This could be the week.
The 8-6-1 Giants could end their five-season playoff absence this Sunday at MetLife Stadium versus the 4-10-1 Indianapolis Colts, a team that is in absolute flux and has lost eight of their last nine games. Yet, the Colts’ abysmal season is a flashing warning signal for the Giants. They have to come into the matchup at home thoroughly prepared and purposeful with the Philadelphia Eagles on the schedule in the regular season finale.
The 13-2 Eagles could potentially need a win against the Giants in Philadelphia on Jan. 8 to secure the best record in the NFC and clinch home field advantage for the playoffs. So that game could have monumental ramifications for both teams. The Eagles can lock up home field with a victory over the 6-9 New Orleans Saints in Philadelphia on Sunday.
The Giants could have clinched a wild card spot last Saturday in Minnesota, but Vikings kicker Greg Joseph drove a franchise record 61-yard field goal over the crossbar as time expired, sending them home with a 27-24 defeat on Christmas Eve. The Vikings set another record as it was their 11th one-score victory of the season, the most ever in a single NFL season.
The Giants have put the disappointing loss behind them and are entirely immersed in extending the Colts’ five-game winless streak. “I’d say we try to do the same thing each week. We go back and look at some of the things we did well—some of the things we can improve on—and get ready for this week, try to be as consistent as we can with it,” said Giants head coach Brian Daboll on Monday.
“I don’t think you’re ever happy or satisfied after a loss in really any shape or form. But you have to go back, review it, correct the things you need to correct and get ready for next week.”
Daboll emphasized the task at hand and the team’s general mindset as they are on the precipice of making the playoffs.
“We’re not in it yet. I’m not going to look too far down the road, and we’re going to try to beat the Colts. And that’s where I’m at with it.”
Despite Daboll and his players collectively subscribing to the long-held sports philosophy of not looking too far ahead, Giants third-year left tackle Andrew Thomas was transparent speaking with reporters on Tuesday in his hopes for finally playing in the postseason.
“It definitely means a lot,” said Thomas, who was drafted by the Giants out of Georgia in 2020 with the fourth overall pick in the first round. Thomas has played at a Pro Bowl level this season but was overlooked as a selection for the NFC squad.
“I’ve never played in the playoffs as long as I’ve been in the league. It’s definitely something you look forward to.”