MUNICH — The NFL's worst offense should probably focus on getting the basics right before expanding into elaborate trick plays.
The Giants attempted a flea flicker in the second quarter of Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Panthers at Allianz Arena, but it failed in embarrassing fashion. They were trailing 10-0 and trying to find a spark in every possible way.
“This is a flea flicker, so a lot of things have to be done right,” Wandale Robinson said.
The problem is, very little goes right for the Giants' offense.
In addition to the questionable nature of the play call, the Giants were facing a third-and-one at their own 49-yard line and were moving the ball well on the ground.
“I wish we could have gotten that back,” head coach Brian Daboll said. “Bad coaching. … It didn't work out.”
Daniel Jones handed the ball to Devin Singletary, and as he started looking downfield, he threw the ball back.
Robinson ran wide open and across the middle of the field.
Jones began the motion of throwing in his direction, but DJ Wonnum, who played the first nine games at right tackle and was starting at left tackle for the first time this year, beat Jermaine Elemunah off the edge and sacked Jones.
However, Jones also hesitated and took time to get ready to throw before being sacked.
“I would say I was open,” Robinson said. “I'm not going to throw the ball, I'm not going to get mad.” [Jones] Because they didn't throw me the ball at the end of the day. I’m just angry about the way the play turned out.”
Malik Nabors also gained separation and played open, although not as much as Robinson.
“If you look at this, you can see we were open, but there’s a lot going on in Daniel’s face that we receivers don’t see,” Nabers said. “We're just out there, running our routes. You know we're open. But there's a lot going on in the backfield that you don't know about.”
After Jones was sacked, Robinson jumped in frustration before trotting off the field.
The Giants were forced to punt after the sack. If Jones had simply thrown the ball away, the Giants might have gone for it with four outs and first base.
“Somewhat [frustrated]” Robinson said. “I just wanted to make some big plays and change the game. I was just frustrated with that. I just want to win.”
