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The Giants’ commanding 34-10 win over the Raiders offered several insights worth noting:
1. Jaxson Dart showcased adaptability by capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the Raiders’ defense, which played a conservative deep shell to prevent long passes. Understanding the situation, Dart skillfully executed short passes to maintain momentum and keep the offense moving forward. Although his stats weren’t flashy, he avoided turnovers and effectively utilized his mobility, running nine times for 48 yards and scoring on 12- and 2-yard scrambles. Dart’s ability to balance his dual-threat capabilities while playing smarter than in previous games will likely serve both him and the Giants well in the future.
2. Wan’Dale Robinson is poised for a significant payday, and it’s well-deserved. Over the past four years, Robinson has consistently been a dependable presence in the locker room and on the field. While not a superstar, his performance as a wide receiver has been noteworthy. Entering the game, he needed 99 yards to achieve his first 1,000-yard receiving season, a milestone clearly targeted by the offensive unit. Dart aimed for Robinson 10 times in just the first half, resulting in nine catches for 97 yards. He surpassed the 1,000-yard mark with a 9-yard reception in the third quarter, finishing with 11 catches for 113 yards. As a free agent looking to return, the question arises: can the Giants afford to let him go?
3. This matchup marked only the third time in NFL history that two teams more than 11 games below .500 faced off. With a mere 17-game season, reaching such a low standing is unusual, and having both teams in such a position is even rarer. It was also unprecedented for both teams to endure single-season losing streaks of nine games. Had this game taken place in New Jersey’s chilly winter, MetLife Stadium might have been nearly empty, attracting just a handful of loyal fans. However, a dedicated group of Giants supporters traveled to Allegiant Stadium, making their presence felt with enthusiastic cheers during the Giants’ positive plays. Despite the circumstances, it’s challenging for fans to root for losses, even with draft picks in mind.