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4 NY Giants who didn’t show up in brutal loss to the Eagles

By Desmond Novack

Evan Neal, NY Giants. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Evan Neal, NY Giants. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) runs past New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during the second quarter during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) runs past New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during the second quarter during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

3. LB Jaylon Smith

If there is one positive takeaway that we can get from this game, it’s that we no longer have to watch Jaylon Smith play linebacker for the NY Giants. With all due respect to the veteran LB, this season has just been awful to watch for the 27 year old.

Whether it be his awful read-and-react ability, complete lack of really anything in coverage, or just the fact that he simply isn’t good enough anymore, there is not a single reason for Smith to return next season.

While Smith somehow managed to rack up 13 combined tackles, this doesn’t come close to telling the story of how awful he was against the Eagles. Smith was all over the field this game, but in the worst way possible, missing tackles, making horrific reads against the run and more. Smith just didn’t serve much of a purpose this game.

The previous front offices have ignored the linebacker position for years and it has led to the team seeing some truly awful players man the position in recent seasons. Joe Schoen at least tried to fill in holes by signing Smith, Landon Collins and Jarrad Davis, which is more than previous regimes, but these players don’t really move the needle for an NFL defense anymore.

Smith was just not good all season and his talent, or lack thereof, was put on full display against Philadelphia, which led to a lot of fans finally coming to the realization that something needs to change at the position. Smith can’t return next fall.

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