Mostly playoff novices, Giants expecting increased intensity

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — For most of the players on the New York Giants, the playoffs are uncharted territory.

Of the 53 men on the Giants’ active roster heading into Sunday’s wild-card round game at the Minnesota Vikings, only 17 players have playoff experience. Roughly half of that number can be considered starters.

Quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley, offensive tackles Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal, defensive linemen Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence, and safeties Xavier McKinney and Julian Love are postseason novices.

Veteran kicker Graham Gano is in the minority on a team making its first postseason appearance since 2016. He’s one of five players who’s made it to a Super Bowl. He is willing to talk to teammates about what’s going to be different. The energy and tempo will increase.

“But really, it’s the same game we’ve been playing since we were kids,” Gano said. “I think that’s the biggest thing, not to make more of it than what it actually is. It’s exciting.”

McKinney could hardly hide his excitement about getting to the playoffs in his third season. His path there had some obstacles.

McKinney broke bones in his left hand in an ATV-type accident while on vacation in Mexico during the Giants’ bye week in November. He had surgery and missed seven games, returning on Jan. 1. The last game he missed was against the Vikings.

“I’m excited, we’re all excited here,” McKinney said. “It’s been a while for sure, but we’re trying not to be too excited. When you’re too excited, you screw up and bad things happen.”