It was clear after last week that the New York Giants were not going to tank for a draft pick. Some fans were furious that the team could not even tank correctly. Others did not care at all and simply wanted to beat the Cowboys at any cost.

The first overall pick was within reach. That temptation was real. But that is not the story of this game.

Instead, the Giants chose to compete. They chose to finish the season the right way. In the Week 18 regular season finale, the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34–17 and finally snapped a nine game losing streak against Dallas that dated back to Week 17 of the 2020 season.

In a year filled with frustration, injuries, and growing pains, this win mattered. It did not fix everything. It did not erase a 4–13 record. However, it did give the team and the fan base something they badly needed heading into the offseason.

A Long Overdue Win Against Dallas

Beating the Cowboys always matters, but this one carried extra weight. The Giants had not beaten Dallas in years, and the streak had become a constant reminder of how far behind they had fallen within the division.

This time felt different. The Giants played loose, confident football. They did not flinch when the Cowboys pushed back. Instead, they responded and stayed aggressive for all four quarters. Ending that skid was important for the locker room and for fans who have watched too many one sided games in this rivalry.

Mike Kafka Closes His Interim Chapter

Mike Kafka wrapped up his interim head coaching stint with a 2–5 record. The wins were not always clean, but they mattered in context. With his future likely elsewhere, it was good to see him close this chapter with a victory.

It is hard to imagine Kafka returning as offensive coordinator after spending time as the interim head coach. Once you see the other side, going back rarely works. Still, he deserves credit for keeping the team together during a rough stretch and guiding them to a strong finish.

Jaxson Dart Shows Growth to End His Rookie Year

This was one of the more encouraging performances of the season from Jaxson Dart. He played a steady, confident game and looked far more comfortable than he did earlier in the year.

Dart should have finished with three passing touchdowns if not for a Darius Slayton penalty that wiped one off the board. More importantly, he showed growth in how he handled himself. He got out of bounds, slid when necessary, and avoided unnecessary hits.

That matters. It shows a rookie learning how to manage an NFL game. Take a breath, Giants fans. Dart will be okay, and this was a solid way to close his first season.

Tyrone Tracy Ends the Year on a High Note

Tyrone Tracy delivered a strong finish to the season. He rushed for 103 yards and added 56 receiving yards with a touchdown, totaling 159 yards from scrimmage.

That type of balance is exactly what this offense needs. Looking ahead, the combination of Tracy and Skattebo as a one two punch next season makes a lot of sense. A reliable running game will be critical for Dart as he enters his second year.

Tough Roster Decisions Ahead

The Giants face a difficult decision with Darius Slayton. Trading him would be ideal, but there may not be much of a market. Cutting him comes with a $15 million dead cap hit, but paying a receiver $12 million per season for inconsistent production is not sustainable.

On defense, Bobby Okereke continues to make plays. He recorded his second interception in as many games. Despite that, he could be a salary cap casualty heading into the final year of his contract. That decision will be telling.

Ben Sauls Earns Another Look

Ben Sauls had a perfect day. He went 4-for-4 on field goals and finished the season 8-for-8 overall. Consistency matters at kicker, and Sauls earned a real chance to compete for the job in training camp next season.

Ending a Tough Season with Momentum

The Giants finish the year 4–13, but they also end it on a two game winning streak after losing nine straight earlier in the season.

There is still plenty of work to be done this offseason. Questions remain across the roster. Still, beating the Cowboys, showing growth from the rookie quarterback, and finishing strong gives this team something to build on. That matters more than draft position on a day like this.

Rep The Team No Matter What!

Even through the ups and downs, we bleed blue. And if you’re gearing up for a fresh season, there’s no better way than with the just released Jaxson Dart New York Giants jersey, Flying off the shelves! It’s the hottest gear in the building right now, and the perfect way to show your faith in Big Blue’s future.

The New York Giants Fanatics Shop.

Ready for Redemption? Grab Tickets Now!

The past is behind us. A new season is coming, and hope is alive. Want to be there when the Giants start writing a new chapter? Head to StubHub to grab your tickets for the home opener at MetLife Stadium!

More Giants Talk Every Week.

We’ll be covering more Giants drama, victories, and throwbacks every week. Don’t miss a post, subscribe below and stay in the loop all season long.

The post Giants Finish Strong by Finally Beating the Cowboys first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

The New York Giants have officially released their 53-man roster for the 2024 season. While this marks a significant milestone, it’s essential to remember that changes are inevitable. The team is expected to make waiver wire additions and finalize their practice squad players in the coming days.

Key Positions and Players to Watch

As the Giants prepare for the season opener, fans can look forward to an exciting season with this talented roster.

With the initial 53-man roster set, the Giants will now focus on assembling their 16-man practice squad, starting on Wednesday. Once waivers clear at noon EDT, unclaimed players become free agents and can sign with any team, either for a spot on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.

About Us.

BleedBigBlue.com burst onto the scene after a fiery social media rant about PSL’s and ticket prices went viral. Now, as your go-to New York Giants Blog, we’re still calling it like we see it!

Subscribe To Our Blog.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog. When we post new content, you’ll receive an email with all the latest updates, delivered in a non-spammy way! 

The post Giants Announce 53-Man Roster for the 2024 Season first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

The 2024 NFL season is approaching, and Giants fans are building excitement. Training camp will kicked off on July 24th for the veteran players. Let’s take a look at the Giants’ linebacker room as the team heads into training camp.

Bobby Okereke

Bobby Okereke enters the 2024 campaign as New York’s defensive anchor after leading the team with 149 tackles, including 2.5 sacks, last season. He also recorded four forced fumbles and 10 defensed passes, including two interceptions. He leads this defense and is one of the NFL’s top linebackers, with his speed, athleticism, anticipation, and aggression setting the standard for other backers.

Isaiah Simmons

The New York Giants are refining their plans to best utilize Isaiah Simmons and his versatile skill set. An interesting development on the first day of the 2024 training camp saw the linebacker working with the cornerbacks. The Giants are smart to keep the process of finding the best position for Simmons flexible.

Micah McFadden

Inside linebacker Micah McFadden secured the job alongside free-agent signing Bobby Okereke after last year’s training camp and made the most of his opportunity. However, it wasn’t an entirely positive showing. McFadden, a fifth-round draft pick in 2022, spent considerable time off the field as the Giants often used dime packages and incorporated other linebackers.

Carter Coughlin

Coughlin has carved out an NFL career in the manner typical of late-round picks and undrafted free agents. A seventh-round pick in 2020, he has become a valued special teams player. Over the past two seasons, Coughlin has played just eight defensive snaps, but he has participated in 85% or more of the Giants’ special teams snaps in each of the last three seasons.

Matthew Adams

Linebacker Matthew Adams, a roster hopeful, was brought in for his special teams prowess. A seventh-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, Adams appeared in all 16 games in his first two seasons, earning nine starts on defense and registering 43 of his career 98 tackles during that time.

While Adams can contribute on defense, he will primarily earn his paycheck through special teams play. He has recorded 34 career special teams tackles (24 solo) and a forced fumble.

Darian Beavers

Beavers showed promise as a rookie during the 2022 training camp and seemed poised to win the starting job before a season-ending injury halted his progress. In 2023, his season was uneventful with minimal playing time. However, in 2024, he should be at full strength and ready to demonstrate to the coaches that he can be a significant contributor to the defense.

Dyontae Johnson

Johnson has frequently stood out during training camp this summer, earning him reps with the starters in practice. Last season, he was on the Giants’ practice squad as an undrafted rookie from Toledo. This summer, Johnson aims not only to make the 53-man roster but also to secure a starting position.

Darius Muasau

Muasau, a sixth-round draft pick, is recognized as a reliable tackler after leading his team in tackles for four consecutive college seasons. He concluded his career at Hawaii and UCLA with 436 tackles, including 40 for loss, over 61 games.

Subscribe to our blog

Be sure to subscribe to our blog. When we post new content, you’ll receive an email with all the latest updates, delivered in a non-spammy way!

The post New York Giants Training Camp LB Room 2024 first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.