As the New York Giants prepare for their primetime Week 3 showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs, all three coordinators spoke about where the team stands — and what has to improve against one of the NFL’s toughest rosters.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka focused on red zone
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said the offense is close, but not there yet. “We just didn’t get the end result we wanted,” Kafka said. “There’s plenty to build on, but ultimately we’re looking for wins.”
He praised the offensive line for creating opportunities and pointed to his playmakers. “Malik [Nabers] made some big-time contested catches, Wan’Dale [Robinson] stretched the field, and Jaxson [Dart] got valuable snaps. Those are moments we can build on.”
Kafka also highlighted Cam Skattebo’s energy in the run game and backup lineman Marcus Mbow’s seamless fill-in role. Still, his message was clear — the Giants, who are 1 of 7 in the red zone, have to be better there.
“We’ve been talking about it all this week, really. We’ve got to get that cleaned up,” Kafka said. “There’s some execution things. There’s some things on my end I can do to help out. So I’d say there’s a number of things that we’re working through. And, again, we’ll practice those tomorrow and tonight and get a look at them. But I think we have some solutions, and so we’ll go work on them and get the answers for our players so that they can go out there and have a good game.”
DC Shane Bowen: “Penalties killed us”
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen stressed that penalties are killing the Giants. “Explosive plays and penalties — that’s where offenses thrive,” Bowen said. “We can’t put ourselves in those situations.”
He also addressed the cornerback rotation.
“Both [Cor’Dale] Flott and [Tae] Banks have shown growth. We’ll continue to mix them in depending on matchups.”
With Patrick Mahomes coming, Bowen was blunt: “In the red zone, we’ve got to find a way to get stops.”
Michael Ghobrial: Covering, returning kickoffs a focus
Special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial praised Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s kickoff return spark after the running back averaged 26.4 yards on five returns Sunday against the Cowboys.
“It’s one opportunity to give a guy an extra touch, and he made the most of it,” Ghobrial said.
On new arrival Xavier Gipson, Ghobrial added, “I’ve coached him before. Once he’s fully comfortable, he can make an impact.”
He also touched on the changing kicking game. “Sixty-plus yarders aren’t crazy anymore.” Gano looks like the Gano we all know.”
And with new kickoff rules, Ghobrial emphasized situational football. “Whenever you can pin them inside the 25, you’re feeling great.”
Looking at the Chiefs, Ghobrial closed with a warning: “Dave Toub’s [Chiefs special teams coordinator] units play with a certain style. We’ve got to be locked in, understand situations, and study our opponent.”
From Kafka’s demand for red zone efficiency, to Bowen’s focus on discipline, to Ghobrial’s special teams preparation, the Giants know the margin for error will be razor thin against Mahomes and the defending champs.
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