AT A GLANCE: The New York Giants have been no strangers to close games in 2021. This time, there was no heartbreak. After rallying with 11 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to tie the game before the end of regulation, Saquon Barkley scored on a six-yard touchdown run for a 27-21 overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome, where the team had not won since 1993.
UP NEXT: The Giants (1-3) play their second of back-to-back road games, this time taking on the Dallas Cowboys (3-1) in Week 5 (4:25 p.m. ET kickoff). The NFC East rivals split the 2020 season series, but the Giants have not won in Dallas since the 2016 season opener.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE
*The Giants played without three key contributors on offense. Wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, who sustained hamstring injuries in last week's 17-14 loss to Atlanta, and guard Ben Bredeson (hand) were ruled out for Week 4.
*Matt Skura, whose final season at Duke was Daniel Jones' first with the Blue Devils, made his Giants debut and played left guard as the team started its fourth player at the position in as many games. Shane Lemieux and Nick Gates have both undergone surgeries and were placed on injured reserve.
*Coach Joe Judge said earlier in the week that rookie wide receiver Kadarius Toney's role continues to grow regardless of injuries around him. With Shepard and Slayton out, the electric first-round draft choice showed he can be a handful to bring down as he notched 78 yards on six receptions. The Florida product amassed just four catches for 14 yards in his first three games.
*Wide receiver Kenny Golladay had his most productive day in a Giants uniform, recording a game-high 116 yards on six catches.
*Wide receiver John Ross gained fame years ago with his record 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he showed that speed in his first game since being activated from injured reserve. Jones dropped in a perfect pass to the blazing 5-foot-11,194-pounder for a 52-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter. Ross lost the football – and his shoe – as he fell at the goal line, but an official review upheld the touchdown call. Technically, it went down in the record books as a fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown.
*It was tough sledding against a Saints defense allowing 60.33 rushing yards per game and 2.78 yards per carry. Saquon Barkley had 52 yards and the game-winning touchdown on 13 attempts, but rushing is just one part of his game. The dynamic running back made things interesting with a 54-yard score on a pass from Jones, who ran in the two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 21-18 with 6:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. Barkley finished with 74 receiving yards.
*Jones threw for a career-high 402 yards while completing 70.0 percent of his passes.
*The Giants' first two touchdown drives were one play apiece.
Check out the best photos from the New York Giants' Week 4 contest against the New Orleans Saints.
S Julian Love
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
CB James Bradberry
P Riley Dixon
New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) tackles New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
WR John Ross
Ross flashed his speed on a 52-yard touchdown reception in his first game since being activated from injured reserve.
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) celebrates his touchdown reception with wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) and free safety Marcus Williams try to tackle New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) on a touchdown reception in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball prior to an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball and is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) reacts with punter Riley Dixon (9) after a missed field goal during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) runs a route during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) celebrates after a touchdown catch with running back Saquon Barkley (26) during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) catches the ball for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates after a touchdown throw during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates after a touchdown throw with tight end Kyle Rudolph (80) during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal as punter Riley Dixon (9) holds during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Gano missed on the kick. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball and is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
QB Daniel Jones
Jones threw for a career-high 402 yards while completing 70.0 percent of his passes.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
WR Kadarius Toney
The first-round pick showed his elusiveness as he recorded 78 yards on six catches.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) calls out between plays in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries against New Orleans Saints linebacker Tanoh Kpassagnon (90) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) takes a break on the sideline in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28 carries in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge talks to umpire Carl Paganelli (124) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries against New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
RB Saquon Barkley
Barkley had 126 yards from scrimmage and two scores, including the game-winning touchdown run in overtime.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates his two-point conversion with center Billy Price in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
CB James Bradberry
Bradberry notched his second interception of the season.
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal to tie the game near the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime, in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores on a touchdown reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries against New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants holder Riley Dixon (9) congratulates kicker Graham Gano (5) after making a field goal to tie the game near the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime, in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores on a touchdown reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
K Graham Gano
While Gano's streak ended, another began. Gano kicked a 48-yarder to tie the game before the end of regulation after missing his first attempt in more than a year.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown in overtime to defeat the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21.(AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown in overtime to defeat the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21.(AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores a touchdown against New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle to win in overtime during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley carries for a touchdown against New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) to defeat the Saints in overtime during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown in overtime during an NFL football game against the New York Giants in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21.(AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown in overtime with wide receiver Kadarius Toney to defeat the New Orleans Saints 27-21, during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley carries for a touchdown to defeat the New Orleans Saints in overtime during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown in overtime with wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) to defeat the New Orleans Saints 27-21, during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
Head Coach Joe Judge
Head Coach Joe Judge
Head Coach Joe Judge
Collin Johnson (15)
Collin Johnson (15)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Riley Dixon (9)
Evan Engram (88)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Collin Johnson (15)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Collin Johnson (15)
James Bradberry (24), Keion Crossen (31)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Logan Ryan (23), Rodarius Williams (25)
Kadarius Toney (89)
James Bradberry (24), Keion Crossen (31)
Crossen (31)
Crossen (31)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Crossen (31)
Crossen (31)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Casey Kreiter (58)
Riley Dixon (9)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Riley Dixon (9)
Logan Ryan (23)
Daniel Jones (8)
Logan Ryan (23)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Julian Love (20)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99)
James Bradberry (24)
Carter Coughlin (52)
James Bradberry (24)
Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Riley Dixon (9)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Riley Dixon (9)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Matt Peart (74)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Matt Peart (74)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Matt Peart (74)
Matt Peart (74)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
C.J. Board (18)
C.J. Board (18)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Collin Johnson (15)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
John Ross (12)
Collin Johnson (15)
Devontae Booker (28)
Devontae Booker (28)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Darius Slayton (86)
Darius Slayton (86)
Keion Crossen (31)
Keion Crossen (31)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Leonard Williams (99)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Leonard Williams (99)
Julian Love (20)
Dante Pettis (13)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
James Bradberry (24)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Daniel Jones (8)
James Bradberry (24)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Austin Johnson (98)
C.J. Board (18)
C.J. Board (18)
Carter Coughlin (52)
Carter Coughlin (52)
Kaden Smith (82)
Tae Crowder (48)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Tae Crowder (48)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Collin Johnson (15)
Riley Dixon (9)
Mike Glennon (2)
Matt Peart (74)
Graham Gano (5)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Mike Glennon (2)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kenny Golladay (19)
James Bradberry (24)
James Bradberry (24)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
James Bradberry (24), Jabrill Peppers (21), Sterling Shepard (3)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Sterling Shepard (3)
James Bradberry (24), Jabrill Peppers (21), Sterling Shepard (3)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Logan Ryan (23)
James Bradberry (24)
Tae Crowder (48)
Will Hernandez (71)
Tae Crowder (48)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Leonard Williams (99)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99)
Nate Solder (76)
Matt Peart (74)
Elijhaa Penny (39)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Danny Shelton (75)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Julian Love (20)
Danny Shelton (75)
Julian Love (20)
Evan Engram (88)
C.J. Board (18)
Evan Engram (88)
Sam Beal (34)
C.J. Board (18)
Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Lewerke (6)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Brian Lewerke (6)
Carter Coughlin (52), Kaden Smith (82)
Carter Coughlin (52), Kaden Smith (82)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Niko Lalos (57)
Niko Lalos (57)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Riley Dixon (9)
Riley Dixon (9), Casey Kreiter (58)
Cullen Gillaspia (36)
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE
*Middle linebacker Blake Martinez, a team captain and the defensive signal-caller, was placed on injured reserve this week after suffering a season-ending knee injury. Like he did mid-game last week, Tae Crowder stepped in and wore the green dot on his helmet, signifying the player who receives the calls from the sideline.
*The Saints controlled the time of possession for more than 20 minutes in the first half, but the Giants got off the field in key situations to hold them to seven points heading into the locker room. However, the final two minutes continued to plague the team. The Giants had allowed 27 points in the final two minutes of halves – 21 in the first half, six in the second – which was the most in the NFL through three games. Jameis Winston found Juwan Johnson for a 15-yard touchdown with 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter to tie the game 7-7.
*Compounding the problem, the Saints marched 75 yards on just three plays on the first drive of the second half. It was propelled by a 58-yard pass from Winston to wide receiver Marquez Callaway and capped by an eight-yard Taysom Hill touchdown run in which he spun and broke multiple tackles.
*Winston had a 46-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kenny Stills nullified by a holding penalty, and on the very next play, Giants cornerback intercepted Hill on a deep pass attempt. It was the second interception of the season for Bradberry, a 2020 Pro Bowler. Instead of the Saints taking a double-digit lead late in the third quarter, the Giants got the ball back down by four points.
*New Orleans ranked second in red-zone touchdown efficiency, scoring touchdowns on 88.9 percent of their trips inside the 20-yard line. On Sunday, they were 3-for-3.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS
*For the first time since Sept. 20, 2020, Graham Gano missed a field goal attempt, hooking a 35-yarder wide left early in the second quarter of a scoreless game. Gano, who had made 37 consecutive field goal attempts, entered Sunday with the NFL's longest active streak and was tied for the fourth-longest all-time. Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis, 2015-16) holds the league record with 44. Gano started his next streak with a 23-yard make in the third quarter before tying the game on a 48-yarder with 31 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
INJURY REPORT
NYG: S Jabrill Peppers (hamstring)
NO: WR Tony Jones Jr. (ankle)
INACTIVES
NYG: OL Ben Bredeson (hand), WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring), WR Darius Slayton (hamstring), CB Josh Jackson, CB Sam Beal, DE Raymond Johnson
NO: C Erik McCoy (calf), OT Terron Armstead (elbow), QB Ian Book, CB Desmond Trufant, DE Montravius Adams, WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey
Single Game Tickets
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