On Monday Night Football, The New York Giants’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-18 on primetime was more than just another setback; it was a brutal reminder of a franchise in a downward spiral. As the season approaches its halfway point, the Giants, at 2-6, find themselves at a familiar crossroads, which has been all too common in recent years.
The New York Giants Lost on MNF Against the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-18
Primetime Struggles Continue
The looks of players and coaches indicate that frustration was thick in the air, and honestly, you can’t blame them—who’d feel optimism creeping in while consistently losing? Given the number of opportunities presented and the inability to win games, the Giants seem to fumble when it comes to crunch time. Their record marks another losing start for the seventh time in eight seasons, bringing attention to the franchise’s continued struggles.
The Giants have changed head coaches four times and general managers three during the span, but the progress they’re seeking has remained out of reach. The only glimmer of hope over the last several years was during Brian Daboll’s first season. In 2022, the Giants were in a somewhat compiling situation with a 9-7 record and getting back into the playoffs for the first time in six years. But that season feels now like an aberration- a “fluke” in an otherwise grim story. The disappointment is noticeable in the dressing room and outside, with fans having had to bear such a long spell of mediocrity.
More Than One Chance
The Giants found themselves down by only eight points against the Steelers, thanks to a huge defensive play that forced a Russell Wilson fumble with 4:34 left in the fourth quarter. They then were able to work their way to the Steelers 20-yard line with less than three minutes remaining, but the possibility of a game-tying touchdown was ruined as T.J. Watt returned to his defensive heroism. The All-Pro linebacker beat Jermaine Eluemunor as he executed a strip sack on Daniel Jones, recovering the ball himself and giving the ball back to the Steelers.
With three timeouts remaining and the two-minute warning in their favor, the Giants were able to stop what could have been a game-sealing drive by Pittsburgh, as the Steelers punted on 4th and 2. Instead, this gave the Giants one last chance to tie the game, starting from their seven-yard line and having to drive the field length. With the clock under two minutes and no timeouts, the Giants ran down to the Steelers’ 35-yard line with 34 seconds remaining, raising some hope. The game quickly ended when Jones threw a high pass intended for running back Devin Singletary, only to see Beanie Bishop intercept the pass and seal the Giants’ fate.
Jones had two turnovers in the final four minutes of gameplay, including two opportunities to change the game’s narrative. Both opportunities ended in turnovers and another primetime loss for Jones and the Giants; Jones has a record of 24-42-1 over the last six seasons. Reporters noted a sense of optimism in Jones’s display of emotion and frustration following a miscommunication during a chaotic two-point conversion attempt after the Tracy Jr. rushing touchdown. These might be things to find optimism in a rookie quarterback, but not so much for a seasoned player in the league.
Possible Building Blocks
The Giants’ defense features three players among the top 15 sack leaders. Dexter Lawrence currently leads the league with nine sacks, while Azeez Ojulari, stepping in for Kayvon Thibodeaux, ranks 10th with six sacks. Brian Burns follows closely in 14th place with five sacks. The defense has done all it can to keep the Giants in close games, but ultimately, it hasn’t been able to deliver on points and scoring.
Their lone touchdown against the Steelers came on a 45-yard burst by Tyrone Tracy Jr. with 2:09 remaining in the game. Tracy Jr. finished the game with 20 carries for 145 yards and one touchdown. This was his 2nd week leading the NFL in rushing yards, and he has only started four games, securing starting running back reps. He has rushed for over 100 yards in three games. However, in the game’s final moments, Tracy Jr. exited, placing him in concussion protocol.
The Giants adding additional linemen in the offseason has helped, but it is still a work in progress. The Giants’ offensive line statistics from PFF revealed some apparent problems on Monday night. Chris Hubbard recently picked up from the San Francisco 49ers practice squad, struggled the most. Hubbard is now at left tackle since Andrew Thomas’s season ended with foot surgery, allowing 12 pressures, including one sack. Jon Runyan surrendered six pressures, while Jermaine Eluemunor gave up four pressures, also allowing one sack. In contrast, Greg Van Roten was relatively effective, allowing just two pressures. John Michael Schmitz had a better performance and was impactful in the run game while giving up only one pressure.
Former First Round Pick Benched
In another development for the Giants, head coach Brian Daboll’s benching of cornerback Deonte Banks in the second half of the Steelers game underlined growing apprehensions about the second-year cornerback’s lack of effort. Selected 24th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Banks was expected to make significant strides this season, but he has yet to meet those expectations. This benching serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the coaching staff’s zero tolerance for poor effort and body language. Banks benching came shortly after a play where you see him go low on a tackle attempt against Steelers running back Najee Harris, where Najee hurdled over Banks. Ultimately, Daboll conversed with Banks, letting him know he was benched before replacing him with cornerback Greg Stroman.
Although Banks was benched Monday night in Pittsburgh, Daboll reports that he will start this week at home against the Washington Commanders in Week Nine. Daboll also added how he thinks Banks will return “with the right mindset.” The Giants may look to the draft or free agency to add more depth in the secondary, giving Banks reason to prove he can be the cornerstone of this secondary moving forward.
What Does The Future Hold?
Over 30% of NFL teams have two wins or fewer heading into Week 9. Although the Giants have only two wins, they hold the ninth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Drafting their next franchise quarterback should be the first on their agenda, but they must look to fill more than one void. Despite the Giants drafting Malik Nabers 6th overall, their wide receiver room can still use some upgrading. Nabers leads the team with 46 receptions and 498 yards, followed by Darius Slayton with 29 receptions for 420 yards, and Wandale Robinson with 48 receptions and 333 yards. The three receiving leaders on the top account for six touchdowns through the first eight games, with a significant drop-off following them; it is safe to say they could add some depth here.
The Giants’ loss to the Steelers on primetime showed that the Giants can be competitive and keep games close. But fans are ready for more than just moral victories; they want winning games and seasons. To get back to success, the Giants don’t have to return to the drawing board altogether. Instead, they need to add to the current backbones of the team. Build off of their 2024 draft class, which has shown optimism. Running back out of Purdue, Tracy Jr., among last year’s draft class, was selected 166th overall in the 5th round, showing increasing dominance in every rep. Also contributing to on-field action have been safety Tyler Nubin and cornerback Andru Phillips, who have made the most of their opportunities. The Giants are going to need another strong draft to build on their current roster and be able to compete in a competitive NFC East Division.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
