EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Two years ago, the New York Giants were riding high in their inaugural season under head coach Brian Daboll, boasting an impressive 6-1 record. The momentum was palpable, marked by significant plays such as Saquon Barkley’s game-winning 2-point conversion against Tennessee and a crucial defensive stand that led to a victory over Jacksonville in Week 7.
However, the tides have shifted dramatically over the course of the last two years. The Giants faced a disappointing 2023 season, ending with a 6-11 record, and fell to 2-6 after a tough 26-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who currently lead the AFC North.
This recent game echoed the team’s earlier losses to rivals like the Commanders, Cowboys, and Bengals. In each instance, the Giants had opportunities to capitalize but fell short. In professional football, successful teams make critical plays; unfortunately, the Giants have been struggling in that regard, leading to significant frustration within the organization.
Following a lopsided defeat to Philadelphia, Giants co-owner John Mara offered Daboll his support, recognizing the difficult circumstances. While the Giants showed resilience against the Steelers, their performance left much to be desired.
“We’ve got to improve across the board,” Daboll stated on Tuesday. “That means coaching better, playing better, and executing in critical moments. We’re fully committed to making these improvements.”
Frustration was palpable throughout the game on Monday night, with visible signs from players and coaches alike. Quarterback Daniel Jones was seen expressing his discontent after a mismanaged 2-point conversion attempt, while Pro Bowl tackle Dexter Lawrence vented his frustration on the sidelines. Additionally, the decision to bench cornerback Deonte Banks, a first-round draft pick in 2023, highlighted the mounting tensions within the team.
“No one enjoys losing,” Daboll added. “Winning is why we put in all this effort.”
In terms of individual performance, Jones deserves some recognition. Despite being constantly pressured by the Steelers’ defense, he completed 24 out of 38 passes for 264 yards, enduring four sacks and numerous hits. The choice to attempt a complex 2-point conversion was not an indictment of his capabilities, as the offensive line allowed him to be hit almost immediately during the play.
On the other hand, the defense has struggled to maintain its performance, showing vulnerability to big plays lately. Pittsburgh managed to execute 19 plays for ten or more yards, including a significant touchdown pass and an impressive punt return score. The missed penalty call during the game was a point of contention for Daboll.
In brighter news, running back Tyrone Tracy has emerged as a standout player. The fifth-round pick amassed an impressive 145 rushing yards, highlighted by a 45-yard touchdown, marking the Giants’ longest scrimmage play of the season. His two 100-yard games make him the first rookie for the Giants to achieve this since Saquon Barkley did it in 2018.
Conversely, Deonte Banks’ situation has taken a downturn, as he was benched after not showcasing adequate hustle on the field. His performance led to an embarrassing moment when Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris easily hurdled over him for a significant gain. Greg Stroman was called in as his replacement.
In injury updates, Tracy sustained a shoulder injury early in the game and later suffered a head injury, placing him in concussion protocol as of Tuesday. Other players, including punter Jamie Gillan and cornerbacks Cor’Dale Flott and Adoree Jackson, were also sidelined due to various injuries.
A key statistic reflecting the Giants’ struggles this season is that combined with the Jets, the two teams sharing MetLife Stadium have only accumulated four wins between them, both sitting at 2-6.
Looking ahead, the Giants are set to face off against the Washington Commanders, who currently have a 6-2 record, this coming Sunday. This will be their second matchup against the Commanders this season; a previous game slipped away in Week 2 when a last-minute injury to kicker Graham Gano resulted in a narrow 21-18 defeat, despite the Giants scoring three touchdowns without allowing any.