By Michael Stewart/@golferbad
Introduction: The New York Giants had an opportunity to return home and defeat a team they should have beaten, but instead lost to the hands of the Arizona Cardinals 27-21 to fall to 2-5. Coming into the game the Cardinals offense totaled almost 1000 yards in the last two games, but weren’t as effective through air. They did however run the ball well against a Giants defense (156 yards/3 TDs) led by running back Chase Edmonds who accounted for all of the Cardinals rushing touchdowns. The Giants found themselves trailing 17-0 before they found the end zone on a touchdown pass from Daniel Jones to Tight End Rhett Ellison. Here are my Top 5 Reasons Why the Giants lost
- Giants offensive line-vs-Cardinals defensive front 7: The Giants offensive line surrendered a total of 8 sacks to the Cardinals as Chandler Jones recorded 4 sacks on his own. This is not even counting the constant pressure that Jones faced and if not for his mobility, the Cardinals could have easily gotten 10-12 sacks.
- Turnovers: The Giants continue to cough up the ball as they had three turnovers (two fumbles by Daniel Jones and an interception). Jones looked like a deer in head lights on many plays and he really needs to react quicker with his decision making as he held onto the ball too long on many plays.
- 3rd Down Efficiency: The Cardinals really utilized their 3rd down efficiency well by going 7-15 to the Giants 4-12 ratio. This has become a game by game problem for the Giants and until it changes; more losses are expected.
- Giant’s lack of big plays: The Giants failed to make big plays on both sides of the ball and allowed the Cardinals to control the line of scrimmage; especially in the running game.
Hero: Got to give the honor to two players once again as Linebacker Chandler Jones dominated the Giants offensive line with 4 sacks and was a disruptive force all day. Running back Chase Edmund did a great job looking more like Saquan Barkley with 3 touchdowns for 126 yards.
Goat: The offensive line gets my vote here as they were totally outplayed by the Cardinals defensive front 7.
Final Thoughts:The Giants now must travel to Detroit to face the Lions where they have not done well in the past. At 2-5, they are on pace to have possibly a top 5 pick in the 2020 draft. The Giants defense was able to contain Murray, but they just couldn’t stop the Cardinals running attack. This lost should confirm that the Giants will more than likely be sellers by the trading deadline.