After the first two weeks of the NFL regular season, New York Giants fans were rightfully frustrated with the team’s performance. Big Blue lost to the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Commanders in baffling ways. In Week 3, the G-Men faced a must-win game versus the Cleveland Browns to avoid an 0-3 start to their season. In response, the Giants put together their best half of the season defeating the Browns 21-15. But one victory alone can’t solve the team’s most pressing issues. The Giants’ next six games are against playoff-hopeful teams. To avoid another lost season, the New York Giants must fix three big problems in all facets of the team.
Giants Must Play Complimentary Defense to Win
Let’s start with the defense. After three games, the Giants defense is out of sync. The secondary is not playing in tandem with the defensive line.
New DC Shane Bowen is known for creating defenses that stop the run and prevent red zone touchdowns. So far, the Giants’ defense is a work in progress, at best. For example, against the Commanders, Washington did not score a touchdown. But first-year Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels faced no pressure. Also, Commanders running backs rushed for more than 200 yards on 35 attempts.
Against the Cleveland Browns, Bowen and the Giants’ defense adjusted their scheme. New York blitzed more often and recorded eight sacks in the game. However, the blitzes were not supported by press coverage by the Giants’ cornerbacks. For example, on the touchdown pass from Daniels to Amari Cooper in the fourth quarter, Deonte Banks played off, allowing Cooper to go untouched into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game. Banks should have “jammed” Cooper at the line of scrimmage and forced a more difficult fade route.
But the defensive miscues can be fixed. Some of the Giants’ problems will be tougher to resolve.
Daniel Jones Must Improve
As the New York Giants prepare for the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, Giants’ observers have noticed a lack of a true WR2 in the offense. Plus, the tight ends have not been a factor. But for the Giants’ offense to take the next step, a second option for Daniel Jones needs to emerge. Especially as Malik Nabers faces more No.1 corners and double teams. Jones must shoulder responsibility for the offense’s slow start. He’s been inaccurate, thrown costly interceptions against the Vikings, and hasn’t developed chemistry with his other receivers, including second-year wideout Jalin Hyatt. In the game versus the Browns, Jones overthrew a sure touchdown pass to rookie tight end Theo Johnson in the end zone. Further, Jones lacked touch on key throws to Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton, which could have resulted in first downs and a key two-point conversion late in the Commanders game.
Over the next month when the Giants face better defenses, such as the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones will need to complete stick throws versus two-high safety looks. That’s typically a tight end in between linebackers and safeties or wideouts finding holes in zone coverage. Jones will need to be on time and accurate to complete passes against elite defenses. So far, Jones has failed to do so. It’s why Giants detractors aren’t 100% confident Jones can be an elite passer and winning quarterback.
Giants’ Special Teams Are a Disaster
The Giants right now, can’t line up and beat their opponents solely based on talent. They must win on the margins. In the NFL, this means special teams. Over the first three games, Giants special teams are a disaster.
Sure-footed kicker Graham Gano is injured, and the lack of a suitable replacement cost the Giants a Week 2 win. The next week against the Browns, New York won the game, but not without fumbling the opening kickoff and missing a 48-yard field goal by replacement kicker Greg Joseph.
The Giants punt returners and kick returners have been a non-factor. Overall, the unit is hurting the team instead of helping. If the Giants are going to win any games going forward, special teams must be fixed.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
