Winner: Jude McAtamney
McAtamney was an undrafted rookie kicker from Rutgers who had been on the Giants' practice squad since the start of the season, and he really should have gotten his opportunity to be on the team back in Week 2 when Graham Gano was dealing with an injury.
After two months of waiting for an opportunity, McAtamney got his chance to be elevated to being the main kicker for the Giants. For his own sake, he did not embarrass himself and he didn’t disappoint.
McAtamney was 1-for-1 in extra point opportunities, which could have been useful in the Week 2 game against the Commanders that the Giants could have won had McAtamney been added to the roster before the game and had kicked in place of the injured Gano.
HISTORY: Derry's Jude McAtamney kicks the first NFL points by an Irishman in 39 years ☘️ pic.twitter.com/b57ZMNUgyV
— Mark Hogan (@HoganNFL) November 3, 2024
McAtamney also made a 31-yard field goal as well for the Giants, which was his first ever in the NFL and during his rookie season.
Jude McAtamney has his first ever NFL field goal, which is good from 31 yards out.
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) November 3, 2024
The Commanders lead the Giants 21-10 with 5:27 left in the 3rd. pic.twitter.com/E0g2S6t01e
It’s unclear if McAtamney will get another chance to have the kicking duties as the team heads to Germany to face the Carolina Panthers, as it isn’t clear if the Giants will activate Gano off injured reserve or not.
If Gano still can’t go, and with Greg Joseph now on injured reserve too, McAtamney made his case to get another chance to be the main kicker if needed.