New York Giants Finish Year on High Note; Defeat Washington Redskins

The New York Giants’ woeful 2017 season ended on a high note, as they defeated the Washington Redskins 18-10 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

The Giants stareted off the game in the best possible way. On the second play of their first drive, running back Orleans Darkwa would take it to the house on a 75-yard touchdown run. On Washington’s first drive, quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a pass which was intercepted by linebacker Kelvin Sheppard. In Redskins territory, quarterback Eli Manning would throw a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hunter Sharp. That was all the Giants needed, as a strong defensive effort stifled Washington.

After all the downs of this year, the Giants end it on a positive note, winning their third game of the season.

Darkwa Runs Wild on Offense

Orleans Darkwa should be considered for the Giants’ offensive MVP, especially after his performance in Week 17. Rushing the ball for 154 yards on 20 carries this season, Darkwa has proven to be a consistent piece of the Giants offense.

Rookie Wayne Gallman had an impressive showing in Week 17 as well, rushing for 89 yards on 15 carries.

The New York passing game took a backseat to the running game. Manning completed 10-of-28 pass attempts for 132 yards for one touchdown and one interception. The Giants’ leading receiver for the game was tight end Rhett Ellison, who posted five catches for 63 yards.

The fourth-year running back ends his contract year with 751 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 171 carries. Heck, he even banked an extra $200,000 in bonuses for exceeding 750 rushing yards and 4.0 average yards per attempt.

With new general manager Dave Gettleman taking over, it will be interesting to see if he can convince Darkwa to stay on a brand new contract this offseason.

Defense Back to its Old Ways

New York’s defense had themselves a field day against the Redskins. Two interceptions from Sheppard, as well as one from cornerback Ross Cockrell, kept Cousins in check. In fact, Cousins completed just 20-of-38 pass attempts for 158 yards. Washington’s only touchdown came on a 12-yard run from the quarterback.

The defensive front, including Olivier Vernon (1.5), Devon Kennard (1.0), and Jason Pierre Paul (0.5) each got to Cousins. This was the typical Steve Spagnuolo defense that fans and analysts are used to seeing. However, with the rather anemic offense throughout the season took a toll on the defense, especially with the inflated time on field they accumulated this season.

No Davis Webb Despite Activation

It only took 15 games until third-round draft pick Davis Webb would be activated for game action. Many have clamored for the quarterback to get some playing time in order to see what he can bring for the future. However, it was all for naught, as Manning saw all offensive snaps on Sunday.

With the Giants clinching the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, who knows what the Giants plans will be. Will the Giants draft a QB with the pick? Or has Webb solidified the quarterback of the future role, causing Gettleman to address another need in the first round?

What’s Next?

What isn’t next? With Gettleman taking charge of the Giants’ personnel, expect a very busy offseason for New York.

Who will the Giants interview and ultimately hire as the team’s next head coach? Will Eli Manning be in New York’s plans next season? Who will the Giants select with the No. 2 overall pick? Who will stay? Who will go?

Brace yourselves, everyone. This may be the most active Giants’ offseason in recent memory.