The New York Giants (1-1) started off the season in all the wrong ways, but with a resilient 31-28 win against the Arizona Cardinals (0-2) on Sunday, they found themselves on the right side of history.
Following last week's humiliating 40-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants trailed 20-0 at halftime on Sunday, becoming the first team since the 1989 Steelers to allow 54 or more unanswered points to begin a season. However, things quickly turned around after the break, with quarterback Daniel Jones's 317 total yards and three touchdowns in the second half propelling a come-from-behind victory.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, New York overcame a 21-point deficit for the first time since 1949, when it defeated the Chicago Cardinals 41-38. The Giants had lost 150 straight games when trailing by at least 21 points, thus snapping what was the second-longest streak of its kind in NFL history.
The Giants have overcome a 21-point deficit for the 1st time since 1949.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 17, 2023
They had lost 150 straight games when trailing by at least 21 points, the 2nd-longest streak in NFL history (Bears have lost 179 straight dating back to 1925). pic.twitter.com/xClmfDAi4j
Despite making history, reigning NFL Coach of the Year Brian Daboll downplayed the notion that the win was the most satisfying since being hired by the Giants.
"They're all satisfying. Every game is different, every game, we fight through some adversity," Daboll told reporters during his postgame news conference. "Tonight was a good example of being resilient ... we hope they all don’t start out 20-0."
Brian Daboll was asked if this was the most satisfying win since being with the Giants:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 17, 2023
"They're all satisfying. Every game is different and every game we fight through some adversity." pic.twitter.com/IUnepcZBLV
Although he appeared to be more involved with the play sheet as the offense began taking off, Daboll told Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News that he didn’t assume play-calling duties during the second half. Whether that was a cover for OC Mike Kafka, who garnered head coaching interviews (including multiple for the Arizona job) last offseason, is subject to debate.
Even so, New York's success with its deep passing attack enabled it to make a comeback. The team must continue leaning on this approach and further incorporate rookie WR Jalin Hyatt, whose two-catch, 89-yard performance sparked the rally, into the offense, especially if RB Saquon Barkley's fourth-quarter ankle injury forces him to miss significant time.
Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Giants believe Barkley suffered a sprained ankle that "could have been much worse." With a game against San Francisco on Thursday, it's difficult to imagine Barkley being available.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!