The New York Giants are off to a terrible start in the 2023 season, especially in prime time games. Through the first four weeks, they have played a total of 180 minutes in prime time games and have managed to score only 15 points, including just one touchdown. Their point differential stands at a staggering -79.
Their only win in the first month came in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, where they scored 31 points in the second half. However, their overall point differential of -76 is the worst in the league.
Head coach Brian Daboll acknowledged the grim statistics and admitted that a lot of work is needed to turn things around.
To recap the disappointing outcomes: In Week 1, the Cowboys defeated the Giants 40-0. In Week 3, the 49ers outperformed them 30-12. And in Week 4, during a ‘Monday Night Football’ match against the Seattle Seahawks, the Giants suffered a 24-3 defeat.
Looking ahead, the Giants face a daunting schedule with upcoming matchups against the Miami Dolphins (3-1) and the Buffalo Bills (3-1), the latter being another prime time game. The prospects are not looking bright.
Questions are arising about quarterback Daniel Jones, who appears to be running for his life due to a lack of protection from the offensive line and limited offensive weapons. While it’s not an excuse for Jones, some believe that the Giants may already be experiencing buyer’s remorse four games into his four-year, $160 million contract.
The absence of star running back Saquon Barkley, who is sidelined with a high ankle sprain, and left tackle Andrew Thomas, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, has rendered the offense ineffective. Even though the Seahawks had the second-worst passing defense in the league, the Giants struggled to make significant plays, with only a couple of 22-yard completions to running back Matt Breida.
Jones finished the game with 203 passing yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, including a pick-six by Seahawks rookie Devon Witherspoon that sealed the Giants’ fate.
The offensive struggles have left players frustrated, with tight end Darren Waller expressing his disappointment in the team’s performance and emphasizing the need for honest conversations and changes.
The game also saw Jones facing constant pressure and enduring 11 sacks from the Seahawks, nearly matching his sack total from the first three games of the season. Injuries further plagued the offensive line, compounding the Giants’ problems.
The Giants’ issues extend to all three phases of the game. Their defense has failed to secure a single takeaway, and their turnover differential is among the worst in the league. Tackling problems and poor defensive execution have haunted them, even as the defense showed some improvement by allowing only 17 points in this game.
On special teams, the Giants committed numerous penalties, including a miscue on a punt return by Eric Gray.
All of these problems culminated in a halftime chorus of boos from disgruntled fans, with most leaving the stadium before the game’s conclusion.
As for potential changes in coaching staff or play-calling, Coach Daboll stated that no immediate changes were in the works.
The Giants, who had a 10-day preparation period for this game, face a challenging schedule ahead, including games against NFC East rivals Philadelphia and Washington. The outlook is bleak, with the team currently residing in the division’s basement.
Compared to last season’s playoff run, the Giants have failed to carry over any luck or success. It’s clear that improvements are needed to address the team’s shaky foundation.
As Coach Daboll put it, ‘Every year’s different,’ and the Giants are experiencing that reality in real time.
