Tank Bowl Preview: Giants vs Raiders and the NFL Draft Stakes

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‘Things I think’ before Giants, Raiders battle for chance at No. 1 pick - Big Blue View

Thoughts Before the Giants-Raiders Tank Bowl

As Sunday's clash between the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders looms, dubbed the ultimate Tank Bowl, fans ponder the high stakes for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both teams, mired at two wins, face a pivotal battle where losing could secure a franchise-altering quarterback prospect. Giants rookie Jaxson Dart eyes a breakout, while Raiders' defense grapples without key players like Daniel Crosby on injured reserve.[1]

Tanking Realities and Player Pushback

Debate swirls: are these squads intentionally underperforming? Raiders players like Jonah Laulu reject the notion, insisting effort protects careers amid draft whispers. Giants GM Joe Schoen affirms a steadfast plan, avoiding overt tanking despite fan rooting guides urging defeat. The uneasy stadium vibe underscores draft implications over victory.[1][3]

Key Matchups and Draft Implications

Watch Dart's dual-threat ability against a depleted Raiders secondary, potentially piling yards as in simulations. A Giants rout, like 34-10 projections, hands Raiders the top pick edge. Yet true tanking evades easy detection, fueling calls for an NFL draft lottery to level the field.[1][5]

About the People Mentioned

Jaxson Dart

Jaxson Dart is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the New York Giants in the NFL. Born on May 13, 2003, in Kaysville, Utah, Dart played college football at USC and Ole Miss, where he established himself as a highly productive and record-setting quarterback. At Ole Miss, he set school records for wins by a starting quarterback (28) and winning percentage (.737), finishing his collegiate career with 11,970 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions over 45 games, along with 1,541 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, accumulating over 13,500 total yards of offense[1][6][7]. Dart was selected 25th overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, who traded up to secure him. He began his rookie NFL season as a backup to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Following a 0–3 start for the Giants, Dart was named the starter for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he led the team to victory, completing 13 of 20 passes for 111 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown in his first career start[1][5]. He continued to impress by leading the Giants to a win over the Philadelphia Eagles on October 9, 2025, with 195 passing yards and 58 rushing yards, becoming one of the few quarterbacks since 1991 to score opening-drive touchdowns in each of their first three career starts, joining Patrick Mahomes in that achievement[1]. Dart is noted for his distinctive under-eye black paint, inspired by a scar on the Star Wars character Anakin Skywalker, which he has worn since his college days as a personal tribute and expression of his youthful spirit[5]. At 6 feet 2¼ inches tall and weighing 223 pounds, Dart combines mobility and passing skills, making him a promising young talent in the NFL[1][3]. He is currently active with the Giants and is viewed as a key figure in the team's effort to improve its performance in the 2025 season[1][3][4].

Daniel Crosby

**Daniel Crosby** is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who specializes in understanding how psychology influences financial decision-making and investment behavior.[1][2] He holds degrees from Brigham Young and Emory Universities and serves as Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions, where he develops tools and technology to help financial advisors apply behavioral science in practical settings.[4] Crosby has established himself as a thought leader through multiple bestselling books. His first book, *Personal Benchmark: Integrating Behavioral Finance and Investment Management*, became a New York Times bestseller.[1] His second book, *The Laws of Wealth*, was named the best investment book of 2017 by the Axiom Business Book Awards and has been translated into multiple languages.[2] His third work, *The Behavioral Investor*, won Axiom's best investment book of 2019 and provides a comprehensive examination of how neurology, physiology, and psychology impact sound financial decision-making.[3] Beyond authorship, Crosby maintains a significant public presence as a speaker and media contributor. He speaks at over 50 industry events annually, is a three-time TEDx speaker, and frequently contributes to CNBC.[6] He also hosts the Standard Deviations podcast and has been recognized with several accolades, including being named one of Monster.com's "12 Thinkers to Watch," a "Financial Blogger You Should Be Reading" by AARP, and a member of InvestmentNews's prestigious "40 Under 40."[2][7] His latest book, *The Soul of Wealth: 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning*, was published in October 2024 and focuses on finding meaning and happiness beyond monetary wealth.[3][4] Crosby's work consistently bridges the gap between complex behavioral principles and practical, accessible solutions for both financial professionals and individual investors. Outside his professional endeavors, he is a father of three, an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and an amateur hot sauce chef.[2]

Jonah Laulu

Jonah Laulu, born June 30, 2000, in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL.[1][3] A Centennial High School alumnus, he began his college career at the University of Hawaii, joining the scout team in 2018 and earning defensive MVP honors that season.[1] In 2021, he recorded 34 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks before transferring to the University of Oklahoma.[1] At Oklahoma from 2022 to 2023, Laulu adapted roles, starting as a defensive end before switching to defensive tackle in his final year. He amassed 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in 2022, and in 2023 made three starts with 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack across 53 college games and 21 starts.[1][4][5] Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing around 289-292 pounds, he totaled 102 tackles in college.[5] Selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round (234th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, Laulu was waived on August 27, 2024, and claimed off waivers by his hometown Raiders the next day.[1][2] In his 2024 rookie season, he posted 35 tackles and one sack.[2] Entering 2025 at age 25, Laulu has shown early promise with three sacks, 22 solo tackles, and four total sacks, tying for 81st in the league.[2][7] As a Las Vegas native and Pacific Islander American, he embodies a hometown success story, playing near family and noted for his work ethic and versatility.[1][6] He remains a key rotational defensive lineman for the Raiders.[7][8]

Joe Schoen

Joe Schoen is the general manager of the New York Giants, a role he has held since January 2022, bringing over two decades of NFL scouting and personnel experience.[1][4] A three-year letterman at Iowa, where he played quarterback as a freshman and wide receiver thereafter, earning all-conference honors as a senior, Schoen entered the league in 2001 as a scouting assistant with the Carolina Panthers during their 1-15 season.[1][6] His early career advanced with the Panthers as an area scout from 2002 to 2007, contributing to the identification of franchise cornerstones like Julius Peppers, Jordan Gross, Thomas Davis Sr., and DeAngelo Williams.[1] Schoen then joined the Miami Dolphins as a national scout in 2008, rising to assistant director of scouting and director of player personnel by 2016.[1][2] From 2017 to 2021, he served as assistant general manager for the Buffalo Bills under Brandon Beane, aiding in the development of quarterback Josh Allen.[1][2] Hired by the Giants as their first outside general manager since 1979, Schoen inherited a roster that missed the playoffs in nine of the prior 10 seasons, overhauled it significantly—retaining only six key offensive and defensive players—and led the team to a 9-7-1 record and playoff berth in 2022.[2][3] Notable achievements include drafting cornerback Deonte Banks, who tied for the team lead with 11 passes defended in 2023, and trading two second-round picks (2024 and 2025) to acquire Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns ahead of the 2024 draft.[1] He also allowed star running back Saquon Barkley to depart in free agency, prioritizing long-term team building.[3] As of late 2025, Schoen remains in his position amid reports that the Giants do not plan to part ways with him, continuing to shape the franchise through drafts emphasizing Senior Bowl evaluations and top-30 visits while leading the search for a new head coach.[4][5][7] Under his tenure, the Giants hold a 25-23-1 record with a 1-2 playoff mark.[2]

About the Organizations Mentioned

New York Giants

The **New York Giants** are a professional American football team competing in the National Football League (NFL), marking their 101st season in 2025. Established in 1925, the Giants are one of the league’s oldest franchises with a rich history of competitive success, including multiple Super Bowl victories and NFL championships, making them a storied and influential organization in sports[1]. Their operations encompass team management, athletic development, and fan engagement, supported by a robust front office including head coach/general manager Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Historically, the Giants have achieved notable success with eight league championships and four Super Bowl titles, highlighting their role as a cornerstone franchise in the NFL. However, recent seasons have been challenging; the Giants finished with a disappointing 3–14 record in 2024, leading to a rebuild phase focused on new talent like linebacker Abdul Carter, selected in the 2025 draft[1][2]. The team aims to rebound in 2025 by addressing roster gaps, particularly in defense, and improving overall team performance to end their 13-year division title drought—the longest active in the NFC[1]. From a business and organizational perspective, the Giants also emphasize player and family support systems. In 2025, they received mixed reviews from the NFL Players Association, scoring highly in coaching and strength training but noting areas needing improvement such as locker room facilities and family communication. The team has introduced a family room at the stadium and enhanced player accommodations, reflecting a commitment to holistic athlete welfare[4]. Technologically, like many NFL teams, the Giants leverage advanced analytics and sports science to optimize player performance and game strategy, integrating data-driven approaches in coaching and player development[2]. Their current status reflects a blend of tradition and innovation as they strive to regain competitive stature while enhancing organizational culture and player support.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team plays its home games at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, and is headquartered in Henderson, Nevada. ### History Founded on January 30, 1960, the Raiders were originally based in Oakland, California. They began as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) and transitioned to the NFL with the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. The team moved to Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994 before returning to Oakland until 2019. In 2017, the NFL approved the Raiders' move to Las Vegas, and they officially relocated in 2020. ### Key Achievements The Raiders have had several notable achievements, including three Super Bowl victories (XI, XV, and XVIII). They have also appeared in numerous playoff games throughout their history. ### Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Raiders are currently ranked fourth in the AFC West with a 2-5 record. They are led by head coach Antonio Pierce and owned by Carol and Mark Davis. The team continues to evolve with new players and strategies, focusing on improving their performance in the competitive NFL landscape. ### Notable Aspects - **Stadium and Facilities**: Allegiant Stadium, their home venue, is a state-of-the-art facility known for its unique design and amenities. - **Draft and Roster**: Recent drafts have seen the selection of promising players like Decamerion Richardson and Tommy Eichenberg, who are expected to contribute to the team's defense. - **Community Engagement**: The Raiders are actively involved in local community initiatives, fostering a strong connection with Las Vegas residents. While the Raiders are not typically associated with business or technology news, their organizational structure and community engagement efforts make them a significant part of

NFL

## Overview of the NFL The National Football League (NFL) is the preeminent professional American football organization in the United States, renowned for its massive influence on sports, entertainment, and business. With 32 teams divided between the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC), the NFL organizes a 17-game regular season culminating in a single-elimination playoff and the Super Bowl—the most-watched annual sporting event in the U.S.[2] ## History and Evolution Founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in Canton, Ohio, the league initially comprised teams primarily from the Midwest and Northeast[1][3]. It was renamed the National Football League in 1922 and faced early instability, surviving competition from rival leagues such as the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and multiple iterations of the American Football League (AFL)[2]. By the 1950s, the NFL had established a monopoly on professional football in the U.S., with only the Canadian Football League (CFL) operating independently in Canada[2]. The most significant development in NFL history was the 1966 merger agreement with the AFL, which led to a common draft and the creation of the Super Bowl as a championship game between the two league champions[1][2]. The leagues fully merged in 1970, reorganizing into the AFC and NFC and cementing the NFL’s dominance in American professional sports[1][2]. ## Key Achievements and Innovations The NFL pioneered lucrative television contracts, transforming football into a national pastime and a major media event. The league’s adoption of revenue-sharing and salary caps fostered competitive balance, helping small-market teams remain viable[2]. The NFL has also been a leader in sports technology, implementing instant replay, advanced player tracking, and digital platforms for fan engagement. Notable achievements include the expansion to 32 teams, the internationalization of the game through game

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