An Energized New York Giants Team Has Finally Found its Culture

​This decision-making allowed the Giants to excel on third down and in the red zone in that upset win. They converted on 68.75% of third downs, the highest in the league that week. The Giants were also a perfect three-for-three in red zone scoring, an area they really struggled in while Russell Wilson was under center.

Dart Leading By Example

Dart’s physicality and toughness allow for great numbers, even if it costs him a trip to the medical tent, which seems to almost be guaranteed every week at this point. Those extra yards and first downs are crucial to the team’s success, and so far, it is working, as the Giants are one of the best teams on third down since Dart took over.

​And his leadership can absolutely not go unnoticed. Even while in the medical tent getting evaluated for a concussion, he was screaming words of encouragement to his teammates and watching through the mesh portion towards the top. His teammate Cam Skattebo even entered the tent to check on him. ​ The shared relationship and mutual care Dart has built with his teammates has even inspired them to play with an even higher intensity and will to win.

The Supporting Cast

Cam Skattebo has just about proved everybody who said his style of play wouldn’t translate to the NFL wrong. This 23-year-old young man is running over league veterans and linemen much bigger in size, and even making them think twice before attempting to bring him down. ​ He ran for 98 yards on 19 carries with three touchdowns against Philly, and fought for every last yard.

​Another player who has contributed a great deal to the culture shift in New York is Jameis Winston, who has not even stepped foot on the field yet as a Giant, and there is a chance he may not ever. But his leadership, energy, and presence in the locker room will leave a much greater impact on this franchise than his play ever could. ​ Guys like Winston are so hard to find in today’s NFL. The former starter has accepted his role completely and will do all he can to help his team win, even if that is just being a voice on the sideline or in the locker room. He is a motivator and a natural leader. Plus, he is just such a likable guy.

Defensive Dominance

On the other side of the ball, Brian Burns has given this defense life and a new identity. He is currently an early frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, and for all of the right reasons. He is third in sacks with seven, has generated 16 pressures, has 11 QB hits, and has combined for 30 tackles. ​ The sensational play from Burns has inspired others on the defense to work even harder to share some of the spotlight with him. One of these players is Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is playing his best football to date and has made a tremendous leap from last season to this season.

The Director

There was going to be a “Saved by Da-boll” joke in here, but it couldn’t be any more opposite. It is the players and the energy they approach the game with that has seemingly saved him and his tenure in New York. ​ Heading into the game against Philadelphia, he was undoubtedly sitting in a piping hot seat. That seat warmer was shut off with the upset win, at least for the time being. ​ Brian Daboll will be the first to admit he is an emotional coach. In fact, it’s something he had to apologize for after an interaction with someone on the medical staff. Daboll was trying to get Dart back on the field after his brief injury scare; the team doctor was just trying to do his job. ​ He is also a coach who truly cares for his players. His emotion and leadership style fit exceptionally well into the system and culture in New York, even with the baggage he may carry. ​ Sure, he struggles pivoting away from the game script. Sure, he tends to lose his temper a lot. Sure, he makes plenty of coaching mistakes, like calling a timeout so Philly can run one or two more plays before halftime. But his coaching style has been working these past few games, and his players are certainly pulling for him.

The Audience​

Like a good show on Broadway, no performance is complete without an audience. ​ These fans are cutthroat to the core. They will praise a player for one good pass, but boo them if the next one is bad. One win and it’s “Superbowl contenders!” Then one loss and it’s “sell the franchise!” But for the moment, the energy coming out of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford just feels different. ​ The fans seem desperate to win, and the team can feel that. They want to rewrite the story this season and change the narrative that this team is destined to fail — whether it be because of inexperience, lack of talent, or strength of schedule. ​ Regardless, the mentality in the locker room is that they are winners, and the mutual relationship and outcry for success has completely changed the energy of this football team and its fanbase, and the culture is starting to change as well. ​ Jaxson Dart has brought this fanbase to life and, in the process, rebranded this team. The energy being poured out from MetLife this past week was a breath of fresh air, both for the players and the fans. The life of the Giants’ crowd will be an integral part to the energy the team plays with on the turf.

Only time will tell if the Giants can continue grinding out wins by playing inspired and passionate football, and as for the fanbase, whether this pouring out of passion for their football team can be sustained through the highest highs and the lowest lows. Frank Sinatra said it best. ​ “It’s up to you, New York.”