So far the Giants are sitting at 5-10 after 16 weeks. In this mini series we will continue to take a look at their record with a brief synopsis of the games and statistics. This will give the league a nice update every few weeks on how the team is doing overall.
Weeks: 1-4 Weeks: 4-8
Points: 24 ppg (31) Points: 31 (25)
Total: 367.5 ypg (23). Total: 409.9 (16)
Passing: 313.5ypg (4). Passing: 349.8 (9)
Rushing: 54 ypg (26) Rushing: 60.1 (30)
Weeks: 9-12 Weeks: 13-16
Points: 31 ppg (25) Points: 30 ppg (29)
Total: 410.3 ypg (22). Total: 415.7 ypg (21).
Passing: 345.3 ypg (11) Passing: 349.3 ypg (8)
Rushing: 65 ypg (31) Rushing: 66.5 ypg (32)
On average, the passing offense got better but everything else got worse. The yards are coming, but the touchdowns are not. You have teams consistently scoring 40 or more points a game and the Giants are struggling to score 30. It comes down to execution, whether that’s missed kicks, drops, turnovers, or punting when you should go for it. The offense in every game has issues and it’s the reason they can’t close out these close games. It doesn’t help that teams don’t respect the run game. When you are last in the league in rushing, teams will play for the pass. Things need to change for next season. The offensive line and running game need an overhaul, and the hope is that Mitchell is the catalyst for that.
Weeks: 1-4 Weeks: 4-8
Points: 25 ppg (3) Points: 35 ppg (22)
Total: 327.8 ypg (2) Total: 400 ypg (11)
Passing: 274.5 ypg (7) Passing: 293.1 ypg (11)
Rushing: 53.3 ypg (2) Rushing: 106.9 ypg (19)
Weeks: 9-12 Weeks: 13-16
Points: 33 ppg (10) Points: 35 ppg (13)
Total: 398 ypg (10). Total: 407.7 ypg (11).
Passing: 302.3 ypg (10) Passing: 300.9 ypg (10)
Rushing: 95.8 ypg (7) Rushing: 106.7 ypg (15)
The defense in the last four games has taken a turn for the worst. Generally, they were playing well but giving up 55 and 42 points respectively have taken its toll. The only player stepping up is Carter, who as a rookie shouldn’t have to take that responsibility. Where are the leaders on the defensive line and secondary? Burns and Lawrence are no shows in the game, especially when it comes to run defense and sacks. Lawrence, who has 4 pass rushing abilities can’t even average a full sack on the year. He has a .5 sack this season. I know teams are doubling him but as the leader on the defense he has to show up. Letting teams, even a team with a good offensive line, just bully you in the run game just isn’t right for a defensive line with so many superstar players.
Week 13: 29 Patriots – 28 Giants
The Giants came into this game ready to finally start their win streak that could take them into the playoffs. They came out of the gate strong and had an explosive lead going into the fourth quarter. They forced Drake Maye into four interceptions and looked like they were going to coast into this victory. May had other thoughts on this. He came out firing in the fourth, scoring touchdown after touchdown, with the Giants offense just sputtery out of control on third down. In the fourth quarter alone, they missed all of their third downs which resulted in the Patriots coming all the way back. With no time remaining, Maye drove down the field and scored a touchdown. The defender saw the receiver in the endzone standing in front, but decided to stay behind him and let the touchdown up. The Patriots then decided to go for two where the Giants knew that a drag was coming and played for it but the linebacker moved away instead, letting up the conversion.
Week 14 : BYE Week Blues
This Bye week was supposed to be a happy one. One where the Giants won their last three games and were looking to make a run at the playoffs. In week 10, they beat the Bears and had favorable matchups against the Packers, Lions, and Patriots up next. Wins in those games would have given them a 8-5 record. Instead, they lost all three by touchdown or less and now sat with a pitiful reminder of what could have been. Even with this 5-8 record, the playoffs weren’t done yet, but they would need to win all games coming out of the bye week.
Week 15: Commanders 55 – Giants 23
The Giants defense came out strong in this game, forcing an interception of Daniels, then a fourth down stop. Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t capitalize on it. The Giants would give up points, but kick a fg. The game shifted after this. Down 10-3, the Giants were in the process of kicking another field goal, however, it was blocked and returned for a touchdown. On the very next drive, Dart, who had Nabers open on a corner route, overthrew him and the Commanders would score off of it. The defense wasn’t able to make any more stops, and Dart tried to overcompensate for it. This led to three more picks, one where he had an open guy but underthrew it and 2 more where he made a late read and it got stepped in front of. This was by far Darts worst game of the season and had people questioning if he could really be the franchise guy or not.
Week 8: Vikings 42 – Giants 35
An offensive explosion mixed with a defensive lapse. Dart and the offensive came out firing in this game, the issue is so did the Wentz lead Vikings. After a first quarter controversy with the starting quarterback, the game settled down and went well for the Vikings. The Giants knew that the Vikings were going to run the ball and throw short play action plays to the flats. They had designed blitzes and contained them for the play action roll outs. The issue is the players didn’t want to listen to the game plan. The defense consistently left the flat open, and just ran into offensive lineman which created huge running lanes. It seems that when the offense is on fire the defense can’t make a stop and when the defense is on fire the offense can’t score touchdowns. The final nail in this game came down to the last second. The defense gave up a touchdown, but left Dart with enough time to drive down the field. Dart made a good attempt and got the Giants in endzone range with 20 seconds left. On the final play of the game, Nabers ran a crossing route and was open, however, the throw was too slow, didn’t make the window, and Nabers was behind the defender. This let the defender out jump Nabers who in replay looked stupid with his catching animation but no ball. You can say this about a lot of games this season, but this was truly a game that the Giants should have won.
In all, the Giants are on a 5 game losing streak where in another world, they could be looking at a playoff run if they could close out games. Instead, they are hoping to play spoiler to the Raiders and Cowboys playoff hopes.
