On Sunday, the New York Giants walk into a stadium built on altitude and legacy. Empower Field at Mile High is unforgiving enough, but this weekend it carries an extra emotional weight: the return of the Super Bowl 50 champions, a Ring of Fame induction for the late Demaryius Thomas, and the roar of a Denver fan base eager to see its team take the next step under Sean Payton.
For the Giants, this is more than just Week 7. It’s a test of their rookie quarterback’s poise, their coaching staff’s ability to adapt, and their resilience in one of the NFL’s toughest environments.
The Giants didn’t plan for this season to become Jaxson Dart’s. They opened the year leaning on veterans, trying to find balance with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston providing depth. But injuries and opportunity shifted the path, and now it’s Dart’s team.
In three straight games, the Giants have scored touchdowns on their opening drives. That kind of early sharpness is rare for any team, let alone one breaking in a rookie starter. For Dart, it comes down to preparation. “It’s such a big tone-setter for each and every game,” he said. “I really believe in starting fast, executing at a high level.”
His poise has been noticeable in every huddle, every snap, and every press conference. He isn’t rattled by the speed of the league, nor by the weight of the role. Asked about the growing trust between himself and All-Pro tackle Andrew Thomas, Dart didn’t hesitate: “One of the, if not the best tackle in the league. I know that I can trust him.” That trust will be tested this week against Nik Bonitto, Denver’s explosive edge rusher who currently leads the league in sacks.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, never one to heap too much praise publicly, admitted the challenge is real: “He’s a phenomenal pass rusher… we’ll have a great test out there.”
The Giants will need their offensive line at its best, not just in pass protection but in establishing a rhythm on the ground. Because if Denver forces Dart into obvious passing downs, Vance Joseph’s defense will feast.
While the Giants search for stability, the Broncos are beginning to feel settled. At 4–2, they’ve leaned on a stingy defense and a young quarterback blossoming under Sean Payton’s watch. Daboll spoke highly of Bo Nix, the Broncos’ sophomore quarterback: “Athletic. Can make plays out of pocket… makes good decisions. Everything you need to do to play the quarterback position.”
Payton, as always, spoke in terms of balance: “The key obviously is [staying] on schedule… We’re playing a good front. We have to be smart how we handle the run, how we handle the protections, but obviously you’re searching for that balance.”
Denver’s defense has defined their season—30 sacks from 12 different players is not an accident. It’s a culture. “It’s challenging,” Payton said. “It challenges your protections, and then it’s kind of contagious. You kind of see it and feel it.”
This is the kind of scheme that rattles rookies, the kind that thrives on forcing mistakes. For Dart, it will be the most complex defensive menu he’s faced yet.
Every storyline funnels back to the line of scrimmage. Andrew Thomas vs. Nik Bonitto is a marquee battle. Bonitto’s explosiveness has been a problem for everyone, and Kafka acknowledged the challenge: “He’s a phenomenal pass rusher, leading the league in sacks… we’ll have a great test out there.”
The Giants can’t afford to fall behind schedule. Denver’s defense thrives in third-and-long, where Joseph unleashes pressure packages. That’s where Daboll’s focus on early downs comes into play—establishing rhythm, mixing play-action, and protecting Dart with quick-game and movement pockets.
On the other side, the Giants’ defense must keep Nix from breaking contain. Bowen was clear: “You want to be able to dictate on defense… finding ways to do that and being timely with it.” It’s not just about sacks, but about discipline—plastering receivers when Nix extends plays, finishing tackles in space, and turning Denver’s balance into predictable downs.
Denver is where special teams matter most. The altitude changes the kicking game, and the Giants know it. Michael Ghobrial, their coordinator, broke it down simply: “The ball traditionally flies a little bit further with higher altitude.”
That means rookie kicker Jude McAtamney may be asked to do more than he has before. Ghobrial believes he’s ready: “He does have the leg strength… the ability to hit the big ball.”
It also means punter Jamie Gillan’s placement is vital. With Marvin Mims returning kicks, coverage lanes become the difference between a 20-yard stop and a game-breaking return. And then there’s Dane Belton. “Pro Bowl level,” Ghobrial said, noting that he leads the league in special teams tackles. “It’s infectious.”
Payton underscored the same thing from his perspective: “We’ve discussed it, we talk about it. We’re preaching it, practicing it, but that’s the one thing that’ll be constant in our league forever.” At altitude, those hidden yards multiply.
This weekend in Denver isn’t just another game. It’s alumni weekend, a celebration of the Super Bowl 50 champions, and a moment to honor Demaryius Thomas. Payton previewed it to his team: “My understanding is there’ll be more alumni back for this game than in any other game in the history of the organization.”
Courtland Sutton spoke to the team about Thomas, his late teammate. Payton, who once called Denver’s Super Bowl run from a CBS broadcast booth, reflected on how unusual that team was—minus in point differential, yet champions through defense and resilience. It will be emotional. It will be loud. And it will be another layer of challenge for a young Giants team trying to create its own legacy.
Dart knows what’s coming. He framed it perfectly this week: “You’ve got to be able to weather the storm… reset each and every play.”
That’s the job on Sunday: weather the storm of Denver’s pass rush, the storm of noise, the storm of emotion, the storm of altitude. If the Giants can do that—if they can trust their line, finish tackles, and win the hidden-yardage battle—they’ll give themselves a chance.
It won’t be pretty. It may come down to one late possession, one special teams stop, one clutch throw. But that’s the league.
And if the Giants steal this one, it could be the kind of win that defines their season.
Prediction: Giants 20, Broncos 19.
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