sny
The New York Giants, despite the devastating loss of their star quarterback to a season-ending injury, have surged to a 3-1 record and currently sit atop the NFC East following a 36-24 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The Week 4 victory was a complete team effort, with numerous players rising to the occasion and delivering when it mattered most.
New York found themselves in an early 14-3 hole, but battled back to take a 19-17 advantage into halftime. The Cardinals later reclaimed a six-point lead before the Giants responded, moving ahead 30-24 in the fourth quarter. With Arizona driving late, the defense needed one final stop.
Deonte Banks, who had earlier been flagged for pass interference, redeemed himself by intercepting Jacoby Brissett and returning the pick 98 yards for a touchdown as time expired.
"All right, great locker room after the game. Really, really fun to be a part of that. That's what winning is. That's what winning teams do, they find ways to win games," head coach John Harbaugh said. "That's why they're winning teams and I'm proud of these guys for that."
Harbaugh lauded the team's resilience, particularly highlighting Banks for his crucial stop while defending Trey McBride and the game-clinching interception after the earlier penalty.
"You know who else came through? Tae Banks! Tae Banks came through with a huge play after a crazy pass interference penalty; I thought you had to touch the guy for it to be pass interference? I thought that was part of it. They didn't bat an eye, nobody flinched, nobody blinked. Kept bringing the heat. The pass rush was there all day." He added: "You got to play the next play, which is what they do. You got to keep believing and then you got to do. Keep believing, keep doing."
In addition to Banks, rookie Arvell Reese turned in arguably the finest performance of his young career. Reese recorded nine tackles, three passes defended (one of which led to an interception), and an interception of his own.
"He was all over the field again," Harbaugh said. "He played great. He may get a game ball yet for defensive player of the game, I don't know. He had an interception, he had numerous tackles again. He's taking off." Reese's development has been evident and is a key reason for New York's winning record.
When asked about seizing first place in the division, Harbaugh characterized it as "an opportunity" for the team to continue improving and avoid complacency.
"It's an opportunity," Harbaugh said. "The idea is to get the lead and extend the lead. That's the idea in a game and during the season. We're in good position for four games in, but it's only four games in. We have an opportunity because it gives us a great opportunity to go down to Washington and try to best our best football game. We can play so much better, and that's what we'll be chasing."
The Giants will look to capitalize on that chance and prove themselves on Sunday, Oct. 11 against the Commanders (1-3) at 1 p.m.
Originally reported by sny.