The New York Giants lost to the Miami Dolphins, 31-16. A season that has started in horrible fashion, is officially in free fall. To make matters worse, starting Quarterback Daniel Jones injured his neck late in the game on a sack. The Giants allowed seven sacks on the day, an improvement from the eleven allowed on Monday night. Injuries and poor coaching have derailed a promising season. Adding insult to injury, the Giants travel to face the Buffalo Bills next Sunday night. It’d be in the best interest of the NFL to flex their game out for a more suitable matchup.
Left Tackle Andrew Thomas Is Sorely Missed
It can’t be overstated how badly the Giants miss Andrew Thomas. Fill-in left tackle, Joshua Ezeudu is completely overwhelmed protecting the blindside. After another dreadful performance, Ezeudu was benched for Matt Peart. Coach Brian Dabolls’ stubbornness to leave Thomas in the lineup during a week-one blowout is coming back to haunt them. There is no update on whether or not he will be available on Sunday. The Giants have invested a lot of draft capital on offensive linemen, yet play at historically bad levels. Offensive line Bobby Johnson needs to be removed immediately. When that will happen remains a mystery. Surely, there are many more talented coaches that can get the best out of this defeated group.
Their offense remains an enigma, they didn’t score any offensive touchdowns. The only touchdown on the day was a pick-six from the defense. They have yet to score an offensive touchdown in the first half this season, it seems like they play in a different league compared to their counterparts.
Coach Daboll and Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka, need to do a better job involving their rookie wide receiver, Jalin Hyatt. Two targets in the last two games is a misuse of a speed threat. The honeymoon is over for Daboll and company, they all need to be better.
Defensive Roller Coaster
Despite the Giant’s defense finally forcing three turnovers, the Miami Dolphins offense gutted the Giant’s defense, producing 524 yards of offense. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continued to dice up the Giant’s defense up and down the field. Having playmakers like wide receiver Tyreek Hil, Jaylen Waddle, and running back De’Von Achane certainly eases the work for Tagovailoa.
Running back De’Von Achane, averaged 13.7 yards per carry, finishing with 151 yards on eleven carries. The Giants made a point of emphasis to beef up their front seven to stop the run. It is not working and it looks worse than last season. A lot of this falls on coaching and perhaps a misevaluation of their personnel. Captains Xavier McKinney and Leonard Williams are not performing to their potential which is hurting the effectiveness of this defense.
On the bright side, free agent Linebacker Bobby Okereke is continuing to elevate his game, intercepting a pass and contributing a pass deflection and ten combined tackles. Rookie cornerback Deonte Banks continues to shine for the Giant’s defense, being stout in coverage and in run defense. An ankle injury late in the game raises some concerns for his availability, but there is optimism that it isn’t serious.
Injury Concerns Are Mounting
Daniel Jones left the game with a neck injury, leaving his status in doubt for week six versus Buffalo. The offensive line continues to perform at poor levels with no relief in sight. Running back Saquon Barkley remains out with his high ankle sprain. If Jones is out, Quarterback Tyrod Taylor will step in, presenting a severe mismatch against an elite Bills defense. Simply put, the Giants cannot compete offensively to erase any kind of deficit.
This team is reaching Joe Judge levels of incompetence, however, Giants fans need to continue believing in the process. After all, they inherited a mess that will take years to clean up. Mock drafts are already the topic of discussion amongst Giants fans, as they continue to free fall. There is no end in sight for a nightmare season thus far.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
