Giants Embrace Underdog Status Ahead of Pivotal Commanders Clash

The New York Giants are leaning into their "underdog" identity as they approach a pivotal Week 5 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Despite an unexpected 3-1 start to the season, the Giants remain aware of the lingering public skepticism about their legitimacy as a contender, a sentiment they are using as fuel.

Cornerback Greg Newsome II stated that the team views themselves as underdogs "every week," indicating that the recent last-minute victories against the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals have not fundamentally shifted external perceptions. The upcoming game against the Commanders, who are favored by 2.5 points, may not alter many opinions either, regardless of the outcome.

The Giants currently hold sole possession of first place in the NFC East, a position they have not occupied since Week 11 of the 2015 season. However, that season ended with a 6-10 record, a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.

Running back Cam Skattebo previously voiced frustration about being considered underdogs at home against the Cardinals, especially when the team felt it was a strong unit. "It's dumb to be underdogs at home," Skattebo said after their 36-24 victory. "Especially when you are a good football team."

Newsome acknowledged that the "cynics" are on the team's radar. "You always want something to go into a game and just give you an extra motivating boost," he said. "We don't really care what the outside world believes. We know what we have on this team. We know what we're all about, so at the end of the day, no matter who we play, we just have to play to the best of our ability and try to find a way to go 1-0."

Coach John Harbaugh indicated that an "us against the world" mentality is not being discouraged. "We have a game this week — a very pivotal game, a very big game — in terms of the opportunity that it presents our football team now, where we're at," Harbaugh said. "We have an opportunity to make headway on the season."