Who will win the NFC East this season?
By: Jake Rajala
Entering the 2022 NFL season, it seemed more probable that the New York Giants would start 1-6 than 6-1. Yet, the GMEN stand proud at 6-1 — which is a more potent record than every team in the gutsy AFC West & NFC West. Nonetheless, it must be noted that the not-so-little Giants are second in their division (behind the 6-0 Philadelphia Eagles). The Giants still need to keep the gas on the pedal & stride to win the NFC East for the first time since 2011. Hence, I’m going to untwine a few reasons why the Giants can legitimately win the NFC East.
- Saquon Barkley
The biggest asset to the Giants squad is undoubtedly the former Penn State football & weight room legend, Saquon Barkley. The Giants RB1 is second in the league in rushing yards and he has more carries than any other half-back this season. The re-birth from Barkley is also a monster reason why the Giants offense ranks fifth in the time of possession (TOP). The Giants lean on Barkley to erase opponents by a thousand cuts.
- Battle-tested
The Giants have won six games this season, but it should be noted that the Giants victories have been against playoff-caliber teams. The Giants beat the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens two weeks ago & the mighty Aaron Rodgers-led Packers three weeks ago. Meanwhile, the Eagles have only played one brutal opponent: the Minnesota Vikings. The Eagles did play against the Boys, but let’s not forget that Jerry’s team was led by none other than Cooper Rush.
- Kavyon Thibodeaux
The Giants rookie pass rusher Kavyon Thibodeaux didn’t notch a sack last week, but he didn’t stop pressuring Trevor Lawrence. Thibodeaux unequivocally has the makeup to be an All-Pro in this league. It’s completely okay if the Giants pass-rusher doesn’t play like Lawrence Taylor in his rookie season — as J.J. Watt and Khalil Mack combined for 9.5 sacks in their rookie campaigns. I expect the Giants DE that missed the first couple of contests to improve his craft & be unstoppable as the season progresses.
