For the second straight week the Giants found a way to win and win ugly, but they all count the same as Big Blue improved to 6-1 — their best start since 2008.
Led by a spirited effort by Daniel Jones, and a second half surge by running back Saquon Barkley the Giants flipped a 17-13 deficit into a 23-17 victory over Jacksonville, the first time the Giants have ever won in Duval County.
The Giants can thank a critical decision by Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson for jump-starting New York’s fourth quarter rally.
The Jags were facing a fourth-and-one at the Giants 20 with 11:30 to go in the game. All they had to do was kick a field goal to take a 20-13 lead. Instead Pederson had quarterback Trevor Lawrence keep it on a quarterback sneak, a play the Giants blew up.
Daniel Jones then guided the Giants on a 10-play, 79 yard scoring drive that included a 24-yard scamper by Jones, himself, and pass interference penalty on Jacksonville that set up shop for the Giants at the one-yard line. Three plays later, Jones found himself in the end zone on a quarterback sneak. Giants 20 – Jaguars 17.
The Giants would tack on a field goal late in the quarter to extend their lead to 23-17, but had to hold on for dear life as Jacksonville tried to rally late.
Three huge penalties on the Giants, including a critical roughing the passer penalty on Dexter Lawrence gave the Jags renewed life. Instead of a turnover on downs on what was a fourth and 15, the Jaguars had first and ten at the Giants 17.
Fortunately for Big Blue it proved to be one-yard too many as Lawrence’s last second completion to Cristian Kirk was short of the goal-line. The stop preserved a hard fought victory.
The Jaguars came THIS close to beating the Giants on the last play of the game 😭 pic.twitter.com/W4pRhnEiCk
— Brian (@byysports) October 23, 2022