New York Giants' Jon Runyan: A few plays the other way and we'd be 1-4

The New York Giants sit atop the NFC East at 3-1-1 despite missing quarterback Jaxson Dart, outside linebacker Brian Burns, wide receiver Calvin Austin, and others. Left guard Jon Runyan Jr. said the record reflects the foundation the coaching staff built through the offseason program and training camp.

“It says a lot about them, the foundation that they’ve built, and a lot of us as players,” Runyan told reporters on Tuesday. “A couple plays here and there, I feel like we could also be 1-4. I still feel like we have a long way to go on this team. Luckily, we are 3-1-1 at the moment.”

Runyan pointed to head coach John Harbaugh’s consistent message of going 1-0 each week. The Giants face the New Orleans Saints this week, and Runyan said the group will keep focusing on what is in front of them rather than the division standings.

That same approach has shown up late in games. Against the Commanders, the Giants trailed by 14 points with under eight minutes remaining. Runyan said no one flinched. The offense scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

“You just see that constant belief in the team, in these coaches,” Runyan said. “I really never feel like we’re out of it. And guys just continue to put their head down and keep working.”

He described the difference from recent seasons as noticeable. Players stay locked in rather than sensing a game slipping away, and the coaching staff has reinforced that belief.

Accountability has been part of the process. In offensive meetings, coordinator Matt Nagy has encouraged players to address mistakes in front of the group. Runyan said that open line of communication lets teammates see accountability in real time and builds trust.

“Coach Nagy says that if there’s something that you want to say, say it in front of the whole team, and everything kind of gets nipped in the bud right there,” Runyan said. “Coaches holding the players, and the players holding the coaches accountable to mistakes that they both feel that could be fixed.”

Runyan believes the back-and-forth communication creates a solid foundation. He expects it to help the Giants handle adversity as the season continues.