New York Giants: 3 Reasons team is finally living up to expectations

The New York Giants have won four of their last five games to improve to 5-8 on the season. Here are three reasons they are finally living up to expectations.

It’s too little, too late but the New York Giants are finally living up to expectations. They were expected to vie for a playoff berth in 2018. However, a 1-7 start quickly dashed those aspirations.

With that being said, Big Blue has captured four of their last five contests to lift their record to 5-8. So what are some of the reasons for their improved play over the last month?

Let’s take a look.

1. An easier schedule

Over their first eight games when the G-Men staggered to a woeful 1-7 start, New York’s opponents have a combined .527 winning percentage. During their current hot streak, Big Blue’s opponents own a .446 winning percentage.

In fact, the only team with a winning record over the last month was the Chicago Bears and the Giants edged them, 30-27 in overtime. There is no doubt the G-Men have stepped up their performance recently but a relative easy schedule has a lot to do with it.

2. Opportunistic Defense

During the first eight games of the 2018 campaign, Big Blue was one of the worst teams in the NFL in creating turnovers. Their defense caused just seven miscues. Not only that but their pass rush was practically non-existent (10 sacks in eight contests). They were one of the most lackluster defensive units in the league, bar none.

Things have changed after the bye week. True, the competition has not been as good but in their last five games the G-Men have created 12 turnovers by the opposition, including three interception returns for touchdowns (two by Alec Ogletree, one by Curtis Riley). Their pass rush looks reborn as well – the Giants have recorded 14 sacks in their last five outings. This is a key reason why New York has actually looked like a viable football contingent lately.

3. Saquon Barkley

The Penn State product has been tremendous all season long but he has been especially brilliant lately. The probable NFL Rookie of the Year has averaged 147 yards from scrimmage during the last five games with six touchdowns. He already owns the Giants rookie record for touchdowns in a season (13) and is on pace for 2,157 yards from scrimmage in a stellar 2018 campaign.

He is a game-breaker and one of the most dynamic players in the entire league. Yes, the G-Men made the right choice in drafting him second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.