They applied enough pressure to force Jones to a 57.2 passer rating, his lowest since the undefeated Vikings got him in the opener.

“You just see everyone behind them stepping up as well. I thought they did a great job putting pressure on the quarterback,” D-line head coach Zac Taylor said. “And so I’m just really proud of the way the defense played. The players, the coaches, the way they fought all week and put together a performance like this was special.”

Taylor saw the game and so he handed out the game balls. He started with his defensive coordinator, Staten Island’s own Loui Anarumo. The lifelong Giants fan who met Lou Sr. went to the games and coached here for a year, not only did he have to hear his family plan all week long in front of the 100-person tailgate in the parking lot, but the media gives it to him every day.

But on Sunday he was waving a ball with Hill, who also got one. And Pratt. And Hendrikson. And safety Tycen Anderson, who came off an ACL and picked up where he left off last year with two tackles on teams as their prized shooter on punt returns.

It was just the kind of supplemental getaway they needed. And they’re still looking for more.

“It’s team football. We haven’t played a full game yet,” Pratt said. “Not one with all three phases with offense, defense and special teams. Once we play that, we’re good.”

Hendrickson, their Pro Bowl sacker and best player on defense, thought it was a culture win. After pointing to the sky on Sunday to celebrate his sacks, he pointed to Hilton and Anarumo.

“It’s one of those things where we need a wake-up call, but I think everyone knew at that point: Mike has been a leader on this defense for the last four years, so when he speaks, people listen” , Hendrickson said. , who now has five pockets. “But credit to Lou, credit to the execution of this defense and playing like a family.”