A Review of the Giants’ 27-20 Home Loss to the Packers

1. Mike Kafka mentioned that if the Giants had managed to score late in the fourth quarter to make it 27-26, they would have opted for a two-point conversion instead of taking an extra point to push the game into overtime. That’s quite bold, especially considering Brian Daboll, in his coaching debut last season, made a similar risky call in Nashville. But with this team, Kafka faced an uphill battle. He went for it on fourth downs three times, and the offense came through each time. That’s definitely a positive spin. He’s inherited a squad that struggled last season, finishing at 2-8. Kafka isn’t reckless, but one of his choices, though impactful, won’t be the deciding factor for a playoff spot. It would be nice if his players could benefit from some of those bold decisions.

2. The Giants’ run defense? It’s dismal. When Jordan Love exited the game in the first quarter with a shoulder issue, Malik Willis stepped in. On a crucial 2nd-and-16 from the Giants’ 40-yard line, it seemed obvious that the Packers would likely keep it on the ground—particularly since Willis hadn’t thrown a pass yet this season. Yet, the Giants completely dropped the ball on this one. On the very next play, Willis sprinted 16 yards for a first down, keeping the touchdown drive alive. The Packers averaged a striking 5.6 yards per carry. They racked up a total of 128 rushing yards, though they only attempted 23 carries. Heading into this matchup, the Packers were ranked 20th for rushing yards, averaging just over 111 yards a game. They also lost their leading rusher, Josh Jacobs, to a knee injury in the first half.

3. Just a day before, the Giants had cut Evan Neal, who had been an undrafted offensive tackle converted to guard and then relegated to the bench for most of the season. This decision seems to wrap up his unproductive four years since being selected in the seventh round in 2022. Following this move, Deonte Banks entered the game but had to be replaced when Paulson Adebo aggravated a knee injury during warm-ups. Honestly, it’s almost comical how these scenarios unfold. Banks risks becoming another wasted pick, being the 24th overall selection in 2023. In the second quarter, he was in close coverage against Christian Watson in the end zone when Love threw a quick pass right between them. Unfortunately, Banks didn’t react to the ball, leading to a 1-yard touchdown reception for Watson. On Wilson’s 11-yard TD run, let’s just say Banks didn’t put forth his best effort either.