The New York Giants began their 2024 season in rocky fashion. Their 0-2 stretch leaves them as the worst team in the NFC East and second-last in the entire league, according to ESPN. Most fans attribute this failure to first-string quarterback Daniel Jones, but other critics demand solutions for different problems on the team.
In the first week of the season, the Giants lost 28-6 to the Minnesota Vikings. Daniel Jones threw for 186 yards and two interceptions. The New York offensive line could not fight off Minnesota, as Jones also got sacked five times throughout the game.
When asked for comment on his performance, Jones told reporters, “Obviously, not good enough. [We] didn’t get any in the endzone, scored six points, [and] didn’t create much rhythm and flow for ourselves.” Jones, feeling frustrated with the end result, continued, “I’ve got to be better, certainly got to play better, [and] give ourselves more chances to make plays and execute more consistently.”
Brian Daboll, head coach of the Giants, takes full responsibility for the loss against the Vikings, but gives no clear solutions. In the post-game press conference, Daboll admits, “We can do everything better, but it all starts with me.” He later continued, “I want to see us play as good as we can play…whatever that may be–and we didn’t do that today.”
The New York Jets started off their season on a similar note, suffering a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in their season opener. Jets head coach Robert Saleh commented on San Francisco’s performance, stating, “They’re very very good upfront, and from an efficiency standpoint they beat us up front–plain and simple.” The Jets were unable to challenge the strong run game from San Francisco despite their top-ranking defensive line from 2023.
Rodgers admitted to subpar play by both him and his teammates. In spite of the lacking performance, Rodgers demonstrated optimism for his team, “[There is] a lot to correct, but overall I feel good about our guys. [I] thought the protection was really good tonight. We just were a little bit off in the run game.” Saleh shared this sentiment during his conference as well.
In week two, the Giants lost 21-18 to the Washington Commanders. Graham Gano, kicker for the Giants, suffered a pulled hamstring during the first play of the game. The Giants were unable to recoup the loss and failed to make the extra-point for all three touchdowns. The Commanders made a 30-yard field goal to win the game with their rookie kicker Austin Seibert. Seibert made all seven field goal attempts during the game, just one shy of an NFL record.
Daboll felt there were improvements from the Vikings game a week prior regardless of the disappointing outcome. Daboll took ownership of the loss but still felt his team did a good job. “[I’m] proud of the way the guys competed, [I] thought our quarterback played well. [It was] just a play here or there that we came up short on.”
Reporters criticized Daboll for the absence of a back-up kicker despite Gano coming off an injury. Daboll admitted, “All the decisions that are made are mine.” He later continued, “We thought he’d be good to go. We talked to the trainers. Again, I can’t tell you he’s going to get hurt chasing down a 100-yard kickoff return that was called back.”
Jones was asked about his improvement from the week prior. He commented, “I think despite what the expectation was last week, I felt confident. I felt confident in our group. [I] felt confident in myself and thought we prepared well.” Jones believes the confidence will build throughout the year.
In week two, the Jets won their game 24-17 against the Tennessee Titans. Overall, Saleh was happy with his team’s performance. “It’s a little inconsistent right now, which is to be expected, but at the same time we know that every time we touch the ball, we can score,” Saleh says when asked about the game-winning drive.
Jermaine Johnson, a defensive end for the Jets, went down in the third quarter with a torn Achilles. Johnson told reporters, “I thought somebody stepped on me, and then I looked at the replay and nobody stepped on me.” Medical staff carted him off the field and it is unclear how long he will be out.
bkeatin1@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @Giants, X
