New Coach, New QB, Same Results in New York Giants’ 27-20 Loss to Packers
This article was originally published on Sportsnaut.
The Mike Kafka era got off to a disappointing start as the New York Giants were defeated by the Green Bay Packers 27-20.
Some fans were optimistic that with Kafka making his head coaching debut and Jameis Winston starting in place of Jaxson Dart (concussion), it would provide a spark and put an end to their four-game losing streak. Despite the valiant effort when it mattered most, they couldn’t make a game-altering play to shift the momentum in their favor.
This is a familiar scenario that Giants fans have witnessed all season, and it confirms that bad teams will always find a way to lose. Here are the four biggest takeaways from Big Blue dropping to 2-9 on the season.
Giants’ run defense can’t stop anybody
Everyone knew coming into the game that the Packers were going to look to exploit New York’s 31st-ranked run defense, and they did with ease. Despite Green Bay’s leading rusher leaving the game in the second quarter, they gained 128 yards on the ground on 23 carries.
No matter who the opponent is, New York can’t stop the run, which is an indictment of the players and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. This doesn’t bode well for Big Blue next week when they face the Detroit Lions and their seventh-ranked rushing offense.
Trouble brewing with Abdul Carter?
Through 10 games, Abdul Carter has had an underwhelming rookie season. Coming into Sunday’s contest, the third-overall pick had just 11 tackles and half a sack. But with Kayvon Thibodeaux missing Sunday’s contest with the shoulder injury, the belief was that Carter would see extended playing time and have a breakthrough performance.
But surprisingly, the rookie edge rusher did not play on the first series. Carter did play the rest of the game and was credited with two pressures, one tackle, and one quarterback hit.
After the game, Kafka stated this was a “coaching decision” but should be revealed on this matter within the next couple of days.
Jameis Winston took a 4th quarter lead, but the defense gave it away
In his first start of the year, Winston completed 19 out of 29 passes for 201 yards. On the surface, those look like modest numbers, but considering he was throwing into swirling winds and playing against one of the best defenses, he deserves credit.
His one-yard QB sneak for a touchdown put Big Blue up 20-19 with 7:22 remaining in the game. All the defense had to do was force a stop and give the ball back to the offense with a chance to ice the game with a couple of first downs.
But in an all too familiar situation, the defensive unit could step up with the game on the line. On the following possession, Green Bay marched 65 yards on seven plays that culminated in a Jordan Love 17-yard touchdown pass to Christian Watson. They would convert on a two-point conversion on a Love pass to Emanuel Wilson.
New York has blown numerous fourth-quarter leads this year in large part due to the defense giving up a score right after the offense has put up points. Kafka stated shortly after being named interim head coach that he wouldn’t make changes to the coaching staff. But maybe he’ll have second thoughts after another fourth-quarter letdown by the defense.
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Jalin Hyatt’s last chance to salvage his career in New York?
To say Jalin Hyatt’s time in New York has been a disappointment would be a huge understatement. Coming into Sunday, he’s had just 34 receptions for 452 yards. With Darius Slayton out with a hamstring injury, Hyatt saw more playing time than usual and caught two passes for 18 yards on four targets.
With 40 seconds remaining in the game and the ball on the Packers ’14-yard line, Winston attempted a pass to Hyatt in the corner of the end zone, but the third-year wideout stopped running, and the pass was intercepted by Evan Williams, which essentially ended the game.
Poor route running has been the biggest issue for Hyatt, and it reared its ugly head again with the game on the line. Kafka gave the speedy wideout a chance to be productive against the Packers, and it backfired. Considering how effective Isaiah Hodgins was on Sunday, catching five of his six targets for 57 yards, this might be the last time we see Hyatt on the field once Slayton returns.
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