In a year like no other, the Giants have made it to their bye week.
They enter the break having won their last two games – and three of the past five – after starting the season with five consecutive losses. Needless to say, there have been many twists and turns to the season, both within and without their control.
To assess it all, we take a look at the biggest surprise, the biggest thing we learned, and the biggest story line post-bye week.
Biggest surprise: The NFC East race
To call it a race might be an overstatement, but the Giants nevertheless are in the thick of it. Entering Week 10, no NFC East team has more than three wins as it remains the only division with all four clubs below .500. With that said, nothing should be a surprise in a division that rarely sticks to the book. It has not had a repeat champion since the Eagles, who are trying to defend the title, won four in a row from 2001-2004. So, Joe Judge will use that to motive his players when they return Monday and prepare for their next game against the Bengals, right?
"No," he said. "The importance needs to be improving as a team. All that other stuff will take care of itself. Cincinnati is a good team. We have to get ready and go ahead and improve ourselves internally. Turn the page and move on to Cincinnati and get ready for a tough game out there. We have a tough stretch of games coming up. We can't go ahead and start looking at rankings and division races and all that type of stuff. We just have to focus on getting better each week. That's what will ultimately help us in the long run."
View the best photos from the first 10 games of the Giants' 2020 campaign as the team enters its Week 11 bye.
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) prepares to snap the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton (28) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts with linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after a defensive play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) gets sacked by New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle B.J. Hill (95) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) is pushed by Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine (24) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
QB Daniel Jones
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) pushes Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) out of bounds during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
San Francisco 49ers' Jordan Reed, right, tries to grab a pass over New York Giants' Logan Ryan during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, center, throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman (22) runs with the ball during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens, center, is sacked by New York Giants Leonard Williams (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) makes a catch during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) during NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett, left, fumbles the ball which would then be recovered by the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) is seen in action during NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) lines up out wide during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson (27) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a reception against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman (22) carries the ball in front of Los Angeles Rams free safety John Johnson (43) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants punter Riley Dixon (9) punts the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants center Nick Gates (65) and offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) block during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks an extra point as punter Riley Dixon (9) holds during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) and defensive end Aldon Smith (58) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Head Coach Joe Judge picked up his first win as a head coach in this Week 5 victory over the Cowboys.
New York Giants' Casey Kreiter (58), place kicker Graham Gano (5) and punter Riley Dixon (9) celebrate a field goal kicked by Gano in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) reacts during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches a 2-point conversion pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
OLB Kyler Fackrell finished the game with 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended, 1 quarterback hit and an interception which he returned 46 yards for a touchdown.
2021: DL Leonard Williams (No. 84)
Head Coach Joe Judge picks up his first win as a head coach.
Leonard Williams (99)
QB Daniel Jones completed 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, adding seven carries for 74 yards.
New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles Washington Football Team's J.D. McKissic (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
WR Darius Slayton caught two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown.
New York Giants' Daniel Jones plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
WR Golden Tate caught just one pass but made it count, taking it 39 yards for a touchdown.
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) makes a catch to score a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Ric Tapia/NFL)
New York Giants' James Bradberry (24) intercepts a pass against Philadelphia Eagles' John Hightower (82) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
New York Giants' Daniel Jones runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Blake Martinez reacts after a missed sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) catches a touchdown pass against Philadelphia Eagles' Darius Slay (24) and Rodney McLeod (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
New York Giants' Logan Ryan (23) celebrates with teammates after the Giants forced a turnover on downs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) celebrates after picking up a fumble during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants' James Bradberry, right, knocks away a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mike Evans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, fends off Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Lavonte David during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) dives with the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants' Golden Tate, right, catches a touchdown in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Sean Murphy-Bunting during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Austin Mack (81) runs down field against Washington Football Team cornerback Ronald Darby (23) in the first half of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates with New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
LB Blake Martinez finished with a team-high 10 tackles (three solo), two passes defended and an interception.
TE Evan Engram recorded five receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown on a team-high 10 targets.
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
RB Alfred Morris carried the ball nine times for 67 yards (7.4 yards per carry) and caught one pass for four yards.
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to runs past Washington Football Team safety Deshazor Everett (22) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Al Drago)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
DB Logan Ryan registered six tackles (five solo), two passes defended, a forced fumble and the game-clinching interception at the end of the fourth quarter.
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) celebrates with long snapper Casey Kreiter (58) and punter Riley Dixon (9) during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman (22) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Philadelphia Eagles' Avonte Maddox (29) tackles New York Giants' Austin Mack (81) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) reacts to a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass in front of Philadelphia Eagles' Avonte Maddox (29) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Golden Tate (15) catches a pass in front of Philadelphia Eagles' Nickell Robey-Coleman during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman (22) jumps over Philadelphia Eagles' Rodney McLeod (23) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
CB James Bradberry registered four solo tackles and two pass breakups.
Biggest takeaway: The giveaways
What isn't surprising about the state of the NFC East is how it got there. Dallas has the worst turnover differential in the NFL at minus-13, and Philadelphia and Washington are tied for third-worst at minus-7. The Giants have climbed back to even after not turning the ball over the past two weeks and forcing five turnovers during that span. Only Pittsburgh (17), Tampa Bay (17), and Buffalo (16) have more takeaways than the Giants (15).
"I think that certainly gives us a better chance to win games," quarterback Daniel Jones, who threw nine interceptions and lost four fumbles in the first eight games. "It's something I've been focusing on. I think we did a great job executing and [offensive coordinator Jason] Garrett called a great game and it's up to me to understand where to take risks and where not to. I think it certainly feels good not to turn the ball over and got to keep building on it, keep going, and that definitely helps our chances to win."
Biggest storyline: The build
At his introductory press conference on Jan. 9, Judge said, "You don't build the Empire State Building by washing the windows; you build it with the foundation and work it on up." He has also said repeatedly there is no "magic wand" to get the franchise back on track, a painstaking process that is starting to yield results. He will try his best to but blinders on his team and focus on the incremental improvements for the rest of the year – and the rest of his tenure.
"You talk about our team and one word I use all the time is resilient," Judge said. "When I think about people in this area, blue-collar people who work hard every day. It's obviously a very competitive area to be in. That's what you have to be up here. We want our guys to be successful on the field, but it matters to us how we're successful. We want to play with the right attitude. We want to play a tough brand of football. We want to run the ball, stop the run, cover kicks. We want to go out there and be able to play in tough elements and be successful.
"We're not going to be a team that makes excuses or comes back an says 'we had them, but this happened instead.' That's not the way we're made up; that's not what we're going to do. I think we're getting closer to putting a product on the field that hopefully people can see themselves in. That people are proud to put on those blue caps or t-shirts on Mondays and go to work and celebrate that they root for the Giants. That's something that's important to us here. We want this team to be about the area. Not just about the guys in the building."
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