There are winners, losers, and everyone in between
The New York Giants defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31-24 on Sunday to win their first postseason game for six years. Next weekend, they will face the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here are some winners, losers, and in-betweens from Sunday’s victory.
Winners
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel Jones: Another big performance by the Giants’ franchise quarterback: 24-of-35 passing for 301 yards and two touchdowns and 78 yards rushing. This one was a win for the Giants. This was his signature game. This is the first time in NFL history that a player can throw for 300 yards and run for 70 yards in playoff games.
Isaiah Hodgins: Solid performance again after the in-season pick up of a free agent: Eight receptions for 105 yards, and a touchdown. He’s found money for the Giants. Good things can sometimes happen when you wait, and the Giants have waited for this kind of luck for many years.
Dexter Lawrence: Once again, the big man was dominant in midfield. America saw why he was All-Pro, with six total tackles as well as four QB hits.
Saquon BarkleyFinished with 109 yards and 15 touches. He also scored a touchdown. He is steady and reliable. He was a good choice and they plan to continue their relationship.
Other: Matt Breida, Richie James Jr., Graham Gano, Andrew Thomas
Losers
David Berding/Getty Images
Darius Slayton: Although the Giants went on to win the ballgame, Slayton’s late fourth-quarter drop was a potential killer. He would have made a first-down and iced it if he had caught Jones’ 3rd-and-15 pass. Although he did catch four passes for 88 yards, no one would have been able to recall that if the Giants lost.
Azeez Ojulari: The second-year linebacker got injured again, this time with a quad issue — and was forced from the game. He’s had a hellish year that most hoped would end with some playoff highlights, but that prospect has dimmed.
Other: Gary Brightwell, Evan Neal
Mixed reviews
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Darnay Holmes: Holmes was charged for covering Vikings tight-end T.J. Hockenson during most of the game, but seemed to have lost his way. Minnesota’s Hockenson catches 10 passes for 129 yards. Holmes compensated by making several screen grabs.
Kenny GolladayGolladay did not play in this game after he made a stunning touchdown grab in Philadelphia last week. However, he did make a crucial block on a pass play.
OtherKayvon Thibodeaux and Nick Gates. Jamie Gillan