By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG
The New York Giants were outplayed in many of the offensive categories against the Las Vegas Raiders; from total yards gained to 1st downs to yards gained per down. The Giants 23-16 win wasn’t pretty and the only category they needed was getting a much needed win. Here are my Top 3 reasons how the Giants managed to steal a win from the Las Vegas Raiders:
- Giants running game: The Giants running game came alive with a total of 149 yards on the ground, led by DeVontae Booker with 99. Booker provided the Giants with a solid effort that enabled the Giants to keep the ball out of the Raiders offense hands.
- Turnover Department: The Giants finally capitalized on the opposing team’s mistakes by converting 10 points from the three turnovers committed by the Raiders. The biggest and most damaging turnover by the Raiders came from the arm of Derek Carr with an ill-advised pass that safety Xavier Mckinney intercepted in full stride and gallop 41 yards for a touchdown, giving the lead permanently 17-13.
- Giants Defense Red Zone: Usually when I talk about the Giants Red Zone conversions, it’s about the offense. Well, the Giants defense stepped up in a big way by limiting the Raiders in the Red Zone with a 1-6 conversion. Quincy Roche help the cause with a beautiful strip on Derek Carr which resulted in a fumble as the Giants recovered it to end the threat.
Now the Giants will have a much needed bye week; which will allow many of their key offensive players more time to heal and be ready for Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they resume after the bye week. The Giants are finally out of the cellar in the NFL east and hope to string together a couple wins to get back into the playoff mix. Of course, the Buccaneers will be a handful and at this point, the Giants need to take it one game at a time and not look ahead.