The New York Giants may not be highly respected nationally, but they are currently 3-1 despite being underdogs in three of their four games. The Giants are also becoming experts at finding their way through adversity. Not only the adversity that comes in each individual game, but also overcoming the loss of their franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart and best defensive player,
Well, Brian Burns was their best defensive player early in the season, but that might not be so definitive with the rise of Abdul Carter and the continued emergence of linebacker Arvell Reese.
And the Giants’ Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals might as well be called “the Arvell Reese game.” But even though Reese was the star of the game, the 2026 draft class all played important roles.
The Giants’ rookies have been real contributors through the first four games of the season, and several of them are already playing like seasoned veterans.
There isn’t much to say about Reese that hasn’t already been said.
The strengths we’ve seen since preseason are evident in almost every game. His strength and playmaking power, downhill explosiveness, fluidity in space and wide-open motor made him a factor in almost every game. His power, in particular, simply springs from the tape. Watching him shake offensive linemen with nearly 100 pounds on him when he takes on their blocks may never stop being impressive.
The biggest difference, and what has improved his game over the last two weeks, is that the game seems to be slowing down for Reese.
He’s had a rapid descent since preseason, but now he’s moving through space at almost the same speed. There was a play on the Cardinals’ first drive that was a routine 6-yard pass to Trey McBride with Reese in zone coverage. Where Reese might have hesitated in previous weeks, he read Jacobi Brissett’s eyes and snapped the ball as the quarterback began his throwing motion, coming in to bring the tight end right to the catch point.
If this awareness and trigger continues to grow, Reese’s ceiling is going to be impressive. And there’s good reason to think Reese is only scratching the surface of his potential, considering this game was only his 18th as a starter (including his 14 starts at Ohio State).
Mauigoa played quite well. It was a little shakier play from him than we’re used to, but not in a way that compromised the offense.
It was obvious that Mauigoa and reserve center Bryan Hudson didn’t get many reps together. They didn’t play with the same ease and chemistry as Sisi and John Michael Schmitz. Mauigoa also has to face the harsh reality of being a rookie in the NFL: the other guys are professionals and their craft beats you. It certainly seemed like the Cardinals defensive linemen noticed a few things when it came to Sissi’s tendencies and those of the Giants as a whole (especially in the running game).
Many actions showed Sissi’s absurd power and excellent movement skills (for a goalkeeper). He is still able to chase defenders off the ball blocking downhills, power rushers in stonewalls, lateral stress lines on zone blocks, and quickly adjust to mirror athletic rushers or pull off stunts.
The next step for Sissi will be to play chess and understand how defenses will attack her and when.
This may also be an artifact of Jameis Winston’s adjustment, but the Giants as a whole need to get a little better at disguising their offensive intentions. They were able to manipulate the Cardinals defense with their personnel and lineup, but didn’t consistently take advantage. There were a few too many reps where the Giants went heavy and condensed their formation – leading the Cardinals to do the same – only to run straight into the defense. On those reps, the Giants failed to get enough blockers on the play side or provide good angles to their blockers, leading to modest gains. Hopefully this will improve as the coaches continue to adjust the offense and tailor it to what Jameis Winston likes and executes best.
Hood played exclusively special teams against the Cardinals after starting the last two games in relief of Deonte Banks.
As a starter, Hood showed the traits that earned him first-round consideration before the draft. He’s fast, quick, fluid and physical, and has huge potential once he gets it going. However, he just hasn’t put it all together yet and has been harassed by opposing quarterbacks.
Returning to a reserve role is what is needed right now so he can process those valuable game reps and work on refining his game during the week. The upside is there for Hood to become a starter in the Giants defense, especially if Dennard Wilson continues to call the press.
Overall, Hood played pretty well on special teams. He certainly shows a willingness to rush the field and he doesn’t mind putting his face in the pile.
Fields had somewhat of a coming out party, as he not only got his first NFL touchdown, but also had a huge 40-yard gain.
Fields’ speed in the open field will likely always be an issue. He can cover ground when he opens his stride, but he won’t outrun many NFL defensive backs once they turn and run with him. However, he’s already showing impressive growth as a route runner, manipulating his route stems and throwing quick head and body fakes right before his breaks. Combined with his short-area quickness and massive catch radius, he becomes solid coverage as a possession receiver.
He already has a very good understanding of zone coverage and a natural talent for finding gaps. That’s what led to his 40-yard reception, as he continued down the field after being passed by Cardinals cornerback Max Melton, then subtly adjusting his route to maximize his visibility on scrambling Jameis Winston.
That chemistry was also on display during Fields’ touchdown. He was running a simple crossing route, but in a way that took full advantage of the intended flow of the room. Darnell Mooney and Isaiah Likely created a natural screen for Fields as they ran vertical routes into the end zone, as did Malik Nabers, who ran a cross in the opposite direction in what amounted to a non-traditional mesh concept.
However, Fields noticed Winston scrambling and bent his cross downfield and into a gap in the Cardinals defense while also creating a passing window for Winston.
The Giants also don’t hesitate to move him into the offensive formation, put him in the slot or put him in motion. His advantage as a blocker allows them to use him as a pseudo tight end and as a mismatch as a power slot.
Dominic Zvada (K) and Ben Mann (LS)
The Giants’ undrafted rookie specialists continue to be extremely impressive. The best compliment I can give them is that they simply don’t look like beginners. At all.
Yes, Zvada could still use a sandwich or three, but his leg is strong and secure. If the Giants walk him, it seems like a no-brainer that he gets them three points. He also continues to be an asset on kickoffs. The Cardinals had success on putbacks, but that seemed to have more to do with suspect lane discipline and over-pursuing than anything Zvada did.
Mann also continues to be very impressive. He’s completely invisible except when moving into cover, and that’s exactly what you want from a long snapper. His chemistry with Jordan Stout and Zvada seems excellent, with precise shots and precise timing. The Giants have had (arguably) the best special teams in the NFL, and the rookies are as much a part of that as Stout’s phenomenal punts.
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