It is rare to see a game in Week 17 with the two teams vying for a place in the playoff, while a possible choice from the top 10 is also at stake.
The New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the competition, but whether New York will host a playoff game next weekend will depend on Sunday night’s game between the Washington Football Team and the Philadelphia Eagles.
ANDditor’s note: All PFF notes and advanced statistics for this game will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle.
Game History
Much will be made of Mike McCarthy’s non-challenge that led to a field goal and forced the Cowboys to try to score a touchdown late instead of kicking their own go-ahead field goal, but Dallas wasted more opportunities than just that. Not least, it was a crucial fall from newcomer CeeDee Lamb in the second down of the Cowboys final series, which would put them in a reasonable scoring position within the 10-yard line. Dallas recipients had five balls slipping in their hands that day.
Of course, the Giants also did their part in trying to end the game. Quarterback Daniel Jones was at the top of his game and has not had a single game worth turning for the fourth time this season. He, however, still had an interception, as one of Evan Engram’s two crashes that day ended up in the hands of Cowboys security guard Donovan Wilson.
Jones’ fantastic day came hand in hand with one of the best performances of this season on the Giants offensive line. In 29 pass-through snaps, the unit combined to allow all two pressures. Andrew Thomas, Shane Lemieux and Cameron Fleming did not yield to pressure.
Rookie Watch
As noted, Andrew Thomas did well all day in protecting passes against a talented group of top Cowboys. He was not the only newcomer working for the Giants, however.
Second-round security guard Xavier McKinney showed why the Giants were so hot with him. He blew up a screen and then intercepted the end of the game (although it was a give-me choice). Although he lost the first 11 weeks due to injury, McKinney had a strong end to the season.
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