With the team returning to the field this week, the Giants.com crew picks one takeaway from the first half of the season and one pressing question post-bye week.
John Schmeelk: My biggest takeaway before the bye is that the Giants embraced the bend-but-don't-break defense, which has been extremely effective the last couple of weeks. They have played mostly zone on early downs and kept everything in front of them. On third downs and in the red zone, they have slipped in more man-to-man and have done a good job of forcing incomplete passes.
The team is allowing opponents to complete some short passes and run the ball for four to five yards a pop. This strategy can work if the Giants can force turnovers and make teams pay for running so many plays to move the ball down the field. It can also work if the Giants keep having the defensive success they've had in the red zone. In the Giants' last three games, opponents have converted three of 13 trips into touchdowns. The question is whether or not that success is sustainable.
As for the Giants after the bye, this offense could do a bit more once they have all their skill position players back and have Andrew Thomas back at left tackle. They have played their offense close to the vest the last few weeks because of injuries. Their defense has allowed them to stick to that strategy and win two out of three. Their returning players should allow them to take some more shots on early downs, use more traditional five- and seven-step drops and take more shots down the field.
From Daniel Jones' one-handed catch on a trick play to Xavier McKinney's pick-six to the OT thriller in New Orleans, re-live the best moments from the first half of the season in this must-see photo gallery.
New York Giants at Washington Football Team 2021
Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a catch in front of Denver Broncos cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants at Washington Football Team 2021
New York Giants at Washington Football Team 2021
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs away from Denver Broncos' Von Miller (58) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Broncos won 27-13. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scoring a touchdown against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
John Ross (12)
Logan Ryan (23)
Keion Crossen (31), Cam Brown (47)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99), Quincy Roche (95)
Leonard Williams (99)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Devontae Booker (28)
John Ross (12)
Daniel Jones (8), Kyle Rudolph (80)
Logan Ryan (23), Xavier McKinney (29)
New York Giants linebacker Quincy Roche (95) during a week 8 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday November 1st, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri
New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during a week 3 football game on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Chase Young (99), Saquon Barkley (26)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
John Ross (12)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) celebrates a sack during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Carter Coughlin (52) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sack Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a week 6 football game on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) talks to his team mates before a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates the game winning touchdown during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59) during a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) during a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) and running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrate a touchdown during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) during a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland (55) recovers a fumble during a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates a touchdown run with guard Ben Bredeson (68) celebrates a touchdown run with during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59) celebrates an interception during a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) intercepts a pass during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) after intercepting a pass during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) after scoring a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) carries the ball during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the ball during a week 8 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday November 1st, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri
New York Giants linebacker Benardrick McKinney (49) during a week 8 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday November 1st, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri
The New York Giants defense celebrates a James Bradberry interception during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants defensive tackle Danny Shelton (75) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants center Billy Price (69) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 8 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday November 1st, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates a touchdown run with Nick Gates (65) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates a touchdown run during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 8 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday November 1st, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) before a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
The New York Giants enter the field before a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) makes a catch during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) celebrates a sack with Leonard Williams (99) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants linebacker Quincy Roche (95) during a week 8 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday November 1st, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the ball during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) celebrates a touchdown with Saquon Barkley (26) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a tackle during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge signals touchdown during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and Dexter Lawrence (97) hug during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder (48) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) makes a touchdown catch during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Dante Pettis (13) scores a touchdown during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) dances during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants players runs out of the tunnel before a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge talks with New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) before a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) chases Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during a week 7 football game on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Kyle Rudolph (80) and Evan Engram (88) celebrate a 2 point conversion during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) runs out onto the field before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford. N.J. The New York Giants defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 23-16. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford. N.J. The New York Giants defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 23-16. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford. N.J. The New York Giants defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 23-16. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants center Billy Price (69) prepares to snap the ball during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford. N.J. The New York Giants defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 23-16. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford. N.J. The New York Giants defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 23-16. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) runs with the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (54) and defensive end Mike Danna (51) give chase during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) rushes past Las Vegas Raiders free safety Trevon Moehrig (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) celebrates with teammate Collin Johnson, right, after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after the catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
New York Giants wide receiver John Ross (12) makes this catch while being defended by Daniel Sorensen during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) catches a pass in front of Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Engram scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates with Giants tight end Kyle Rudolph (80) after they connected for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) runs from Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Nick Bolton (54) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram scores during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge reacts to a safety against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) is congratulated by cornerback Logan Ryan, right, after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants safety Logan Ryan (23) runs against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Kyle Rudolph, right, catches a touchdown pass as Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill (22) watches during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) and New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) react against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Kyle Rudolph celebrates after scoring during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams (99) celebrates with teammates after the Giants scored on a safety during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants tight end Kyle Rudolph (80) runs past Carolina Panthers' Donte Jackson (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) smiles after making an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass as he is hit by New York Giants' Leonard Williams (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The play was ruled intentional grounding in the end zone, resulting in a safety. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers' Sean Chandler (34) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won in overtime 27-21. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants nose tackle Austin Johnson (98) reacts after a sack against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Xavier McKinney during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) reacts against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter celebrates after recovering a fumble by Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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 quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning smiles while he attends a ceremony to retire his jersey number 10 and celebrate his tenure with the team during half-time of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a touchdown catch against Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates after scoring on a two-point conversion during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge stands on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning addresses the crowd during a ceremony to retire his jersey number 10 and honor his tenure with the team during half-time in an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against Washington Football Team cornerback Bobby McCain (20) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs downfield with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) runs the ball against Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a touchdown catch against Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball up the field during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Tae Crowder (48)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Devontae Booker (28)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Leonard Williams (99)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Devontae Booker (28)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Leonard Williams (99), Danny Shelton (75), Austin Johnson (98)
Danny Shelton (75)
Daniel Jones (8)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Devontae Booker (28)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Logan Ryan (23)
Matt Peart (74)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Evan Engram (88)
Riley Dixon (9), Graham Gano (5)
Evan Engram (88)
Tae Crowder (48), Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99), Trent Harris (93), Logan Ryan (23)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Tae Crowder (48), Reggie Ragland (55), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Quincy Roche (95)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darius Slayton (86)
Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Jones (8)
Collin Johnson (15)
Devontae Booker (28)
Elijhaa Penny (39)
Daniel Jones (8)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Saquon Barkley (26), Billy Price (69)
Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Leonard Williams (99)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8), Billy Price (69)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Evan Engram (88)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Evan Engram (88)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Devontae Booker (28), Head Coach Joe Judge
Kenny Golladay (19)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Raymond Johnson III (91), Leonard Williams (99), Austin Johnson (98)
Riley Dixon (9), Graham Gano (5)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Julian Love (20)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Darius Slayton (86), Sterling Shepard (3)
Devontae Booker (28)
Devontae Booker (28)
Devontae Booker (28)
Saquon Barkley (26), Elijhaa Penny (39)
John Ross (12), Saquon Barkley (26)
Graham Gano (5)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
James Bradberry (24)
Benardrick McKinney (49)
Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99)
James Bradberry (24)
Azeez Ojulari (51), Leonard Williams (99), Oshane Ximines (53),
Kenny Golladay (19)
Leonard Williams (99)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Logan Ryan (23)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Blake Martinez (54), Lorenzo Carter (59), Jabrill Peppers (21)
Logan Ryan (23)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Leonard Williams (99)
Logan Ryan (23)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Blake Martinez (54)
Logan Ryan (23)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Leonard Williams (99)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Azeez Ojulari (51), Tae Crowder (48)
Evan Engram (88)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Azeez Ojulari (51), Leonard Williams (99)
Leonard Williams (99), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Daniel Jones (8)
Tae Crowder (48), Azeez Ojulari (51), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
Evan Engram (88)
Dan Salomone: It is said tongue in cheek that Week 1 has become a must-win game for the Giants – even though three of their four Super Bowl championship seasons began with opening losses (only 1990 began with a win) – but it speaks to a larger issue for the team in recent years. Since their last postseason appearance in the 2016 Wild Card Round, the Giants are 3-14 in September and 4-16 in October. The numbers improve in the second half as they are 7-9 in November and 7-13 in December/January, but the holes have just been too deep.
The 2021 Giants will now try to climb out of theirs.
Playing strong defense is a good launching point. The Giants held their opponents to an average of 13 points in their three games before the break, and they went 2-1 after a 1-5 start in which they gave up 29.5 points per game. That leads to the biggest question for the home stretch: Can the defense hold the line until the offense gets healthy? It starts Monday night against the Buccaneers, who are coming off just their fourth double-digit loss in 29 games with Tom Brady.
Lance Medow: With nine games in the books, the Giants have experienced their fair share of ups and downs, which has contributed to a 3-6 record. The biggest takeaway from the first half of the season has been the lack of complementary football. We've seen games where the offense has delivered, but the defense has struggled and vice-versa. In Week 2 at Washington, the offense scored a season-high 29 points but the defense surrendered 30. In Week 3, the defense held the Falcons to 17 points but the offense only produced 14 and in Week 8, the defense once again kept the Chiefs in check, holding them to 20 points but the offense only managed 17. The Raiders' game was really the best example of when both facets complemented one another as the offense was able to move the chains and the defense collected takeaways and even scored a touchdown. Yet it still wasn't easy as it came down to a last second Quincy Roche strip-sack to seal it.
That brings me to the biggest question mark heading into the second half. Will the Giants be able to consistently score more points? In the first nine games of the season, New York has scored 20 points or less five times and, no surprise, they lost all five of those games. They're averaging just below 20 points per contest, which puts them 24th in the NFL - that number has to improve if the team wants to showcase more consistency on the offensive side of the ball. Improved red zone efficiency and more explosive plays are two areas that can help that cause considering the Giants are last in the NFL in red zone touchdown rate at just 44%. Keep in mind, regardless of opponents' records, of their remaining eight games, five will showcase teams that rank in the top half of the league in scoring average. Patrick Graham's group has been solid over the last three games but you can't expect that unit to hold the opposition to 17 points or less every week. How the offense performs in the final eight games will go a long way in determining the team's outlook.
Tickets for Michael Strahan Ceremony
Limited tickets are available for Michael Strahan's jersey retirement game on November 28th
