The Giants (3-1-1) return to MetLife Stadium for a Week 6 matchup against the Saints (1-4).
After winning back-to-back home games in Weeks 3 and 4, the Giants went on the road last week for a divisional matchup against the Commanders. John Harbaugh's squad stormed back in the fourth quarter and overcame a 14-point deficit to force overtime, but after a crazy finish, the game ended in a 27-27 tie.
On the other sideline, the Saints struggled at home against the Vikings. The offense mustered just 142 total yards while the defense had trouble slowing Minnesota down. This led to a 23-13 loss, the third straight defeat for the Saints, all of which occurred in New Orleans.
The Giants will look to pick up their fourth win, and their fourth consecutive victory at home this season, in what will be their final game at MetLife Stadium before the Week 8 bye. Following this weekend's contest, the team will travel to Houston before getting some time off.
Here are storylines to follow in Week 6.
'Ability to overcome adversity'
It's only Week 6, and yet it feels like the Giants have already endured a season's worth of adversity. Despite losing their starting quarterback and then the team's defensive leader, the Giants are heading into this weekend's matchup at 3-1-1 and in first place in the NFC East. This past game against the Commanders saw the team overcome multiple double-digit deficits in the second half, including coming back from down 14 with less than eight minutes to go.
"The one thing that has become very evident is what is inside of our players," coach John Harbaugh said after the game. "Their heart, their grit, their mental toughness, their ability to overcome adversity is A plus, plus, plus. And that showed up today, so I'm very proud of that."
After a slow first half that saw the team down 12-3, adjustments were made which led to a much more explosive second half. Jameis Winston led the offense to 24 points on their four full drives in the third and fourth quarters, while the defense, sparked by a more blitz-heavy approach, picked up big stops on Washington's final two drives to give the Giants an opportunity to get back into the game and force overtime.
"I'm also very excited for the fact that we can improve so much," Harbaugh added. "We improved throughout the game, we did a lot of really good things. Our consistency level can get so much better, and all the little things, we can do better. We as a coaching staff do a great job of kind of finding our identity in some of these different areas and we will. So, proud of the guys though, for their fight."
View photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints.
New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game agains the New Orleans Saints on October 6. 1968 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the New Orleans Saints 38-31. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game agains the New Orleans Saints on October 6. 1968 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the New Orleans Saints 38-31. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
Jim Taylor of the New Orleans Saints reaches for the ball, thrown by quarterback Gary Cuozzo, as it falls incomplete in the third quarter of the Saints-Giants National Football League game in New York on Oct. 8, 1967. Defensive back Wendell Harris of the Giants, left, is set for the tackle. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) celebrates with defensive end George Martin (75) after recovering a fumble by New Orleans Saints running back Buford Jordan (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 28, 1986 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Dave Wilson (18) throws a pass despite pressure from leaping New York Giants defensive end George Martin (75) and Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) during the NFL football game on September 28, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 20-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Rob Carpenter (26) runs the ball during the NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants on December 15, 1984 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Dave Brown, left, running back Rodney Hampton, center, and center Brian Williams (59) celebrate Hampton's five-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 24, 1995. Hampton scored four touchdowns in the Giants 5-29 win over the Saints. (AP Photo/Kevin Larkin)
New York Giants wide receiver Chris Calloway (30) scores the Giants' second touchdown with New Orleans safety Anthony Newman (30) in pursuit in the second quarter of their game Sunday, Sept. 28, 1997, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Saints 14-9 improving their record to 2-3.(AP Photo/John Dunn)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius catches a pass for a 46-yard touchdown as New Orleans Saints safety Joe Bellamy looks on during the fourth quarter Sunday, Aug. 30, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 21-13. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants punt returner Tiki Barber (21) slips out of the grasp of New Orleans Saints linebacker Phil Clark, left, as he returns a punt for 20 yards during the first quarter Sunday, Aug. 30, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber pulled a hamstring while making a 14-yard touchdown run during the second quarter. The Giants won 21-13.(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) is stopped by New York Giants safety Sam Garnes, left, linebackers Brandon Short, top, Jessie Armstead, right, and Mike Barrow, bottom right, during the first quarter Sunday, Aug. 30, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius is congratulated by Greg Comella, left, and Amani Toomer after his touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 21-13 win over the New Orleans Saints at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001. (AP Photo/Jeff Zelevansky)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) gets away from New Orleans Saints defender Kenny Smith (90) as Giants Scott Peters (63) blocks in first half NFL action in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans Sunday Dec. 14, 2003. Barber had a short gain on the play. (AP Photo/Andrew Cohoon)
The New York Giants' Tiki Barber, left, gets past the New Orleans Saints' Jay Bellamy, top right, and Mike McKenzie at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Monday, Sept. 19, 2005. The Giants won 27-10. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New Orleans Saints kicker John Carney, right, is consoled by teamate Todd Bouman as the New York Giants' Reggie Torbor, left, runs by after Carney missed a kick in the fourth quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Monday, Sept 19, 2005. The Giants won 27-10. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New Orleans Saints' Deuce McAllister moves upfield as the New York Giants' Carlos Emmons brings him down in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Monday, Sept. 19, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress picks up a first down against the New Orleans Saints Monday night, Sept. 19, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants take on the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants' Eli Manning, right, talks with the New Orleans Saints' Deuce McAllister after the Giants beat the Saints 27-10 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Monday, Sept 19, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) scrambles for three yards before being tackled by New York Giants' Mathias Kiwanuka, right, and Fred Robbins during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Saints won 30-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber sweeps around the right side against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter during NFL football action Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber rushed for 71 yards in the game. The Saints won 30-7. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Bell and safety Will Demps celebrate after stopping the New Orleans Saints during their football Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, right, greets New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton after NFL football action Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber rushed for 71 yards in the game. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) picks up yardage as Giants' Tim Carter blocks New Orleans Saints cornerback Mike McKenzie, left, during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New Orleans Saint, left, huddle before a play against the New York Giants, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (88) chats with New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara, left, and Giants Justin Tuck, right, at the end of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) picks up good yardage on a pass play as New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (32) gives chase in the second half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) directs running back Brandon Jacobs (27) in the first half against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. [(AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints running back Mike Bell (21) is tackled by New York Giants linebackers Danny Clark (55) and Chase Blackburn (57) during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play as center Shaun O'Hara (60) looks on in the second half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
The New York Giants huddle before a play against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) audibles at the line in the first half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) slips into the end zone past New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper (42) in the first half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants guard Chris Snee (76), tackle Kareem McKenzie (67) and corner Shaun O'Hara (60) line up against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, left, is hoisted up in celebration by teammate Shaun O'Hara as Madison Hedgecock (39) watches after Bradshaw scored a touchdown in the first half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) races with a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (32) in the second half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) makes a catch over New Orleans Saints corner back Tracy Porter (22) during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct.18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) shake hands after an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) hands off to running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans (73) scuffles with several New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates his touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) tries to block a field goal by New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) after releasing a pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out a play at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) tries to block the pass of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants free safety Antrel Rolle (26) pats quarterback Eli Manning (10) on the head prior to an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks over his shoulder at New Orleans Saints cornerback Tracy Porter (22) as he runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talk after their NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011.(AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants free safety Antrel Rolle (26) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43)during the third quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) dances in the end zone to celebrate his 10-yard touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. At left is Saints cornerback Johnny Patrick (32). (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) does a summersault after scoring on a six-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) draws in the crowd after a short gain during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) chats with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning following their NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Saints 52-27. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) is hoisted into the air by Martellus Bennett after scoring on a 52-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 52-27. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) flips after scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) runs for a 52-yard touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Vilma during an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012 file photo, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with David Diehl after his 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Domenik Hixonduring the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks w New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) following a week 8 NFL football game on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus via AP)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the New Orleans Saints during a week 8 NFL football game on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana ( Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 8 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) carries against New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play in the huddle in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) pulls in a touchdown reception in front of New Orleans Saints defensive back Kyle Wilson (24) in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015.(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints safety Jarius Byrd (31) slams into New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) during an NFL game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. Manning passed for 350 yards and six touchdowns. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) fumbles as he is hit by New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. The fumble resulted in a touchdown return for the Giants. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. Manning passed for 350 yards and six touchdowns. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) stiff arms New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) during a week 8 NFL football game on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) greet each other after an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. The Saints won 52-49. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates after making a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as New Orleans Saints' Paul Kruger (99) rushes him during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 16-13. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) defends New Orleans Saints' Willie Snead (83) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Víctor Cruz, de los Giants de Nueva York, captura un pase frente a Ken Crawley, cornerback de los Saints de Nueva Orleáns, en el partido del domingo 18 de septiembre de 2016 (AP Foto/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Rhett Ellison, center, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) fends off New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (20) during an NFL game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Tielemans via AP)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New Orleans Saints take on the New York Giants during a week 4 NFL football game on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) dives into the end during a week 4 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks to get in the end zone during a week 4 NFL football game against the.New Orleans Saints on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, left, greets New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning after an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball while New Orleans Saints defensive back Vonn Bell (24) defends during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) greet each other following an NFL football game on Monday, Sept. 1, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Saints defeated the Giants 33-18. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, front, runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard, front, makes a catch in front of New Orleans Saints' Ken Crawley during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley jumps over defenders for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard, left, scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores 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 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
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58), OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), OLB Brian Burns (0)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
S Dane Belton (24)
S Dane Belton (24)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
OLB Brian Burns (0) ,OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
CB Nic Jones (31)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
New York Giants cornerback Andru Phillips (22)
Jameis gets rolling
The Giants' offense struggled in the first half against the Commanders, totaling just 82 yards of offense and three points. Jameis Winston completed only seven of 16 passes for 72 yards with a lost fumble through the first two quarters. But once Winston and the rest of the offense came out of the locker room for the start of the third quarter, they looked like a different team.
Winston led the offense on four full drives in the second half, all of which resulted in points. After a Dominic Zvada 56-yard field goal started the scoring in the third quarter, the Giants went on touchdown drives of 63 yards, 75 yards and 72 yards on their ensuing three possessions. The Giants put up 24 points and 240 total yards of offense in the second half. Paired with some clutch stops on defense, the Giants forced into overtime. And while his early struggles played a part in the offense not moving in the first half, Winston's success in the second half led to this offensive explosion.
The 32-year-old signal-caller threw for 254 yards and the three scores after halftime. This included some eye-opening stats in the fourth quarter when Winston completed 13 of 17 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. When you add in the fact that he did this despite the game being played in awful weather conditions, it makes it even more impressive. According to Next Gen Stats, Winston completed 13 of 22 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns for a 109.1 passer rating when blitzed, which represented a significant improvement from when he was blitzed the previous three weeks.
"I thought he was amazing in the fourth quarter," Harbaugh said after the game. "I thought he was amazing in the second half. I thought his ability to come out and change like that. And I felt we changed our offense up, we tried some different things, and he really settled into the things we did offensively. And he was amazing. First half, he wasn't. He'd be the first to tell you that, but that's on everybody. I tell the guys, nothing good is all the one person. We're all responsible for all the good, and we're all responsible for all the bad or the not good. And so, he's right in the mix with everybody else that way. I called him up, broke the huddle, I said, what he showed out there was really remarkable."
'You have to depend on your playmakers'
Winston's performance got the offense rolling in the second half, and he was aided largely by the standout play of his top two pass-catchers. Malik Nabers started to get going against the Cardinals in Week 4 as he topped the 100-yard mark for the first time this season while also catching his first touchdown of 2026. He followed that up with an even more dominant outing against the Commanders. The third-year wideout was targeted a career-high 20 times, of which he caught 11 for 121 yards and another touchdown. His catch total brought him to 156 over the course of his NFL career, which makes him only the fourth player in NFL history to have 150+ receptions in fewer than 25 games.
Then there is Isaiah Likely, who continued the strong start to his Giants tenure with another big day. The athletic tight end matched Nabers with 11 receptions, which he took for 94 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first Giants tight end ever to have a game with at least nine receptions and multiple touchdown catches. Likely has totaled 33 receptions through his first five games as a Giant, the most by any tight end through five games with the team.
"I think when your back is against the wall, you have to depend on your playmakers, and I think we did a good job of doing that, getting the guys the football, and mixing up on them, and kind of just threw them off schedule," Winston told the media after the tie.
Their joint performance marked the fourth time in the Super Bowl era that the Giants have had multiple players with 10+ receptions in the same game. More impressively, Nabers and Likely became just the second wide receiver/tight end duo in NFL history to each have at least 11 receptions, 90 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in the same game. Over the last two games, the offense has scored 57 points. During that same span, Nabers and Likely have combined for 52 targets, 393 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Blitzing Shough
Through the first three games of the season, the Giants' defense did a solid job of getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, it only resulted in one sack, which came in Week 2 against the Rams. During the Week 3 matchup against the Titans, the unit lost one of it's key players in Brian Burns, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL. Down one of his top pass rushers, defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson made an adjustment heading into Week 4, and the results have followed.
Over the last two weeks, the Giants have blitzed on 57.9 percent of dropbacks, according to Next Gen Stats. This is second in the NFL behind only Brian Flores' Vikings (63.8 percent), who have been the league-leaders in blitz rate since Flores took over as the defensive coordinator. Against the Commanders, Wilson blitzed on 62.2 percent of dropbacks, which was the fourth-highest blitz rate across the NFL this season and the highest of any team other than the Vikings. The results? A season-high five sacks, along with an average time of 2.09 seconds on their 14 pressures, the fastest mark by any team this season. The higher blitz rate over the last two weeks has led to seven sacks.
The higher blitz rate as of late is especially important with the Saints coming to town this weekend. Through the first five games, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has been blitzed on 32.4 percent of his dropbacks, which has led to an average of 5.4 yards per attempt (sixth-lowest) and a 6.8 percent explosive pass rate (second-lowest). When he faces four or fewer pass rushers, Shough has the sixth-highest explosive pass rate (17.1 percent). Going up against Flores' Vikings this past week, Shough finished the game 16 of 25 for just 96 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, good for a passer rating of 38.1.
Injury & roster updates
The Giants had a handful of players suffer injuries in the Week 5 game in Washington. Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor departed with a calf injury, while cornerback Colton Hood (concussion) and safety Tyler Nubin (neck) were also forced out of the game early. While speaking to the media Monday, Harbaugh labeled all three players as day-to-day.
"They'll have a chance for the game," the head coach said. "We'll just have to see how it goes throughout the course of the week."
All three opened the week as non-participants at practice Wednesday, along with left tackle Andrew Thomas (groin) and outside linebacker Abdul Carter (calf).
The Giants also made a few roster moves to open up the week. Linebacker Malik Harrison was signed to the active roster from the team's practice squad on Tuesday. Harrison had already been elevated to the active roster in each of the team's first three games, which meant he had to be signed to the active roster in order to play this Sunday. The veteran linebacker played 56 snaps on special teams (84.8 percent of the team's total) and recorded two tackles in addition to a fumble recovery on the opening kickoff of the Giants' Week 3 victory over the Titans.
Additionally, the team signed outside linebacker Dawuane Smoot to the practice squad. Smoot played in all 17 games for the Jaguars last season, where he totaled 23 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and five quarterback hits. The veteran has played in 127 games with 21 starts across nine seasons, eight of which were spent with the Jaguars and one with the Bills.
His career totals include 167 total tackles (113 solo), 27 sacks, 73 quarterback hits, 35 tackles for loss, six passes defensed, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His 25.5 sacks with the Jaguars rank 10th in franchise history.
