This new chapter for the New York Giants started nightmarishly on Sunday in Washington against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. Same problems persisted – the Giants’ offensive line was dreadfully bad, and their secondary couldn’t cover anyone. The defense surrendered 432 total yards and 220 yards on the ground. All of that led to a 21-6 loss.
Washington was undisciplined. The Commanders had 12 penalties for 89 yard,s and the Giants blew several second/third and long situations. Missed tackles, holes in zone coverage, and not being on the same page plagued the Giants’ defense. Overall, this was a terrible opening game – yet again – by this Giants’ regime. Here is the report card:
Quarterback
Russell Wilson finished 17 of 37 for 168 passing yards. The offense looked LOST in the red zone. The timing was off and everything was clunky. The offense, in general, was inept and only managed six points. Much of the problem was the offensive line, but Russell Wilson could not get the group in any sort of rhythm. Wilson took massive shots in the game; I do wonder how long until we’ll see Jaxson Dart if the offense struggles like we saw against Washington, and if Daboll wants to subject Dart to this offensive line, if that unit continues to struggle sans Andrew Thomas. Overall, no offensive unit deserves anything more than a C.
Grade: C
Running Back
The Giants rushed for 76 yards, 44 of which were by Wilson. It was fun to see Cam Skattebo bring energy to the position group, showcasing elite pass protection and some fun runs. Still, the running backs, in general, could do little with this offensive line getting dominated up front. Tyrone Tracy Jr. averaged 2.4 yards per carry; there was little to no room, and this running back group isn’t experienced or talented enough to overcome that kind of offensive line play.
Grade: D
Wide Receiver
No one on the Giants’ offense could step up when Washington put two sets of eyes on Malik Nabers. Darius Slayton drew one pass interference, but was non-existent other than that one play. Beaux Collins spelled Nabers and did not receive a stat, and Jalin Hyatt did not receive a SNAP – why is he on the roster with no special teams’ value?
Wan’Dale Robinson caught six passes for 55 yards, but his limitations were more impactful to the game than his statl ine. The Giants must find ways to get more out of this position group if Nabers is eliminated by the opposing game plan.
Grade: D+
Tight End
Theo Johnson received a ton of hype this offseason. I fomented the flames of that hype, and Johnson did nothing to substantiate. Johnson was very disappointing and needs to step up if defenses are going to focus this much on Malik Nabers. Bellinger and Manhertz had some solid blocks on film, which is the only reason the tight end position did not receive an F.
Grade: D-
Offensive Line
The Giants’ offensive line was brutal. They were dominated all game by Washington’s front. From left to right – this unit was abysmal. They created little push at the point of attack and were frequently defeated in protection. John Michael Schmitz is a problem that the Giants may need to try and find a solution to fix; I don’t know how you do that right now, but he’s teetering on the BUST line if he hasn’t tripped and fell to that side already. The absence of Andrew Thomas shouldn’t yield that performance from this unit.
Grade: F
Defensive Line
The Giants defensive line had little impact on the game from a statistical standpoint. Washington ran away from Dexter Lawrence, and the other defensive linemen weren’t stalwarts up front, albeit it wasn’t all the defensive line’s fault.
Edge
The Giants’ edge defenders were the only respectable group in the game. Brian Burns had two sacks and Kayvon Thibodeaux was solid all game. Abdul Carter had several impact plays, including a blocked punt on special teams and a tempered rush that forced an intentional grounding at the end of the first half that prevented Washington from scoring any points. The unit wasn’t excellent, especially against the run, but they at least made impact plays that were devoid from the rest of the Giants’ roster (when pertaining to entire position groups).
Grade: B
Linebacker
Micah McFadden suffered an injury on the Giants’ first drive and Darius Muasau replaced him. The intermediate zones were consistently picked apart by Daniels, and the run defense from two-high – again – put a lot on the plate of Muasau and Bobby Okereke; the latter looked slower than usual, the former is not a coverage player. The unit, as a whole, was a disappointment. However, Okereke did finish with 16 tackles and had to overcome the loss of McFadden.
Grade: D+
Cornerback
The Giants’ coverage, much like the offensive line, was brutal. Daniels and Washington’s offense found themselves routinely in second and third-and-long situations because of penalties, and it was like it didn’t matter. The hands of Washington receivers did a better job defending the Commanders’ offense than the Giants’ secondary.
The scheme and intermediate defenders deserve blame as well, but double-moves to the outside were effective against the Giants’ starters. Washington was comfortable picking on Cor’Dale Flott early. Dru Phillips, however, had a few flash plays like the third-and-two tackle against DeeBo Samual to start the fourth quarter.
Grade: D –
Safety
The Giants’ safeties both took terrible defensive holding penalties that extended Washington’s drives. It is difficult to discern their impact in coverage from watching the broadcast, but nothing noteworthy jumped out about their play.
Grade: D
Special teams
The Giants punted the football six times. Jamie Gillan averaged 47.8 yards per punt with two touchbacks. The coverage was not all that great, and one of Gillan’s punts was clearly shorter than desired. The coverage was not excellent either on the kickoff; Washington averaged 28.7 yards per return, and they allowed Luke McCaffrey to return one for 36 yards, giving Washington great field position. At least Graham Gano made his two field goals, including a 55-yarder.
Grade: C
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