How the Giants can bounce back after devastating Week 7 loss

The New York Giants' 33-32 loss at the hands of the Denver Broncos was a roller coaster of emotions. Sunday afternoon's shootout included three lead changes in the final two minutes of action. 

The biggest takeaway was that the Giants held a 26-8 lead with only ten minutes left in the fourth quarter. For 50 minutes, the Giants were the better team, but in the final ten minutes, Denver took control. 

In the Jaxson Dart era, the Giants now sit at 2-2, a very impressive start. There's been some spectacular moments and those you'd like to forget, but there are common themes between the two losses. 

How the Giants can bounce back after a devastating Week 7 loss

Play the whole game

The first note is that Dart has won both games at home and lost the other two on the road. More importantly, the theme of not playing a complete 60 minutes of football. 

Against New Orleans, the Giants were outscored in the second half 10-0 and Sunday against Denver 33-19. Against the Los Angeles Chargers and Eagles, they outscored their opponents by a combined score of 22-8. 

The wins featured a defense that kept the other team off the board, an offense that kept scoring points or a little of both. 

A small sample size, but it's clear that when the Giants can play a complete 60 minutes, they are a team that can win. A turnaround from years past, when the Giants were rarely at their best, it still usually wouldn't be enough. 

Win in the turnover battle

To go hand-in-hand with playing a complete game, another common theme in the Dart era has been the control of the turnover game. 

In their two wins, the Giants won the turnover battle with two takeaways and zero giveaways in each game. Against New Orleans, the Giants turned the ball over five times and on Sunday, only once, but both games featured zero takeaways.  

Whereas the Week 5 loss featured giveaways that helped the Saints extend their lead, Sunday's lone turnover came with five minutes left in the game. Dart's third career interception, and fourth career turnover, came after Denver had scored 16 points and before they scored 14 more. 

It's not to blame Dart for the loss; interceptions are part of the game, it's just unfortunate to see it take place at such an untimely moment. Even though that was the Giants' only turnover, it directly resulted in Denver's comeback win. Another loss in the turnover battle led to another loss in the standings. 

A look toward the future

Heading into Week 8, the Giants are still a ways away from their Week 14 bye week. Until then, New York will battle Philadelphia for the second time in three weeks. 

After the Eagles, the Giants face San Francisco, Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit and New England, four division leaders in six weeks.  

The Giants have played entertaining football each week with Dart and have turned in two surprise victories. Last Sunday was devastating, but the Giants have the chance to continue to surprise the NFL. 

It's difficult to predict how a 2-5 team with a rookie QB will do against a gauntlet of teams whose average record is about 5-2. If the Giants can continue to limit their turnovers, play a complete 60 minutes of football and at least have competitive showings against these top teams, then the six weeks would be considered a success.