Using a ferocious pass rush that never stopped harassing Rodgers, the Giants pummeled the Green Bay Packers, 38-10, in a Sunday night mauling that was settled by halftime. The Giants showed America why they are still a threat to repeat as Super Bowl champs. They have a great quarterback in Eli Manning, a pressure-tested coach in Tom Coughlin and a knack for playing their best when the lights are the brightest.

The Giants (7-4) will get another chance to shine in prime time next Monday night, when they visit RG3 and the Washington Redskins (5-6). Should they win that game, the Giants will take a major step toward winning the NFC East. Giants outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka was already thinking about RG3, who played well in a 27-23 loss to the Giants in October.

“We understand what we have to do in terms of rushing and collapsing the pocket,” Kiwanuka said. “We have to be disciplined. It’s a tough matchup.”

The Packers, who had won five straight, could have been a tough matchup. But the Giants dominated. That’s what happens when the Giants’ pass rush takes over. They sacked Rodgers five times, including a strip-sack by Osi Umenyiora that led to a Giants touchdown.

A relentless pass rush is the best way to slow down a high-octane NFL offense. The San Francisco 49ers did it to Drew Brees on Sunday afternoon. The Giants did it to Rodgers (14-of-25, 219 yards, 1 TD, 1 interception) on Sunday night.

No quarterback enjoys being battered like a pinata, even quarterbacks as good as Rodgers and Brees. Rodgers never found a consistent rhythm because he constantly had Giants like Umenyiora, Kiwanuka (two sacks), Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck buzzing around him.

“That was something we felt we absolutely had to do with someone with the talent of Aaron Rodgers and having the type of year that he’s having,” Coughlin said. “Have him throw the ball on our timing rather than his.”

Packers coach Mike McCarthy admitted that he changed his play calling in the second half to keep Rodgers from taking more punishment.

“The New York Giants have an outstanding defensive line,” McCarthy said. “We had a plan, and we didn’t execute it very well. They did a hell of a job tonight. They were dynamic, very talented, very productive.

“When your quarterback is under pressure like that, it affected me. I probably didn’t call the best game. You have to protect your quarterback. It’s the No. 1 responsibility of our offense.”

The NFC playoff picture is hard to predict, but the Giants can’t be overlooked. They dominated the 49ers in San Francisco earlier this season. They have beaten the Packers two straight times—Sunday night and in last year’s playoffs. The Giants have proved what they can do when the stakes are high.

For now, they will focus on their next challenge—the Redskins and Griffin. The Giants were impressed with his ability to improvise when they saw him last month. Mobile quarterbacks like Griffin have a better chance to escape the pass rush and make a play when protection breaks down. Rodgers did it a few times Sunday night, but Griffin is even more willing to run and to use his legs to make plays.

Before the bye, the Giants looked lethargic. Perhaps they were tired—a veteran team hitting the dog days of the season and dealing with outside distractions like Hurricane Sandy that affected every player on the team.

Against the Packers, the Giants looked a step faster and focused from the opening kickoff. Manning was sharp, the running game clicked, and it did not take long for the Giants to take control.

Once the Packers fell behind, the Giants ignored Green Bay’s running game and the pass rush took over.

It was a familiar formula for the Giants, but it still works. In today’s pass-happy NFL, getting to the quarterback has never been more important. The Giants can still get to the QB. Which makes them a threat to reach another Super Bowl.