The New York Giants fell to the Los Angeles Rams, 26-25, on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
This was a nail-biter and the Giants had several opportunities to win this game but fell short several times in the last couple of minutes. The defense came up big several times to keep this one close and no other play was more impactful than Dane Belton.
The Iowa safety was easily the player of the game on New Year’s Eve. He was responsible for three turnovers as he recovered one fumble and picked off Matthew Stafford two times. He returned the two interceptions for 22 yards and was great in coverage all day.
It was great to see the second-year safety get more time in the spotlight as the Giants have no postseason aspirations. He seemed to fit the Wink Martindale defense perfectly with his versatile play style.
Belton got his opportunity due to Jason Pinnock suffering an injury early. He should be the starting safety moving forward and should get serious consideration as the permanent option in 2024.
Former Hawkeye Dane Belton Today:
2 picks.
1 fumble recovery.
1 forced fumble.— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) December 31, 2023
Dane Belton picks off Stafford for the 2nd time today!
📺: #LARvsNYG on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqko01pD pic.twitter.com/8zGVsJ1gOd— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023
Dane Belton at it again 💪
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/QDbPib0fXI
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 31, 2023
Dane Belton has such a knack for getting his hands on the football.
Intercepts Matt Stafford while playing in place of an injured Jason Pinnock.#NYGiants #NYG #Giants
pic.twitter.com/Oi1E6Vos73— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) December 31, 2023
Belton is the first Giants defender with three takeaways in a single game in nearly 10 years.
