EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ. – All the Giants fanbase wanted for Christmas was another loss to secure the first pick in the NFL Draft, however, they were surprised to see their team winning a football game as they took on the Colts in an absolute shootout of a game.
While this surprised a lot of fans as they thought the tank was agreed on by everyone, some speculate that the performances from both Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward in the respective college football bowl games last night, may have forced the internal operations of the Giants to change pace and go in a different path heading into the offseason.
Between Sanders and Colorado losing 36-14 to BYU in the Alamo Bowl and Cam Ward only electing to play the first half for the Miami Hurricanes in the extremely popular Pop Tarts Bowl, it is believed that the front office may be looking at other alternatives at the
After weeks of relentless speculation surrounding his job security and mounting frustration from fans, Brian Daboll’s New York Giants finally delivered a performance that not only snapped their franchise-worst 10-game losing streak but also gave their beleaguered fanbase something to cheer about. The Giants secured their first home win of the season with a thrilling 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, ending a painful chapter in their 2024 campaign and providing a glimmer of hope for the future.
While the win was undoubtedly a morale boost for the Giants, the victory also came with its fair share of implications. With a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on the line, the Giants’ victory on Sunday raised the question of whether they had traded a promising future for the immediate satisfaction of breaking their losing streak. Nevertheless, the game featured several standout performances that showcased the team’s potential and left fans cautiously optimistic about the direction in which they are headed.
Drew Lock’s Commanding Performance
Quarterback Drew Lock, who has been a lightning rod for criticism this season, took a massive step toward proving his worth as the leader of the Giants’ offense. In a game where nothing short of a statement was required, Lock delivered with a stellar 17-for-23 passing performance for 309 yards and four touchdowns. His efforts not only helped lead the Giants to their first home win but also ensured that the team would avoid making history as the first to finish 0-9 at home.
Lock was especially effective in key moments, with his standout throw being a 59-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Malik Nabers in the third quarter, extending the Giants’ lead. The play was one of the highlights of the day for the Giants, as Lock’s pinpoint accuracy allowed Nabers to accelerate after the catch and race to the end zone. Lock also added a rushing touchdown of his own, accounting for five total touchdowns on the day.
Despite some question marks surrounding his future with the team, Lock showed that he could be a reliable starter when given the right pieces around him. With his performance, Lock proved that he has the ability to step up when needed, especially in a high-pressure game with significant draft implications.
Historic Rookie Duo: Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy
One of the biggest storylines of the day was the continued emergence of the Giants’ rookie duo of Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy. The pair of first-year players added their names to the NFL record books, becoming just the third rookie duo in league history to each surpass 1,000 yards from scrimmage in a season. Their historic achievement came with the kind of explosive performances that Giants fans can build upon heading into the offseason.
Malik Nabers, who has been nothing short of spectacular in his rookie season, finished the game with seven receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was a testament to his exceptional talent, as he not only surpassed 100 catches on the season but also hit the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. Nabers’ 59-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter was the exclamation point on his afternoon, restoring a two-score lead for the Giants and effectively putting the game out of reach for Indianapolis.
In addition to his receiving contributions, Nabers became just the second player in Giants history to reach the century mark for catches as a rookie, joining Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. in that elite club. His chemistry with Drew Lock was evident all game long, with the two developing a strong rapport that could form the foundation for the Giants’ offense for years to come.
Tyrone Tracy, the Giants’ fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was equally impressive. Though his name may not have been as well-known as Nabers’, Tracy had a quietly solid rookie campaign, and his contributions in Sunday’s win were pivotal. Tracy surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage on a 40-yard rushing attempt, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. His ability to contribute in a variety of ways makes him an invaluable asset to the Giants’ offense moving forward.
Tracy’s emergence has added a new dimension to the Giants’ backfield, and his presence will likely lead to more creative offensive schemes under Daboll moving forward. With both Nabers and Tracy performing at such a high level, the Giants have laid the foundation for a dynamic offensive attack in the years to come.
Special Teams Spark: Ihmir Smith-Marsette’s 100-Yard Return
While the offense and defense were busy stealing the show, special teams also played a pivotal role in the Giants’ victory. In the second half, with the game still very much in the balance, wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette delivered the kind of play that can flip a game on its head. Smith-Marsette returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to open the second half, stretching the Giants’ lead and providing the team with a much-needed cushion.
The return was an electrifying moment that sparked the MetLife crowd into a frenzy and provided a lift to the team. Smith-Marsette’s speed and vision were on full display as he sprinted untouched down the sideline for the touchdown. The 12-second return was a turning point in the game, and it helped the Giants maintain control for the remainder of the contest. It also marked the first time this season that the Giants had seen a touchdown from their special teams, further emphasizing the importance of every phase of the game in securing a win.
The Colts’ Fight: Joe Flacco and Jonathan Taylor Keep It Close
Though the Giants ultimately emerged victorious, the Colts, still in the playoff hunt entering the game, fought valiantly to stay in the game. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, filling in for the injured Anthony Richardson, threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, keeping Indianapolis within striking distance. Flacco’s ability to make plays in the passing game, especially when targeting wide receiver Michael Pittman, was a bright spot for the Colts. Pittman’s late touchdown reception in the fourth quarter pulled Indianapolis within two points, but the missed two-point conversion earlier in the game ultimately proved costly.
Flacco’s performance was one of the few bright spots for the Colts, who struggled with consistency all afternoon. The Giants’ defense, led by players like Brian Burns and Elijah Chatman, did just enough to thwart Indianapolis’ attempts to close the gap. Chatman’s fourth-down stop against Jonathan Taylor in the third quarter was particularly crucial, as it gave the Giants the opportunity to extend their lead and put the game in their control.
Speaking of Jonathan Taylor, the Colts’ star running back had his moments, rushing for two touchdowns and helping to keep the Colts within range. However, the struggles on fourth down—most notably a failed fourth-and-1 attempt in the second quarter—ultimately sealed the Colts’ fate. Taylor’s inability to convert key opportunities left Indianapolis without enough firepower to mount a comeback.
Defensive Standouts: Burns and Chatman’s Key Stops
While the Giants’ offense and special teams garnered much of the attention, the defense made several crucial stops that helped seal the victory. Brian Burns, who has been a consistent force on the edge throughout the season, applied constant pressure on Flacco and made life difficult for the Colts’ passing attack. Burns finished the game with multiple quarterback hits and was instrumental in preventing the Colts from finding any rhythm in the second half.
Elijah Chatman, another key defensive contributor, had a standout moment when he stuffed Jonathan Taylor on a crucial fourth-and-1 attempt in the third quarter. Chatman’s stop gave the Giants the ball back in great field position, and it was a pivotal moment in the game. The Giants’ defense, while not perfect, stepped up when it mattered most and ensured that the Colts could not capitalize on key opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: Draft Implications and the Future
With the victory, the Giants have now pushed themselves out of contention for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Their record of 3-13 leaves them third in the draft order, with the possibility of sliding to No. 4 depending on the results of other Week 17 games. While this victory may have cost the Giants a shot at securing the top pick, the win does provide some much-needed optimism.
The Giants’ historic rookie duo of Nabers and Tracy, as well as Lock’s impressive performance, offer a glimpse into a brighter future. However, questions will persist regarding head coach Brian Daboll’s future, as his job security remains a topic of ongoing speculation. Though this win provides a boost, the overall direction of the franchise will be determined by how the front office addresses key personnel decisions in the coming offseason.
Conclusion: A Long-Awaited Win
The New York Giants’ 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts will be remembered as much for its historic performances as it will for the implications it had on the team’s future. Drew Lock, Malik Nabers, and Tyrone Tracy showcased the potential of the team’s young core, while special teams and defensive standouts played a critical role in securing the win.
Despite the victory costing them the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants can take solace in the fact that they fought hard to snap their losing streak and prove that they are not a team content with being the laughingstock of the NFL. The road ahead remains uncertain, but for now, the Giants can enjoy the sweetness of a long-awaited home win and the hope that the pieces are finally in place to turn their fortunes around.