Giants gaining momentum as a playoff contender

Monday night is a big game for the New York Giants against the Cincinnati Bengals as Big Blue looks to extend their three-game winning streak and help solidify a spot in the Wild Card standings.

After some struggles at the midpoint of the season, the Giants have shown up in recent weeks with an efficient offense and a defense that is scratching and clawing their way to results. Now 5-3, they seem to be gaining some momentum as a playoff contender. It finally looks like the team that had an offseason overhaul and spent $200 million to rectify their league-worst defense in 2015.

This past Sunday, the Giants got a big win over the Philadelphia Eagles, a divisional showdown that could go a long way towards helping them make the Wild Card. In that game, quarterback Eli Manning threw four touchdown passes.

The Giants next four opponents are without a winning record, setting them up to potentially roll off a couple of big wins In November.

“It’s a big game for us against a good team. They’ve been a playoff team the last few years. Their offense can score points and their defense has some veterans,” Manning said. “A lot of experienced and really good players. We just have to make sure we play sharp, go out there, have fun and continue to make some plays.”

The sudden hot run comes in stark contrast to their recent three-game losing streak. More than anything the Giants are resilient as their last three wins have been by a combined 16 points with no margin greater than a touchdown.

Unlike last year’s team that folded late in games, this team seems to be thriving in being the cardiac kids. And with the Bengals coming to town, the Giants face a test against a playoff team a season ago that has struggled this year.

“I think just getting games in the fourth quarter and making plays down the stretch. All of them have been a little bit different. They’re not all perfect. Each one you leave saying, ‘We could’ve definitely done things better.’ You’re going to say that after every game,” Manning said. “Just proud of the way the guys fought and found ways to win games. That’s what it’s all about. Just making plays at critical moments. The defense has done a great job; offense has done our part. I think we’re protecting the ball better; defense is getting turnovers. That’s always a big help.”