Every year, one of the 32 teams must be the worst, which is an unfortunate fact of the NFL. Fans have been forced to watch 17 games of radioactive football as part of the New York Giants’ bid for such a title. In response, they evacuated MetLife Stadium and used airplanes over East Rutherford to express their displeasure to owner John Mara. However, the Giants will travel to Atlanta in Week 16 in an attempt to defeat the Falcons and snap the losing streak before it reaches double digits. Tensions are increasing as New York struggles to put together strong performances (it has suffered five multi-possession losses). Brian Daboll, the head coach, and his staff are under fire.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen are hoping to do enough to keep Daboll employed. Both know a conference-worst 10-game losing streak doesn’t bode well for their collective fate. “I don’t really buy into the storyline part of it, but I know that our guys are working their tail off,” Kafka said. “They’re trying to do the things right. Coaches are detailing all the work that needs to be done, and I think when you just focus on this week, because that’s really all that matters, those are the things that we’re talking about. The details, the execution, and then today we get an opportunity to practice our third down and red zone stuff together, so big-time situational football, and so that’s really all our focus is.”
It has been difficult to execute. When New York used its fourth quarterback of the season on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens dominated the Giants, 35-14. Week 16 will see Drew Lock return to the saddle, but that will allow him to use his erratic skill set. Of all the passers on the roster, Lock has the most potential. However, his inability to work within structure frequently results in meat on the bone. The Giants’ season has been characterized by adversity on defense. Safety Tyler Nubin, edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence are all sidelined for the remainder of the season. Almost every player on the roster has missed time due to Kayvon Thibodeaux’s absence, and veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke was It has been difficult to execute. When New York used its fourth quarterback of the season on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens dominated the Giants, 35-14. Week 16 will see Drew Lock return to the saddle, but that will allow him to use his erratic skill set. Of all the passers on the roster, Lock has the most potential. However, his inability to work within structure frequently results in meat on the bone. The Giants’ season has been characterized by adversity on defense. Safety Tyler Nubin, edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence are all sidelined for the remainder of the season. Almost every player on the roster has missed time due to Kayvon Thibodeaux’s absence, and veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke was
“We need a win,” according to Shane Bowen. “The bottom line. Regardless of the situation, we must do whatever it takes to win a game. Let’s make every effort to get ready and be ready to go, just like we do every week. We have to execute and figure out how to win a game on Sunday. So let’s make sure that today is our main focus. Whatever we can do today that will help us win on Sunday, we should do it again tomorrow and follow the same path. That’s the message: “Let’s make the most of every moment we have now to get ready and present our best selves on Sunday.”
New York opened as nine-point underdogs in Atlanta. Exceeding expectations for the first time since Week 5 starts – but cannot end – with simply improving fundamentals. At some point, the Giants must put together competitive efforts against better teams. Talk of fine-tuning the details is nice. Until it shows up on Sundays, it will continue to ring hollow.
