All of the positive energy from the New York Giants‘ upset victory over the Los Angeles Chargers quickly evaporated on
All of the positive energy from the New York Giants‘ upset victory over the Los Angeles Chargers quickly evaporated on Sunday as they were defeated by the previously winless New Orleans Saints 26-14.
In what was supposed to be their easiest matchup on their brutal schedule, the Giants put forth a lackluster performance that showed why they’re one of the worst teams in the NFL. What makes the loss so discouraging is that at one point they were up 14-3 but allowed the Saints to score the final 23 points of the game.
There are a number of reasons why the game got away from New York, and we’ll examine those now.
Hot Start Turns Cold, Quickly
The game couldn’t have started any better for New York’s offense as Jaxson Dart engineered touchdown drives on their first two possessions of the game, with both culminating in touchdown passes to Theo Johnson. But after things got disastrous for New York. The team’s final eight possessions of the game ended with three fumbles, two interceptions, two punts, and a turnover on downs.
Although the players have to take the brunt of the team’s mistakes, this also comes down to coaching, as neither Brian Daboll nor offensive coordinator Mike Kafka could dial up the right plays to steer the game back in their favor.
Giants Were Their Own Worst Enemy
Penalties and turnovers will get you beat, and on Sunday, the Giants committed too much of both. New York isn’t good enough to overcome mistakes, and against the Saints, they were their own worst enemy.
The Giants came into this game averaging 80 yards in penalties, which was the most in the NFL. They exceeded that against the Saints by committing eight penalties for 95 yards. But it was the turnovers that ultimately would be their downfall.
Dart threw two interceptions and had a fumble, and Darius Slayton had a fumble in the second quarter with New York up 14-13 that shifted the momentum in New Orleans’ favor. However, the back-breaking turnover was Cam Skattebo’s fumble early in the fourth quarter that Jordan Howden returned 86 yards for a touchdown that put the Saints ahead 26-14. What makes this even more embarrassing is that the Giants had five turnovers on five consecutive possessions.
When you’re minus five in turnovers, it’s impossible to win, which is why the team sits at 1-4.
Malik Nabers Was Sorely Missed
Everyone knew creating explosive plays from the passing game without Malik Nabers would be a challenge, and on Sunday, that was evident. The team did not have one completion over 20 yards, and Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton were held to eight receptions for 61 yards.
To make matters worse, Slayton left the game early with a hamstring injury, which makes his status questionable heading into the team’s Sunday night matchup against the Eagles. With Jalin Hyatt yet to catch a pass this season, it’s time for New York to look outside the organization and acquire another wideout.
The Pass Rush Was Non-Existent
After harassing Justin Herbert last Sunday in their 21-18 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, the pass rush was non-existent against New Orleans. The defense failed to sack quarterback Spencer Rattler, who completed 20 out of 30 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown.
The Giants’ front seven of Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter are supposed to be the strength of the team. But neither they nor anyone on the defense could make a game-changing play that could tilt the momentum in their favor.
Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen’s Seats Are Scorching Hot
Nothing is easy in the NFL, but as we mentioned, this was on paper the easiest opponent on the schedule, and to lose by double-digits doesn’t bode well for Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.
The duo was already on the hot seat coming into the season, and with the Giants on the verge of having their season “unofficially over” before Halloween for the third consecutive year, the clock is ticking quicker than ever on their time with Big Blue.
Ownership doesn’t want to make another in-season coaching change as they did in 2017, but if the disappointing losses continue to mount, they might have a change of heart and part ways with their head coach and general manager.
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