To say that the New York Giants seem to be down and out of it would be an understatement of laughable proportions. Let’s peek through our fingers as we discuss the complete 38-0 horror show that ensued in the Tar Heel State.
What Went Right: That it ended. For all the talk of the Jacksonville Jaguars being far and away the worst team in the NFL, it sure seems like the Giants may be a surprise entrant for the dubious title. It’s bad enough in itself to lose the first three games period, But to have a complete no-show in a game that meant so much for the Coughlin family, the “effort” given today was unforgivable. The Giants looked old, sloppy, and genuinely defeated from the get go.
The Offensive Line Was Simply Offensive: Make no mistake, Eli Manning had arguably his worst game of his career (12-23/119 YDs/1 INT), but the Giants offensive line deserves most of the blame. They did not give Manning a chance to do anything to the tune of seven sacks, six of which happened in the first half alone. Will Beatty had the worst day of all as he was flagged for holding on a sure touchdown scored by David Wilson that would’ve made the score 10-6 and may have changed the complexion of the game. As luck would have it (and the Giants had absolutely none on this day), the penalty ended up forcing a field-goal attempt by Josh Brown that missed wide left. The Panthers would then march down the field to make it 17-0, and the rout was officially on.
Once Again, the Job Vultures Will Circle: It’s an annual tradition, but Tom Coughlin’s job security will be under scrutiny again after three completely foul showings to open the season. Coughlin’s place in Giants lore is assured, but maybe an off-season shakeup is needed. A new voice; a fresh point of view. Today felt like a pillar crumbling instead of just a bad day. Some losses just feel like a changing of the course.
Or, they could pull their usual Lazarus act and find themselves right back in the thick of things, but that’s not going to happen every year. The proverbial switch that they were expecting to find even last season appears to be broken beyond repair.
Up Next: The season is officially in peril as the Giants go to Kansas City to face a rejuvenated 3-0 Chiefs team. The Arrowhead mystique has returned, which could spell absolute doom for the Giants. If the Giants have any hope of salvaging a season on the brink, they must go into a place that is historically a tough place for any opponent. If there’s any pride left in these Giants, they must play the game we thought they were capable of. If not, Giants fans can start studying up on the 2014 draft class.
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