MUNICH — The New York Giants, led by quarterback Daniel Jones, are facing a challenging 2-8 season and have a long trip back from Germany followed by a bye week to reflect on their struggles.
There are multiple factors contributing to their performance issues. “I think it’s a combination of several elements, rather than just one constant issue. We need to focus on all the critical elements that influence winning and losing in every game,” Jones stated after the Giants experienced their first defeat in an international regular-season matchup.
A poor start heavily impacted the Giants, who did not manage to score until the third quarter of their 20-17 overtime defeat against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Throughout the game, Jones was sacked twice and threw two interceptions, marking his team’s fifth consecutive loss.
Despite falling behind 17-7, Jones spearheaded a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, concluding a significant 13-play, 96-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes. He also directed a subsequent 12-play drive that resulted in a tying field goal from Graham Gano, a 42-yarder, with just five seconds to spare, pushing the game into overtime.
“It’s very frustrating to come up short like this. We definitely hindered ourselves with turnovers, which played a critical role in the outcome of the game. It’s just very disappointing,” Jones expressed.
The day started ominously for the Panthers when Giants edge rusher Brian Burns, a former Carolina player, sacked Bryce Young on the opening drive. However, the Panthers seized control, leading 10-0 at halftime due to Young’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Tavion Sanders and a 53-yard field goal from Eddy Pineiro. Entering the game with the fewest points scored in the league (139), the Giants only found the end zone when running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushed for a 32-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
“We absolutely need to start quicker and keep drives alive in the first half,” Jones acknowledged.
To exacerbate their woes, Tracy fumbled the ball on the Giants’ very first play of overtime. The Panthers’ Josey Jewell was quick to recover at the 23-yard line, setting Pineiro up for a decisive 36-yard field goal that secured the game for Carolina.
Coach Brian Daboll mentioned that he did not consider substituting Jones in at halftime, believing they could generate some momentum, which they partially did.
With an upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 24, the Giants have a two-week period to reassess and regroup. “It’s clear we’re not where we aspire to be,” Daboll remarked. “During the bye week, we’ll evaluate everything and make the necessary adjustments.”