It was the high-water mark of the Brian Daboll Era, a 31-24 upset of the Vikings in an NFC wild-card game at U.S. Bank Stadium in January 2023.

“A cornerstone franchise like this with such a rich history, this is what we’re supposed to do,” wide receiver Darius Slayton said. “We’re supposed to go to the playoffs. We’re supposed to be a winning team. We’re just going to keep trying to live up to the legacy that’s been here.”

The Giants have gone 9-26 since. Daboll’s job status became an issue. $40 Million Man Daniel Jones didn’t ascend. Saquon Barkley was treated like just another undervalued running back and won a Super Bowl with the Eagles. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale clashed with Daboll and was replaced by Shane Bowen.

And here we are now.