On Sunday, January 1st, over 77,000 fans packed into Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey with hopes of cheering their team to victory, and their first playoff appearance since 2016. The fans would go home happy, as the Giants improved to 9-6-1 and steamrolled the Indianapolis Colts 38-10. This was the most points the Giants put on the scoreboard in over 2 years, beating the next closest performance by 11. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones led the Giants to victory by going to the air for the first two offensive touchdowns, finding Richie James and Isiah Hodgins respectively. Jones followed this by running for another two scores. Giants linebacker Landon Collins also paid major dividends with a pick-six thrown by Nick Foles. The defense overall was overall stellar, holding the Colts to only 10 points. It was a dominant outing in all facets of the game for Big Blue.

There was much happiness, gratitude, and appreciation to be passed around postgame knowing that they were headed to the postseason. Rookie head coach Brain Daboll was praised, with Daniel Jones saying that he is, “…definitely grateful for him [Daboll],” with star Saquon Barkley endorsing him for coach of the year. Barkley also mentioned the positive influence that Jones has on the team, saying, “He’s our captain, he’s our leader.” Barkley is excited for his first playoff appearance, saying “It’s a beautiful thing.”

As well as Jones and Barkley, the Giants have gotten massive contributions from some unsung heroes all season. After injuries to receivers Sterling Shepard, Kenny Golladay, and Wan’Dale Robinson, journeymen in Hodgins and James have picked up the slack in the receiving game. Veterans Fabian Moreau, Jason Pinnock, and rookies Dane Belton and Cor’dale Flott have helped in the absence of Adoree Jackson and Xavier McKinney. Finally, the G-men have gotten star contributions from pro-bowler Dexter Lawrence (DL) and pro-bowl snub Andrew Thomas (LT), both of whom have been the best in football at their respective positions.

With the massive win, the Giants have officially locked in the 6th seed in the NFC. In the Wildcard rounds of the playoffs, the Giants will face the Minnesota Vikings, who barely edged out the Giants in week 16 with a 61-yard field goal as time expired.

The Giants have exceeded all expectations under their rookie head coach Daboll. With signature performances such as beating the Titans in week 1 to set the tone, getting an unexpected win against the Packers in London, beating the division rival Commanders in primetime, or the most recent besting of the Colts to secure a playoff spot, the Giants have proven that they will win when it is necessary to.

The Giants are getting healthy, and better at exactly the right time. Defensive backs Adoree Jackson and Xavier McKinney, as well as pash rushers Azeez Ojulari and Leonard Williams, will all be ready to go in Wildcard Weekend, barring any unexpected circumstances. Although they might not be legit Super Bowl contenders this year, they certainly will not be an easy out and will have Giants faithful excited for years to come.