Articles

By Michael Stewart/@golferbad

Introduction: The New York Giants finished out the season at 4-12 with a 34-17 lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. This game was a lot closer than the score would indicate as the two teams were tied at 17-17 early in the 4th quarter until the Eagles pulled away with 17 unanswered points. With the win, the Eagles won the NFC east division and will advance to the playoffs.

The Giants must now look forward to the offseason and hopefully rebuild this roster that has some questions marks. Here are my top 5 reasons why the Giants lost:

  • Red Zone: The Giants were 0-2 in the red zone and the Eagles were very efficient going 3-4. That’s a 21 point difference and the main reason why the Eagle won this game.
  • Giants Defensive Front 7: When your top two tacklers are your safeties (Michael Thomas (13) and Julian Love (8) that’s a problem).The Giants defense front 7 were never a factor as the Eagles totaled 400 yards for the game.
  • Sacks:  The Giants had a total of one sack and the Eagles got to Daniel Jones four times; which caused him to fumble twice. Jones led all rookie quarterbacks in many categories and unfortunately; fumbles were one of them.
  • Time of Possession: The Giants have consistently been beaten in this category nearly every game this season and today was no different as the Eagles controlled the ball for 31:25 minutes to the Giants 28:35. This must change in 2020, if the Giants want to become a playoff team.   
  • Failed to make Big Plays: The Giants battled hard for 3 quarters but failed to make any big plays (offensively or defensively) when it matters in the 4th quarter. The inability to play a full 60 minutes has haunted the Giants all season and their record reflects that.

Hero:

Going to give it to the entire Philadelphia organization, from ownership to the players for not quitting and getting the job done by winning their final four games of the year to make the playoffs.

Goat:

Going to give this to the Giant coaching staff who have consistently made questionable decisions not only in this game, but throughout the season. Of course, it starts with the Head Coach Pat Shurmur who in all likelihood coached his final game as the Giants Head Coach.

Final Thoughts

The Giants finished 4-12 for the season and will be selecting 4th in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL draft. Unless the Redskins have a total mental meltdown, they will be selecting Chase Young to him up with last season’s 1st round pick DE Montez Sweat.

The Giants will have a group of talented prospects to select at four that could include: OT Andrew Thomas, CB Jeffery Okudah and WR Jerry Jeudy. That list could change after the combine as many prospects improve their stock; while others don’t. Throughout the next few months, I will keep you informed on any Giant news of possible coaching changes, previews my top 10 prospects at every position in the draft; along with free-agent options and lastly my mock drafts.