams. It's hard not to say he was the main reason they came out victorious against the Buccaneers on Sunday.
Here's Barkley's performance in video form for your viewing pleasure.
152 total yards. THREE TDs.
And a @Giants WIN!Here are ALL 32.9 fantasy points from @saquon in Week 11! (by @GEICO) https://t.co/4iP5FEeUE1
— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2018
It wasn't a eye-popping performance through the air, although he managed to find a way into the end zone with just 2 receptions. With talents like Barkley, every time the ball is in their possession, there is a chance for points.
I hate having the conversation on whether or not the Giants made a mistake on taking Barkley over someone like Sam Darnold. To me, it's not a conversation that can be had soon.
Darnold would need to be lighting it up for there to be any argument to be made. He's not, while Barkley is showcasing why he can be sporting a gold jacket at the conclusion of his career.
I've watched and studied many running backs, with Barkley being one of the most impressive guys I've had the pleasure of witnessing. He'll get another chance to show out, when he faces the Eagles for a second time in Week 12.
