WEEK IN REVIEW
The Giants narrow defeat by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended in controversy with a decisive officiating New York’s defense put forth an impressive showing for most of the game, keeping Tom Brady mostly in check until the 4th quarter. Starting cornerback James Bradberry played particularly well, holding Mike Evans to a 5-55-1 stat line and made a very impressive pass breakup in coverage. The Giants had a chance to send the game to overtime following a 19-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Jones to Golden Tate with 0:28 left in the fourth quarter. Tate was not very involved in the game until this play, with only two previous targets, but gave the Giants life with this leaping grab. Controversy ensued when a defensive pass interference penalty call was rescinded following a conference of the officials. Debate has ensued over the past few days, but ultimately, the game is a loss for the Giants, but a win for anyone who bet on the Giants to keep it close.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
At 1-7, the wheels are starting to really fall off for the Giants. Daniel Jones is 2nd in the league in turnovers and there’s unrest in the wide receiver room. Jones’ struggles have been evident, and he has admitted that he needs to play better. Golden Tate has also implied that Jones needs to play better. Both Tate and his wife have made comments this week regarding Tate’s involvement in the offense and his lack of targets. He appears to be wearing out his welcome with head coach Joe Judge, as demonstrated by his absence from practice on Wednesday without any explanation. Additionally, the Giants brought in former 49ers 2nd round wide receiver Dante Pettis on Wednesday. He has impressive talent and kick return experience that could lend him to be a potential replacement for Tate. Joe Judge appears to be willing to shake up his program and only those who stay in line will be welcome along for the ride.
THE WEEK AHEAD
The Giants will head down to Landover, MD to take on the Washington Football Team where one of these teams will not lose, despite their greatest efforts. Washington is well-rested coming off their bye week and enters the week as 2.5-point home favorites. The key matchups to watch in this game are how both Daniel Jones and the Giants’ struggling offensive line handle Washington’s talented and productive offensive line. Expect Daniel Jones to hit the ground early and often. Don’t be surprised if his turnover issues ring true in this one and that pass rush forces a fumble or two. Additionally, the offensive line, which is already in a major talent deficit, will also be at a disadvantage because of the terrible condition of the grass at FedEx Field. Over the course of the game, the field surface will deteriorate and make it increasingly difficult for offensive lineman to anchor and hold their positions. For the Giants to be able to pull off this win, it will likely need to come from an impressive performance by the defense because the offense is going to face some major obstacles.
