There have been few highlights and many lows over the New York Giants’ first 10 games of the 2019 NFL season.
The New York Giants will return to the practice field this week to prepare for their next test, a matchup against the Chicago Bears. During their bye week, the Giants’ front office brass had to ponder why the team has not improved from a season ago. They’re 2-8 and riding a six-game losing streak.
To say the 2019 season has been a disappointment would be a huge understatement.
Ownership, along with general manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur, can only hope the final six games of the season fare better than the first 10 games or else they’ll be major changes in the offseason.
Here’s a look back to the good, the bad and the ugly of the Giants’ first 10 games of the season.
The Good
Coming back from an 18 point halftime deficit to defeat the Buccaneers
The Giants first win of the season was, by far, the best moment of the season. They overcame a 28-10 halftime deficit and the loss of Saquon Barkley to a high ankle sprain, to rally and defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 32-31, in Daniel Jones’s first NFL start.
Jones was named NFC Offensive Player of the week after completing 23 of 36 passes for 336 yards with two passing touchdowns and two touchdowns on the ground.
The Jones-to-Darius Slayton connection
One thing Giants fans can hold their heads up high about is the production of Jones and Darius Slayton. Both rookies have a high ceiling and their five touchdown connections are the most of any rookie duo heading into Week 11.
We’ll see this connection only improve in the coming years.
The @Giants rookies are building a strong connection. ?@Daniel_Jones10 | @Young_Slay2 | #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/3J4ki6rI0n
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2019
The Bad
The defense
Simply put, the Giants’ defense, particularly their secondary, has been atrocious this season. Players have been out of position and there are still communication issues. The team has given up 28.9 points per game and there doesn’t seem to be a solution in sight.
Injuries
Injuries are part of the game, but the Giants have been hit with injuries to several key players. Promising rookie linebacker Ryan Connelly was lost for the season due to a torn ACL, and Barkley, Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram have all missed time. The Giants roster isn’t good enough to overcome these injuries and, perhaps if they had been healthier, their record would be better than 2-8.
Questionable coaching decisions
Once again, Shurmur’s decision making has come under heavy scrutiny. Whether it’s calling a draw on a 3rd and 18 from the team’s own 30-yard line with less than four minutes remaining against the Arizona Cardinals, or not running the clock out at the end of the first half up 12-10 against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9, Shurmur’s questionable decisions have backfired on him and his team.
The Ugly
Allowing the Cowboys to score five touchdowns on five consecutive possessions
The Giants’ defensive struggles were on full display in their Week 1 35-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Big Blue led 7-0 early, but they allowed the Cowboys to score touchdowns on their next five possessions to take a 35-10 lead. This animus beginning would be a sign of things to come, as the defense has struggled all season.
Daniel Jones turnovers
Jones has a bright NFL future, as he’s shown is accurate, athletic, and tough. But he’s also shown he’s turnover prone. His 17 turnovers (nine fumbles lost & eight interceptions) are a huge red flag. It’s become so bad that when Jones is hit and doesn’t fumble, it’s a shock.
He must resolve this issue if he and the Giants are going to have success going forward.
