The New York Giants’ most cherish identity, “pride,” is now under attack after their latest loss, a 31-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—The misery of the 2019 season continued for New York Giants fans on Sunday as they witnessed their team lose for the eighth consecutive time as they were rolled over by the Green Bay Packers, 31-13.
The loss drops the Giants to 2-10 and clinched the third-consecutive season that the team has had double-digit losses. The last time the Giants had three seasons in a row with double-digit losses was 1978-1980.
Worse than numbers, the very thing the organization has preached over its illustrious history is now in jeopardy.
Pride.
“Giants Pride” feels like a distant memory, especially after the team’s latest defeat.
Head coach Pat Shurmur claims his team is getting better behind the scenes. But whatever improvements the team might be making on the practice field, it’s not transferring over to game day.
Coming into this game, the biggest concern surrounding Daniel Jones dealt with ball security. The kid has lost 10 fumbles on the season. Jones didn’t fumble on Sunday, despite the snowy and rainy conditions at MetLife Stadium, but he threw three costly interceptions.
.@King_kevvoo grabs his fourth INT of the season! #GBvsNYG | #GoPackGo https://t.co/CdLdeZTc1R
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 1, 2019
Jones has 21 turnovers this season and has at least one turnover in every game he’s played in. Everyone knows that rookies will make mistakes, but the fact that there hasn’t been any improvement in Jones’s ball security issues is alarming.
The Giants are now minus-14 in turnover differential. There’s no way a young and struggling team can overcome turnovers.
The Giants secondary has been the biggest issue for the Giants all season and most expected Aaron Rodgers to them apart. Rodgers didn’t disappoint those who came into the game with that notion.
Rodgers completed 21 of 33 passes for 243 yards and four touchdowns. He wasn’t sacked all game and was seldom pressured. No matter the opponent, the Giants secondary always looks overmatched.
❄️ Dashing through the snow…! ❄️@AllenLazard is WIDE OPEN for the touchdown! #GBvsNYG | #GoPackGo https://t.co/skPCSpQEci
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 1, 2019
Yes, the Giants were without safety Jabrill Peppers on Sunday and the Giants secondary is very young, featuring rookies such as DeAndre Baker, Corey Ballentine and Julian Love. But Baker has been a starter since training camp, and after 12 games, you would think defensive coordinator James Bettcher would be able to find a scheme that could at the very least slow down opposing offenses.
The Giants are now 10-34 over their last 44 games and frustration is building in the locker room. In addition, fan frustration with the team is growing. Based on the chant of “Go Pack Go” that was heard several times at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, there seemed to be more Packers fans in attendance than the home team’s supporters.
Janoris Jenkins speaking after the game. You can tell he’s frustrated. @EliteSportsNY #NYG #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/qGbnZEKDUJ
— Jason Leach (@JasonKLeach) December 1, 2019
With the loss to the Packers, combined with the Washington Redskins victory over the Carolina Panthers, the Giants now sit alone in the cellar of the NFC East, a place where they’ve finished in the two previous seasons.
With four games remaining in the season, it’s now a matter of pride for the Giants. Of their four remaining games, they do not face a team with a winning record (Eagles twice, Dolphins and Redskins). If they somehow were to lose all of their remaining games, the 2019 season will be viewed as the worst in the team’s history and a complete indictment on the Pat Shurmur-Dave Gettleman regime.
The franchise has always focused on pride, which is why Giants Pride has been a rallying cry and is synonymous with the team.
It’s time for the players and coaches to take that very “pride” mantra to heart. There are still four games remaining and work needs to be done.
