As the 2023 NFL season nears its end, the New York Giants find themselves in a critical position to finish the year on a high note. With playoff hopes dashed, the Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts presents the Giants with a unique opportunity to gain momentum heading into the offseason. For both teams, this game represents more than just a regular-season finale; it’s a chance to build pride, develop young players, and set the tone for the future.
While the Colts have also been eliminated from playoff contention, their defense, led by Pro Bowlers like Shaquille Leonard and Kwity Paye, and a talented offensive core headed by quarterback Gardner Minshew, mean the Giants cannot take this game lightly. However, if the Giants focus on these six crucial keys to victory, they will have a strong chance to close out the season on a winning note.
1. Protect Daniel Jones and Control the Pocket
One of the Giants’ most glaring weaknesses this season has been their inconsistent play along the offensive line. Quarterback Daniel Jones, despite his athleticism and playmaking ability, has been frequently under pressure, especially in the passing game. The Giants’ offensive line has struggled with both pass protection and run-blocking, which has disrupted their offensive flow on several occasions. In Week 17, protecting Jones will be crucial if they are to have a chance to move the ball effectively against the Colts.
The Colts’ defensive front, though not as dominant as some other units in the NFL, is still capable of applying pressure, especially with talented pass rushers like Kwity Paye. Paye, along with linebacker Shaquille Leonard, can disrupt the pocket and force quarterbacks into making mistakes. To counter this, the Giants’ offensive line must work together to establish clean pockets for Jones to operate in.
Jones, who has had his share of struggles with fumbles and turnovers under pressure, needs a clean pocket to execute the offense efficiently. The Giants should use quick passes, screen plays, and bootlegs to mitigate the threat of the Colts’ pass rush. Additionally, utilizing a consistent run game will help control the clock and keep the Colts’ defense from pinning their ears back and rushing aggressively.
2. Establish the Run Game with Saquon Barkley
The key to any successful Giants offense has been the ability to get Saquon Barkley going. As the team’s most dynamic playmaker, Barkley’s ability to create explosive runs can serve as the foundation for the entire offense. When Barkley is successful, it not only moves the ball but also opens up play-action opportunities for Jones, allowing the quarterback to make easier throws and keep defenses guessing.
The Colts’ defense, while improved in certain areas, still has its vulnerabilities, particularly in stopping the run. Barkley should be able to find running lanes against the Colts’ front seven, which has had difficulty against power running attacks throughout the season. Establishing the run early will also help the Giants control the clock and set up manageable second and third downs, allowing them to stay ahead of the chains.
If Barkley can eclipse 100 yards and the Giants can sustain long drives, it will limit the Colts’ ability to control possession and keep their offense off the field. Additionally, with Barkley running with purpose and confidence, the Giants can dictate the tempo of the game, ensuring their offense stays balanced and unpredictable.
3. Create Pressure on Gardner Minshew
With starting quarterback Anthony Richardson placed on injured reserve, Gardner Minshew has filled in admirably for the Indianapolis Colts. Minshew is a solid backup with extensive experience, but he’s prone to making mistakes under pressure, especially when forced to read defenses quickly. To win this game, the Giants’ defense needs to disrupt Minshew’s timing and prevent him from getting into a rhythm.
The key to doing this is getting pressure from the front four, particularly from defensive ends Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari. Thibodeaux has been one of the Giants’ few bright spots on defense, flashing the ability to disrupt quarterbacks in various ways. Ojulari, when healthy, has shown he can be a game-changer as well. The Giants must force Minshew out of his comfort zone and into uncomfortable situations, especially on third downs.
While Minshew can make plays outside of the pocket and has shown an ability to make throws on the move, the Giants’ defense should prioritize containment and force him to make quick, uncomfortable decisions. If the pass rush can get to him and the secondary can hold up in coverage, the Giants should be able to force turnovers, which could go a long way in securing the victory.
4. Limit the Big Plays from the Colts’ Offense
The Colts’ offense, although not explosive in the traditional sense, has the ability to make big plays, especially with running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Taylor, when healthy, is one of the most dangerous running backs in the league, capable of breaking off long runs at any time. Meanwhile, Pittman has been a consistent target for Minshew, showing his ability to make crucial catches and pick up yards after the catch.
To limit these explosive plays, the Giants must focus on sound tackling and disciplined coverage. The Giants’ defense needs to be particularly vigilant in preventing long runs by Taylor. While the defense has had some success in limiting big plays this season, they have also been prone to breakdowns, particularly in the running game. Taylor’s vision and speed make him a threat to rip off a long gain at any point, so the Giants’ linebackers and defensive line must be disciplined in their assignments.
The secondary, led by cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson and rookie Deonte Banks, must also be mindful of Pittman. With Minshew’s ability to stretch the field and take chances, the Giants need to avoid getting caught out of position. Playing tight, fundamental coverage and ensuring there are no blown assignments will be key to keeping the Colts from exploiting the Giants’ defense for big plays.
5. Win the Turnover Battle
One of the most critical aspects of any game is the turnover battle, and Week 17 is no different. Both teams have had issues with turnovers throughout the season, and the team that wins this battle will likely come out on top. For the Giants, protecting the football has been a consistent issue, especially in the passing game. Daniel Jones has had multiple fumble problems and has thrown interceptions at inopportune times. However, he’s also shown improvement in recent weeks, and taking care of the football will be crucial in this game.
The Giants’ defense needs to capitalize on Minshew’s occasional mistakes. While Minshew is capable of making big throws, he can also throw into coverage or hold onto the ball too long. The Giants’ defense must remain opportunistic, looking to force turnovers through pressure, interceptions, and fumble recoveries. A key interception or forced fumble could shift the momentum and put the Giants’ offense in a favorable position.
The Giants’ ability to avoid turnovers and capitalize on those of the Colts will be a major factor in determining the outcome of the game. Ball security must be a priority for Jones and his offensive line.
6. Leverage the Home Field Advantage
With the Giants playing their regular-season finale at home, they have the advantage of a familiar environment and a home crowd that will be looking to send the team off with a win. The energy of the fans can have a tangible impact on the game, especially on defense, where crowd noise can disrupt the Colts’ offensive rhythm and make it harder for Minshew to communicate.
The Giants must feed off the energy from their fans and play with intensity and focus. At this stage of the season, it’s not just about securing a win—it’s about showing pride in front of the home crowd and building momentum for the future. A solid performance, particularly from the defense and Saquon Barkley, will give the fans something to rally behind as they look forward to next season.
Final Thoughts
The New York Giants have a clear path to victory in their Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, but it will require solid execution in several key areas. Protecting Daniel Jones, establishing the run with Saquon Barkley, creating pressure on Gardner Minshew, limiting big plays from the Colts’ offense, winning the turnover battle, and leveraging the home field advantage are all crucial elements that could lead the Giants to a much-needed victory to close out the 2023 season.
For the Giants, this game represents a chance to finish strong, build confidence heading into the offseason, and send a message that better days are ahead. With a focused, disciplined effort, they can secure a victory and give their fans something to celebrate before the long offseason begins.
