Is the New York Giants’ season already in peril after just one game? A disheartening 28-6 loss to the Vikings in the season opener certainly suggests so. Here’s a deep dive into another discouraging start for Big Blue:
### Jones’ Last Stand?
Daniel Jones, the Giants’ quarterback, started the second season after signing a hefty four-year, $160 million contract. Despite the hype, Jones’ performance was far from reassuring, with only five complete games out of seven starts since the contract’s signing. Questions about benching Jones have already surfaced, with Head Coach Brian Daboll affirming his commitment to Jones – for now.
Jones didn’t just perform poorly; he appeared rattled and broken, worse than last season when injuries and performance issues cast doubt on his future. Benching Jones after one game would be harsh, but the leash appears short, especially considering Daboll’s history of quickly benching underperformers.
A more favorable matchup against a feeble Commanders defense might be Jones’ last chance to prove his worth. If he fails here, a quarterback change might become a serious consideration.
### Not a Concern
Despite the $23 million injury guarantee looming over Jones, Daboll’s play-calling was aggressive, exposing Jones to more hits even in garbage time. Trailing 28-6, Daboll called timeouts for a final, futile drive, which saw Jones take more hits without any positive outcome.
### Outmatched
Brian Flores, with extra motivation due to past disputes and a pending discrimination lawsuit against the Giants, came out on top in his battle against Daboll. Flores’ strategic deviation from his usual blitz-heavy approach completely outsmarted the Giants’ heavily prepared game plan.
The Vikings’ refusal to blitz as expected led to multiple max protect plays, leaving Jones little to no room to execute deep passes. This, combined with the Giants’ inefficacy in the running game, spelled disaster on early downs, placing the team in an unenviable number of third-and-long situations.
### Getting Conservative
Coach Daboll’s conservative play-calling reached new lows. Faced with critical fourth-down situations, Daboll opted for punts and delay of game penalties, signaling a lack of confidence and ultimately waving the white flag well before the game’s end.
### Strange Choices
Some perplexing personnel decisions marred the opener. Cor’Dale Flott, primarily an outside corner, unexpectedly started as the slot corner, while rookie Dru Phillips, who won the slot job in camp, took a backseat. Injuries and subsequent reshuffles forced necessary but erratic adjustments.
Linebacker Micah McFadden’s absence, despite not being listed as questionable, was also notable, with rookie Darius Muasau stepping up impressively in his stead.
### Special Teams Woes
Gunner Olszewski’s pregame injury left the Giants without a proper backup punt returner, forcing wide receiver Darius Slayton into an unfamiliar role with disastrous results. The team’s decision to keep only 51 active players for cost-cutting led to this debacle.
### Receivers’ Rotation
Jalin Hyatt, who had a chance to claim the No. 2 receiver spot, played just 23% of the snaps, mostly in garbage time. A drop on his sole target further diminished his standing, though he might see more action next week due to Darius Slayton’s concussion protocol.
### Out for the Year?
Linebacker Carter Coughlin is likely out for the season with a pec injury, forcing the Giants to juggle their roster for financial flexibility.
### Formation Notations
Defensively, the Giants stuck mainly to a base 3-4 and nickel package, with minimal impact from their prized pass rushers. The lack of a consistent pass rush was glaring throughout the game.
(Photo of Daniel Jones: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)
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