The Giants won another thriller in Week 4 as they took down the Arizona Cardinals 36-24 and moved to 3-1 on the year and into first place in the NFC East.
Here’s what we learned in the back-and-forth victory.
Win-at-all-costs mentality
As the Giants led the Cardinals 30-24 with just 11 seconds remaining, Arizona faced a 4th-&-goal that would decide the game. That was when Giants cornerback Deonte Banks jumped in front of the receiver and intercepted Jacoby Brissett’s pass, which he returned for a 98-yard touchdown.
It was the second week in a row that the Giants clinched victory with a last-minute interception at the goal line after Jevon Holland made a similar play in Week 3 against the Titans, which shows the team’s belief in their ability to win in big moments.
“You gotta keep believing, and then you gotta keep doing,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “Football is a metaphor for life… Those are tough situations to face and they’re [under] a lot of pressure, and guys just took a deep breath and locked in and played the next play; that’s hard to do! That’s really hard to do. Two weeks in a row.”
The Giants got the full Jameis Winston experience on Sunday. Although Winston threw two interceptions and made many confusing decisions, the veteran quarterback didn’t let it stop him. Winston made numerous off-script highlight plays and threw 3 touchdowns in the win.
“I’m heating up, and I’m starting to get better, better and better,” Winston said. “Last week I was questioning if I could even throw. This week I got people talking about the Jameis Winston experience again. I’m still so curious and inspired to be the best me every single day, and that alone pushes me.”
Progress from pass catchers
Winston had help from a wide receiver room that has started to come into its own this season. The biggest piece is the improving health of Malik Nabers, who returned this year after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Nabers hauled in multiple contested catches and finished with 6 receptions, 112 yards and a touchdown.
Rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields joined in on the fun and was on the receiving end of two of Winston’s off-schedule throws. Fields gained 52 yards in the win and caught the first touchdown of his career in the front corner of the end zone.
Unique playmakers
It was Arvell Reese who held the Giants’ defense together for most of the game. Reese consistently used his strength to force his way into the Cardinals backfield and intercepted a pass that was tipped toward him.
“It’s just being in the moment,” Reese said. “Being poised and knowing [I have] that win-the-game-on-defense mentality, you know? Just trying to show up, play for the person beside me and not play selfishly.”
Kicker Dominic Zvada made all three of his attempts, including kicks from 50 and 52 yards out, and moved to a perfect 6-for-6 on the season. The undrafted rookie showed promise for a team that lost multiple games due to special teams issues last season.
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