This past Sunday, the New York Giants (5-11) fell to the Los Angeles Rams (9-7), 26-25. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Giants gained respect amongst their peers but ultimately they’ve given their fans hope for the following year. Throughout the season, the overall team production has been concerning, however the Giants have found sparks and places to build upon with key core younger players. Arguably the most impressive thing displayed about the Giants is their relentlessness to compete.
“It is, and we kept ourselves in a position to potentially extend our season. There are a lot of things that can take place, but I love what this team has done,” Rams head coach Sean McVay states in the post-game press conference. “… But I was proud of the grit. There’s a mental and physical toughness this team possesses and sometimes you’ve got to be able to get wins like that. There are no style points just like Gary asked at the very beginning, so we’ll take it and as I said, I’m looking forward to being able to clean this stuff up, move forward, and have our eyes up and have a great week of preparation for the Niners.”
Overall, the respect displayed by the Rams after the game appeared to be extremely telling. Although the Giants couldn’t secure the win they’re understood as a team that’s never out of it and a team you have to play the full game, no matter the score. This sentiment is shared around the league as many respect their defense and capability to win week in and week out.
Matthew Stafford Praises the New York Giants’ Efforts
Some would agree, that there isn’t much room for moral victories in professional sports, however when the team doesn’t have much to play for the small wins can help rebuild a solid foundation. The Rams had much more to play for with the playoffs rapidly approaching, that said this game meant significantly more to the Rams rather than the Giants. Yet, the Giants continued to fight back after being down at one point, 20-10, appearing to be out of the game at that point.
“I wish we could’ve finished it a little bit better than we did there late in the fourth with us having the ball to really kind of kneel it out and take the game over there,” Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford emphasizes. “You have to give them a lot of credit on defense and (Defensive Coordinator) Wink (Martindale), they present about as tough of looks as you can present to an offense in some of those situations.”
“Can handle those better and finish the game off on offense, I would love to do that next time but it’s a mentally tough team, physically tough team, we just kept battling,” Stafford continues.
He expresses how grateful he is for the win, however he understands moving forward the Rams to ensure success throughout the playoffs must clean up their performance. The resilience of both teams was put on display, unfortunately the Giants didn’t have the side of luck and favor on their side that day.
“Make them snap it one more time on defense was huge for us today, had a couple of huge fourth-down stops. I mean, we turned the ball over four times today on offense. … I mean, that’s a resilient group, and just proud of the guys for keeping on fighting,” he continues.