In a matchup of two struggling NFL teams, the Giants seemed poised to face a daunting 0-3 start.
And they were right to worry.
After staying competitive with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs for much of the first half, the Giants ultimately suffered a 22-9 loss during their home opener at MetLife Stadium, leaving the crowd anxious.
Since the NFL merger in 1970, only six teams have made the playoffs after starting 0-3, with the 2018 Texans being the last to do so.
To echo an iconic NFL quote: “Playoffs?!”
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson managed to record only 39 of the Giants’ 160 total yards, a stark drop from his career-high 450 yards in last week’s overtime loss to the Cowboys. He also threw two interceptions, one of which occurred in the end zone during the second quarter.
Some fans voiced their frustration during the second half, chanting, “I want Dart.” The rookie finally made an appearance early in the third quarter, but Wilson returned to boos after his performance.
Malik Nabers had a frustrating outing, failing to catch any passes on two targets and finishing the game with just 13 yards. Fellow starter Wan’dale Robinson was likewise ineffective, managing only a single reception.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas made his season debut after recovering from foot surgery, while Tyrone Tracy Jr. had to leave the game with a shoulder injury early in the first quarter. Rookie Cam Skattebo did manage to score the team’s sole touchdown, accumulating 121 combined yards.
Kicker Graham Gano, who was limited due to a groin injury suffered before the game, finally entered in the fourth quarter to successfully kick a 25-yard field goal when the Giants were down 16-9.
Mahomes finished the game with 224 passing yards and a touchdown, complemented by three field goals from Harrison Backer.
The Giants kicked off strongly, executing an all-pass 11-play opening drive, yet it concluded without scoring. Gano’s earlier injuries raised concerns right after the national anthem; a crucial short pass by Wilson to Tracy was thwarted by Nick Bolton.
The Chiefs scored first with a 54-yard field goal by Backer, just 3:45 into the game.
Tracy left shortly after with a shoulder issue, and the Giants stalled in their second drive along the Chiefs’ sideline.
The Chiefs extended their lead with another Backer field goal, this time a 48-yarder before halftime.
Finally connecting with his starting wideout, Wilson targeted Neighbors, but the pass was intercepted by Chris Roland Walker, leading to another missed opportunity for the Giants.
Despite the Giants’ defense holding the Chiefs to field goals, they still struggled offensively. Skattebo was pivotal in a scoring drive, including a key 16-yard reception from Wilson.
However, they couldn’t take the lead, as Gano, unavailable due to injury, meant that a blocked extra point kept the score tied.
Penalties against the Chiefs offered brief hope, yet Giants’ cornerback Dru Phillips faced two fouls, one of which set up a critical 56-yard pass interference.
In the second half, the Chiefs quickly moved down the field, scoring the first touchdown of the night with Mahomes connecting on a five-yard pass to Phillips, solidifying their lead at 16-6.
Shortly thereafter, they increased their advantage with a one-yard run from Kareem Hunt following Gano’s field goal.
