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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants faced a humiliating defeat against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, resulting in a harsh 30-7 loss on Sunday. The Giants were not just defeated but were mocked by Mayfield following a touchdown run right before halftime. As the Buccaneers extended their lead to 30-0, fans began to exit MetLife Stadium in disappointment, marking the Giants’ sixth consecutive loss this season, leaving their record at 2-9.
This dismal streak is the longest for the Giants since 2019 when they experienced a franchise-worst nine-game losing streak, ultimately ending the season at 4-12 and leading to the dismissal of head coach Pat Shurmur. Now, third-year head coach Brian Daboll finds himself under scrutiny as it becomes increasingly likely that the Giants will experience another losing season, having already concluded a challenging 2023 season with a 6-11 record marred by injuries.
Daboll, who maintains that he has not lost the team’s faith, is not alone in facing instability. General manager Joe Schoen’s position is also in jeopardy, with the entire organization feeling the heat as it commemorates its 100th anniversary this year. The Giants’ front office made a significant decision by benching quarterback Daniel Jones a week prior to this loss, which culminated in his release on Friday after Jones expressed a desire to leave the organization.
Although Jones had been struggling, he was likely the Giants’ most capable quarterback at the time. His removal from the roster almost guarantees a decline in the team’s competitiveness, especially with Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock now sharing quarterback duties. The situation was compounded by the financial ramifications; if Jones had been injured and unable to pass a physical by the start of the 2025 season, the Giants would have faced a $23 million cap hit.
The reality is that players are invested in the present, and by letting go of Jones and promoting DeVito to the starting position, the front office sent a clear message that winning was not the priority with seven games remaining in the season. Consequently, this attitude has resulted in a lackluster performance from the players themselves.
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence criticized the team’s toughness, declaring them soft. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers expressed his frustration with the ongoing losses, while left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor observed a general lack of effort from some teammates. Collectively, their frustration speaks to an underlying sentiment of betrayal; prioritizing financial considerations over competitive performance has proven to be a detrimental move for the organization.
In terms of what is currently working for the Giants? Unfortunately, not much at all. Their offense is experiencing severe difficulties. With only 163 points scored this season, they hold the league’s lowest total, managing just 60 points across six home games where they have yet to secure a victory. The team has only recorded double-digit scores twice in MetLife Stadium this season, with three first-half shutouts and seven first-half games without a touchdown. Despite these struggles, Daboll insists that he will continue to manage the offensive plays.
As for individual performances, safety Tyler Nubin has stood out with a remarkable 12 tackles in the last two games, bringing his season total to 81, just two shy of team leader Bobby Okereke. Conversely, running back Tyrone Tracy’s performance has declined due to issues with ball security. Despite recording 587 yards on 116 attempts, a critical fumble during overtime in a match against Carolina, alongside another fumble at the Bucs’ 5-yard line while trailing 23-0, earned him time on the bench.
Injury updates revealed that left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and linebacker Azeez Ojulari (toe) exited the game early, while Chris Hubbard stepped in as a replacement. The Giants were fortunate to have defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux return after missing five games due to a wrist fracture. Despite DeVito being banged up, Daboll anticipates he will play when they face the Cowboys next.
Key statistics for the team include a grim streak of ten consecutive games without an interception, tying the NFL record held by the 1976-77 San Francisco 49ers and the 2017 Oakland Raiders, marking a single-season low.
Looking ahead, the already struggling Giants will take the national stage on Thanksgiving Day, facing off against the Dallas Cowboys, as they attempt to turn their season around.
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