DENVER — Brian Daboll made one call based on strategy and another that came from a more emotional place.
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen faced some backlash for his cautious tactics in the game’s final moments, while offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Daboll seemed to take a more risky approach as it wound down.
The Giants initially went for a two-point conversion when they were up 19-0, but it didn’t work out. This, combined with Jude McAtamney missing two extra points, led to a nail-biting 33-32 loss to the Broncos, effectively costing them crucial points.
Why the decision to go for two? Were they perhaps concerned about letting the defense, which had been shut out in the third quarter, give up three touchdowns?
“It was in our chart,” Daboll explained. “So we just went with it.”
And that’s where the second-guessing began.
Another contentious moment came when Jackson Dart threw an interception, igniting a surge from the Broncos.
With a 26-16 lead and a third-and-5 at the Giants’ 35-yard line, the Broncos opted for a pass instead of a run. This risky call could have forced them to lose their final timeout, reshaping the game’s momentum.
Giants legend Tiki Barber expressed his frustration on WFAN’s postgame show, questioning whether it was Kafka trying to be clever, Daboll being overly aggressive, or Dart attempting to play the hero. He called the play call “inexcusable,” asserting that they should have focused on running down the clock.
Jon Gruden, a former NFL head coach, echoed similar sentiments.
“You have to manage the clock,” Gruden commented to Barstool Sports. “Ultimately, when a game is lost like this, the coach bears responsibility, but there are many factors at play.”
Daboll defended his decisions, particularly when putting rookies in tough situations, noting that layering play-callers and quarterbacks was a necessary tactic. He acknowledged rookie mistakes but insisted that the objective was to play well against robust defense.
“Mike performed well,” he remarked, referring to his offensive choices against challenging coverage. “I trust [Jaxson] a lot, despite his hiccups.”
Aside from quarterback roles, kickers have caused significant concerns for Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen over the last couple of seasons.
What will their next steps be this week?
Will they stick with McAtamney, even if he’s missed three extra points? Could they turn back to Graham Gano, who’s due to return from injured reserve? Or will they consider Yonghoe Koo, who was let go by the Falcons and lost the competition to Makatamny?
“We’ll see how the week unfolds,” Daboll noted.
He also didn’t share any updates on the injuries to guard Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo, who both left with knee issues. Brian Burns was also a concern, having left in a walking boot but claiming it was precautionary.
