For the first time since 2021, the New York Giants start the season 0-3 after a 22-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. Before the game even started, the Giants took a critical blow, with their kicker Graham Gano getting injured in pre-game warmups, causing him to miss the majority of the game, and he was only able to kick one 25-yard field goal.
The special teams injury was not the main reason the Giants lost — the offense, led by Russell Wilson, put on an embarrassing performance and let the game slip away.
A lack of adaptability from the coaching staff did no one any favors, but ultimately, once the Giants were without their best offensive lineman, it was only a matter of time before the clock struck midnight on Russell Wilson and his opportunity to run the offense — and he may not be the only one.
Russell Wilson’s Poor Choices and Timing
Wilson followed up his monstrous 450-yard Week 2 with disappointment. All of his weaknesses were on full display on Sunday night. Kansas City was running a constant two-high safety defense, limiting the Giants’ deep-ball opportunities.
Wilson was expected to work extensively in the intermediate game; instead, he threw nonstop checkdowns and forced multiple deep balls that resulted in turnovers.
The time Wilson did have a one-on-one opportunity with Malik Nabers downfield, he threw a late, underthrown ball that was intercepted in the endzone. Additionally, he missed looks to Darius Slayton and forced a horrid throw to Wan’Dale Robinson.
The finish to the game did Wilson no favors as well. With a chance to make it a one-possession contest with a few minutes left, Wilson blundered a critical redzone drive. He threw the ball away three times in one series at the goal line, including once for intentional grounding and, to seal New York’s fate, on fourth down.
Some of his problems stemmed from the Giants’ questionable game plan, but Wilson’s execution is inexcusable.
This nightmare game has forced Brian Daboll to name Jaxson Dart the starter for Week 4, a decision that feels rushed.
Offensive Line Struggles When Andrew Thomas Leaves
Andrew Thomas, the All-Pro tackle, played for the first time since Week 6 of last season. His long-awaited return did not disappoint. He did not allow a single pressure in his limited snap count. He looked like his old self and will make a significant difference to the offense when he returns full-time. Unfortunately, when Thomas’ night was done, the offensive line could not hold up.
Rookie Marcus Mbow, who had an impressive debut last week, could not keep up this week. His lack of power was evident, as he was pushed back on multiple bull rushes and allowed numerous quarterback hits. His lackluster day, combined with the constant disappointment of the interior offensive line, set up the Chiefs’ defensive line for a big second half.
Lack of Opportunities for Receivers
Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson had career days last week and followed it up with a combined 39 yards. Kansas City was clearly scheming against the deep pass all game, but this shouldn’t have stopped these two receivers from getting production. They are both proficient in short-yardage situations and in making defenders miss after the catch.
Many of their targets downfield felt forced, and they only negatively affected the offense. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka‘s lack of effort to get easy looks for Robinson and Nabers is a key reason the offense looked stagnant.
Not Having a Consistent Running Game
The Giants had one of their most efficient running games of the past two years. However, their lack of volume at times was an issue. Rookie Cam Skattebo came in for the injured Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half and had an excellent day. Skattebo had ten carries for 60 yards and a touchdown, along with 61 receiving yards.
On paper, the Giants had a successful day running the ball, which makes choosing not to run even more of a huge mistake. Because the Chiefs were scheming against the pass, the Giants should have relied even more on Skattebo and the run game to dominate the time of possession.
Should Mike Kafka Stop Calling Plays?
A common theme in many of the Giants’ offensive problems this game is the play-calling. Kafka wasn’t able to take advantage of the Chiefs’ game plan, which focused on defending against the deep ball.
It may be time for Brian Daboll to take over play-calling once more to try to salvage the Giants’ season. If Daboll does take over the offense again, Kafka’s time as a Giants coach is over.
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