The New York Giants have reached the halfway point of the season with a dismal 2-7 record after losing their fourth straight game, a 27-22 defeat to the Washington Commanders. With only eight games remaining, the Giants face nearly impossible odds to make the playoffs and would likely need to win all their remaining games to avoid missing the postseason for the second consecutive year. Despite the struggles, the team continues to play hard for head coach Brian Daboll, who led them to a playoff berth in his first season last year, but inconsistency on both sides of the ball has been their biggest downfall.
The offense has been particularly concerning, managing only 14 touchdowns in nine games and averaging a meager 15.4 points per game. Even with a revamped offensive line, a healthy Daniel Jones, and rookie standout Malik Nabers, the Giants have failed to find the end zone consistently. Frustration is mounting within the organization, although co-owner John Mara has expressed confidence in Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen to find solutions. Daboll acknowledged the team’s struggles, emphasizing that missed opportunities and execution errors are contributing to their poor results.
One of the few bright spots for the Giants has been their pass rush, which has led the league with 35 sacks this season. Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence has been dominant with nine sacks, while Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns have also contributed significantly. However, the defense’s success has not been enough to offset the offensive woes. Against Washington, the Giants’ pass rush was neutralized, forcing Washington to adjust their blocking schemes and lean on short passing plays to minimize pressure.
Scoring remains the most pressing issue for the Giants, as they have scored just 139 points this season, the second-fewest in the NFL. Inconsistency plagues the offense, with the running game, passing attack, and offensive line failing to perform collectively from week to week. Despite these struggles, wide receiver Malik Nabers has been a standout performer, recording 55 receptions for 557 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. While his deep-play potential has not fully materialized, Nabers has been a reliable option for the offense.
On the downside, cornerback Deonte Banks, the Giants’ 2023 first-round draft pick, has struggled after showing promise in his rookie season. He was benched in a loss to Pittsburgh and struggled again against Washington, where he allowed two touchdown catches to Terry McLaurin. Injuries have also plagued the Giants, with key players like left tackle Andrew Thomas, edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, and kicker Graham Gano dealing with long-term issues. Thomas, the team’s best offensive lineman, is out for the season, further weakening the line’s stability.
Looking ahead, the Giants’ path remains difficult, with three of their final eight games against teams with winning records, including the Ravens, Falcons, and Eagles. Their next matchup provides a more manageable opportunity against the 2-7 Carolina Panthers in Munich. However, with the team’s slim playoff chances, a significant turnaround is needed, though history suggests the odds are against them—only one team has ever started 2-7 and made the playoffs.
