Mike Kafka admits what really mattered to the Giants with the No. 1 pick on the line in Week 17 vs. the Raiders
New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka revealed what the team was really playing for against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The New York Giants secured their third win of the 2025 season with a 34-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17.
While the Giants fan base had a rooting interest in the team securing the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with a loss, interim head coach Mike Kafka made it clear his team did not. He emphasized the team was playing for each other in a season that had been difficult for everyone in the locker room.
“The things that we were playing for were for each other,” Kafka told reporters.” To a man in that room and having each other’s back and playing as hard as we can for each other.”
Mike Kafka isn’t worried about the 2026 NFL Draft
There was a bubbling narrative heading into this matchup that both teams were doing everything they could to tank the game. As the loser would gain the first overall pick, both franchises announced key starters would not play. The Giants dispelled that narrative with the way that they played, and Kafka reinforced it with what he said after the victory.
“I’m just really excited about the guys, because that’s really who I’m thinking about,” stated Kafka. “The guys that have played and practiced, put in so many hours, early mornings, late nights, put in hours on their body and on their mind to get prepared for these things. And for them to see the success, that’s what it’s about. And you can hear it. You can feel the enthusiasm. You can feel the excitement for those guys because of all the hard work they put in.”
While that statement sounds like general coach-speak after a game, Kafka was direct, saying he was very serious about getting the win for the guys on the team who were putting in the work.
“I’m not deflecting. I’m serious,” Kafka told the media. “That it’s about the players and those guys to get a win for them and for each other. And we’re all in this thing together. Everyone’s working hard and putting a lot of hours in because it means something to us. And to see that locker room and feel that locker room in a post-game. And even during the game, you know, you felt that energy and you felt the urgency to finish this thing off.”
Kafka reflects on Jaxson Dart’s performance
Since returning from his concussion, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart looked sluggish compared to the early-season version. While his stats weren’t ridiculous, he bounced back and made several big plays. He finished with 207 passing yards, completed 73% of his passes, rushed for 50 yards, and ran for two touchdowns. Kafka pointed out how impressed he was with Dart.
“I’m really proud of Jaxson, how he stepped up for our offense and really did a good job of just controlling in the game, managing the game, taking easy completions to start,” Kafka shared. “And then when he had opportunities downfield, his guys worked for him, and he got on the football.”
Kafka acknowledged that he wasn’t surprised by his improvement, given how he carried himself in practice this week.
“I think for him to bounce back, it was something that I think we all saw in practice and how he approached it,” Kafka told reporters. “And then for him to come out here and do this in the game, I’m not surprised. I’m not surprised in how he played. But I’m just really proud of how he responded.”
The Giants have one more game remaining in their 2025 season against the Dallas Cowboys. Hopefully, they can finish off with a high note.
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