In a string of unfortunate events, the New York Giants suffered a narrow 21-18 defeat to the Washington Commanders in Week 2. The loss has further highlighted some glaring issues that the Giants need to address moving forward.
Special Teams Struggles
The game's trajectory was altered early on when kicker Graham Gano sustained a hamstring injury during the opening kickoff. This unexpected setback left the Giants without a backup kicker for the remainder of the game, forcing them to make some desperate adjustments. With no reliable kicker on the field, punter Jamie Gillan was tasked with the team’s first point after touchdown (P.A.T.), but his attempt went wide.
Faced with a kicking crisis, the Giants pivoted to two-point conversions after their subsequent touchdowns. Unfortunately, quarterback Daniel Jones was unable to convert on both attempts, throwing incomplete passes each time. This inability to secure valuable points after touchdowns contributed significantly to the team's narrow loss.
Defensive Woes and Washington’s Record Performance
Adding to the Giants' struggles, Washington’s kicker etched his name into the franchise’s records by making seven field goals in the match. This stellar performance was instrumental in pulling the Commanders ahead and eventually securing their victory.
New Kicker on the Block
In light of Gano's injury and the critical need for reliability in their kicking game, the Giants quickly signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph from the Detroit Lions' practice squad on Wednesday. Joseph, who is 30 years old, brings with him a wealth of experience and a track record of clutch performances.
Joseph initially struggled to secure a permanent spot in the NFL, failing to make the roster with the Green Bay Packers. However, his career began to take shape with subsequent stints at several franchises. He played with the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and the Tennessee Titans in 2019 before landing more stable roles with the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 to 2023.
A Proven Clutch Performer
Joseph's tenure with the Vikings was marked by a series of crucial game-winning field goals, five of which came during the 2022 season alone. His most memorable moment perhaps came in Week 16 of the same year, when he nailed a 61-yard field goal to deliver a last-second victory against, ironically, the Giants. This impressive kick stands as the longest made field goal in Vikings history.
As the Giants bring in Joseph, they hope his experience and proven track record in pressure situations will bolster the team's special teams unit, particularly in the critical moments that could define their season.
In light of these developments, the Giants will need to regroup and address not only their kicking woes but also other facets of their game as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Only time will tell if this change will translate into the consistency and reliability that the team desperately needs.