Professional validation can come anywhere. Even 3,466 miles away from where you normally work.
The Giants traveled far from their MetLife Stadium football home, not in search of confirmation that they are truly a changed franchise, but also not running away from gaining that distinction. They are the road team Sunday against the Packers, nowhere near Green Bay.
What comes next is quite different. Naysayers can dismiss the Giants based on the teams they have defeated. If they are able to upset Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, the Giants will return home hearing praises for how they handled their business in England. This will be another hurdle for a Giants team few anticipated would be able to get off the ground. The Packers are the last team in the NFL to play a game overseas, but they are accustomed to the spotlight. They have a huge following, as do the Giants. They have been alerted as to what to expect from the crowd of around 63,000 when it comes to team loyalty.
Jones will start, having overcome the sprained left ankle that sent him to the sideline during the 20-12 victory over the Bears last week. It was important for him to miss no more time, to miss not one more snap.