Brian Daboll explains his cautious decision on the Giants’ field goal choice.

Giants’ Daboll Defends Kicker Gano’s Struggles

When Brian Daboll opted to stick with struggling kicker Graham Gano for a 22-yard field goal attempt, he could have simply stated his confidence in Gano. Instead, his explanation left many scratching their heads.

With the Giants poised to extend a 13-point lead in the second half, Daboll opted for Gano, who had previously missed a 45-yard attempt, instead of trying for a fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line.

Gano made the kick, but the outcome didn’t shift much, as the Giants ultimately lost to the 49ers, 34-24.

“At a certain distance, we would have gone for it,” Daboll explained. “We made it a 10-point game. That’s why.”

So, 12 feet was just too far to risk a run or pass to make it a one-score game? I think it was 11 yards—maybe 10?

This decision became even more puzzling after Gano hooked his first field goal attempt to the left near the end of the first half. Moments later, a strip sack by Brian Burns led to a fumble that Abdul Carter recovered, providing a glimpse of hope.

“I wouldn’t say it was a breaker, but you want to get some points there,” Daboll noted. “I couldn’t finish it.”

Both Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka had opportunities to be more aggressive. After getting a first-and-10 with just 33 seconds left in the red zone, they opted for Tyrone Tracy Jr., who was stopped for no gain, while Jackson Dart missed two short passes.

“I don’t think we were playing for three points,” Dart said. “I thought the called play was solid. We just didn’t play up to our ability.”

Left tackle Andrew Thomas remarked, “I don’t make decisions. I just focus on my job.”

Gano, a focal point of frustration for Giants fans, sat out as the team trailed 17-7 at halftime.

“I hit it really well,” Gano told reporters. “The wind was going left to right, but it didn’t move at all. It was really frustrating. Honestly, I thought it was going to come back right, but it just kept going left.”

Having recently returned from injured reserve due to a groin issue, Gano has faced multiple injuries in the last few seasons, often leading to criticism—not just aimed at him, but at the front office and coaching staff for not finding an alternative for the 38-year-old kicker.

“Honestly, the only thing I miss are warmups. I really need to make that kick. That was my third miss in two years,” Gano expressed.

In a notable contrast, while the Jaguars’ Cam Little set an NFL record with a 68-yard field goal, the Giants managed just three points on two drives inside their opponent’s 28-yard line.