The New York Giants signed Dawuane Smoot to the practice squad after also working out Yannick Ngakoue and Julian Okwara. They gain veteran defensive-line depth, but with Brian Burns out for the season and Smoot's recent run-defense grades raising concerns, did they actually get the help they need?
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THE BIG QUESTION
Should the Giants sign Yannick Ngakoue after adding Dawuane Smoot? Smoot provides experienced rotational depth, but Ngakoue offers a different pass-rushing profile, and the Giants must decide whether another veteran is worth adding.
Drew and Rob examine all three defensive-line workout candidates, Smoot's career production and disappointing recent PFF evaluations, and whether Yannick's previous experience playing for John Harbaugh makes him an attractive option. They also debate the possibility of trading Kayvon Thibodeaux while the Giants are competing for the NFC East lead.
Would moving Thibodeaux now mean selling low on a former first-round pick, especially with Burns already sidelined?
The Giants' coaching adjustments receive plenty of attention as well. John Harbaugh discusses the latest injuries to Jermaine Eluemunor, Tyler Nubin, Colton Hood and Andrew Thomas. Bryan Hudson remains the starting center over John Michael Schmitz, and the offensive line faces questions about its ability to run the ball.
On offense, the Giants finally found success using a faster tempo with Jameis Winston against Washington. Drew and Rob discuss why it worked, Winston's 254 passing yards after halftime and whether Matt Nagy should make no-huddle a regular part of the offense. Defensively, Dennard Wilson has dramatically increased the blitz rate, but can New York sustain that approach against stronger opponents?
Then comes Dan Quinn's explanation of Washington's disastrous overtime finish. The Commanders had a chance to win with a field goal but allowed the clock to expire. Drew and Rob examine the substitutions, communication problems and coaching responsibility behind the 27-27 tie.
The Giants remain 3-1-1 and in first place in the NFC East. Should fans be encouraged by the comeback or frustrated by another missed opportunity to win?
NFL WEEK 5 RECAP
The second half of the episode moves around the league, starting with Tampa Bay's victory over Dallas and Jacksonville's remarkable finish against Philadelphia in London. The Jaguars' last-second field goal leaves the Eagles with another loss and gives Giants fans plenty to enjoy.
Drew and Rob also cover the undefeated Vikings, the Patriots' dominant performance against the Raiders, the Jets' defensive win over Cleveland, Green Bay's victory over Chicago, and Pittsburgh's big offensive day behind Jaylen Warren.
The Texans' trade for Marvin Harrison Jr. sparks a discussion about reuniting him with C.J. Stroud and whether Houston can revive his production.
The late games deliver more drama: Denver beats the Chargers after a controversial fourth-down decision, Jahmyr Gibbs powers Detroit's explosive offense, San Francisco stays undefeated with a narrow win over Seattle, and Baltimore rallies to beat Atlanta in overtime.
Throughout the NFL recap, Drew and Rob revisit their Week 5 winners, point spreads, totals and Trifecta picks, including a disagreement over how one of their picks was recorded.
The Giants are still leading the division, but do they have enough depth and consistency to stay there?
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