The New York Giants might not be getting much respect at the national level, but they currently have a 3-1 record despite being underdogs in three of their four games. The Giants are also becoming experts at clawing 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 coming into 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 while 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 vets.
Arvell Reese (LB)
There isn’t much to say about Reese that hasn’t already been said.
The strengths we’ve seen since pre-season are evident on almost every play. His play strength and power, his explosiveness downhill and fluidity in space, and wide-open motor have made him a factor on just about every play. His power, in particular, simply leaps off the tape. Seeing him jolt offensive linemen with nearly 100 pounds on him when he takes on their blocks may never stop being impressive.
The biggest difference, and what’s elevating his game over the last two weeks, is that the game appears to be slowing down for Reese.
He’s had a quick downhill trigger since the pre-season, but now he’s processing in space at almost the same speed. There was one 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 broke on the ball as the quarterback started his throwing motion, arriving to bring the tight end down right at the catch point.
If that awareness and trigger keep progressing, Reese’s ceiling is going to be impressive. And there’s good reason to think that Reese is only scratching the surface of his potential, considering this game was just his 18th as a starter (including his 14 starts at Ohio State).
Sisi Mauigoa (RG)
Mauigoa played well enough. This was a bit shakier game from him than we’ve become used to, but not in a way that compromised the offense.
It was pretty obvious that Mauigoa and reserve center Bryan Hudson haven’t had too many reps together. They didn’t play with quite the same fluency and chemistry as do Sisi and John Michael Schmitz. Mauigoa is also having to contend with the harsh reality of being a rookie in the NFL — The other guys are professionals, and their profession is beating you. It certainly seemed as though the Cardinals’ defensive linemen picked up on a few things with respect to Sisi’s tendencies and the Giants’ tendencies as a whole (particularly in the run game).
There were plenty of plays that showed off Sisi’s absurd power and excellent movement skills (for a guard). He’s still able to drive defenders off the ball blocking downhill, stonewall power rushers, stress lines laterally on zone blocks, and quickly adjust to mirror athletic rushers or pick up stunts.
The next step for Sisi will be playing the chess game and understanding how defenses are going to attack him and when.
It may also be an artifact of the adjustment to Jameis Winston, but the Giants as a whole need to get a bit better at disguising their intentions on offense. They were able to manipulate the Cardinals’ defense with personnel and alignment, but then didn’t consistently take advantage. There were a few too many reps where the Giants went heavy and condensed their formation — which led to the Cardinals doing the same — only to run right into the teeth of the defense. On those reps, the Giants weren’t able to get enough blockers on the play side or provide their blockers with good angles, 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.
Colton Hood (CB)
Hood exclusively played special teams against the Cardinals after starting the last two games in relief of Deonte Banks.
As a starter, Hood flashed the traits that got him first round consideration prior to the draft. He’s quick, fast, fluid, and physical, and has tremendous upside once he puts it together. However, he simply hasn’t put it together yet and was picked on by opposing quarterbacks.
Going back to a reserve role is what’s 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, particularly if Dennard Wilson continues to call press-man coverage.
Overall, Hood played well-enough on special teams. He certainly shows a willingness to hustle downfield and doesn’t mind sticking his face in the pile.
Malachi Fields (WR)
Fields had something of a coming out party, as he not only got his first NFL touchdown but also hauled in a huge 40-yard gain.
Fields’ speed in the open field will probably always be an issue. He can cover ground when he opens his stride, however he isn’t going to run past many NFL defensive backs once they turn and run with him. However, he’s already showing some impressive growth as a route runner, manipulating his route stems and throwing quick head and body fakes just before his breaks. Combined with his short-area quickness and massive catch radius, he’s developing into a tough cover as a possession receiver.
He already has a really good understanding of zone coverages and a natural knack for finding voids. That’s what led to his 40-yard reception, as he continued down the field after being passed off by Cardinals’ cornerback Max Melton then subtly adjusting his route to maximize his visibility to the scrambling Jameis Winston.
That chemistry was also on display on Fields’ touchdown. He was running a simple crossing route, but ran it in such a way as to take full advantage of the traffic schemed into the play. Darnell Mooney and Isaiah Likely created a natural screen for Fields as they ran vertical routes into the endzone, as did Malik Nabers, who was running a crosser in the opposite direction in what amounted to a non-traditional mesh concept.
However, Fields noticed Winston scrambling and bent his crosser downfield and into a void in the Cardinals’ defense while also creating a passing window for Winston.
The Giants also aren’t hesitating to move him around the offensive formation, put him in the slot, or into motion. His upside 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 wildly impressive. The best compliment I can give them is that they simply don’t look like rookies. At all.
Yes, Zvada could still use a sandwich or three, but his leg is strong and sure. If the Giants are trotting him out there, it seems like a given that he’s getting them three points. He also continues to be an asset on kick-offs as well. The Cardinals had success on returns, but that appeared to have more to do with some suspect lane discipline and over-pursuit than anything Zvada did.
Mann likewise continues to be highly impressive as well. He is utterly invisible, except when he’s hustling downfield in coverage, and that’s exactly what you want from a long snapper. His chemistry with Jordan Stout and Zvada appears excellent, with accurate snaps 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.
