It was another bad loss for the New York Giants on Sunday and this time, it came against their division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. After only scoring seven points vs. the Bengals, New York couldn't even get into the endzone at all, as three points were all they got in a 28-3 blowout defeat that dropped them to 2-5.
New York's next opponent does not get any easier, as they will now head to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers on Monday Night Football ,with a sixth loss seeming likely with the way the Giants' season has gone for them. However, if they want to shock Steelers Nation and come away with a convincing and rare primetime victory, these three problems must be addressed:
3. Offensive line woes
When news broke that Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Thomas would miss the rest of the season to undergo foot surgery, everyone knew the Giants offensive line immediately would have issues. And in their first game without him on Sunday against the Eagles, that was on full display. Now with Big Blue set to go up against T.J. Watt and the Steelers' elite defensive front, the Giants must find a way to protect Daniel Jones.
Jones was sacked eight times against Philly, as the o-line was in shambles. Rather than starting former first-round pick tackle Evan Neal on the left side, New York opted to start guard Joshua Ezeudu at left tackle which was a disaster. Ezeudu and the rest of the Giants' offensive line as a whole were just a mess against Philly, allowing a season-high eight sacks. Things could only get worse for them vs. the Steelers.
2. Offensive struggles
When you only score a combined 10 points in two games, you're not going to win any games. Well, that's what the Giants offense has been producing over their two games against the Cincinnati Bengals and the aforementioned Eagles. Now going up against a dangerous Steelers team that has a Top 10 defense, Brian Daboll and Co. must figure out how to get the offense rolling early on in Pittsburgh.
New York has many skill players on the offensive side of the ball, yet nothing is clicking. We thought their offense would be much better this past week when they got star wide receiver Malik Nabers back after missing two games with a concussion. Unfortunately, the No. 6 overall pick had just four receptions for 41 yards and expressed frustration to reporters after the game for his lack of targets.
Other skill players on offense for New York include Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson and rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who's been a positive spark over the last few weeks. However, they were all non-existent vs. the Eagles. Something needs to change and fast for Daboll.
1. Daniel Jones' lack of production
Even though the Giants signal-caller was benched late on Sunday for Drew Lock, according to Daboll, he is still the team's starter. After passing for just 99 yards this past week and now going up against the Steelers, the Giants must see positive results and production out of their quarterback.
Jones has not thrown a touchdown pass since Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks, where he had his best game of the season tossing for two scores for 257 yards. Since that solid game, however, Jones has thrown a combined 304 yards in two games and an interception. He quite simply has not looked comfortable in the pocket and has been making bad decisions with the football.
Now, Jones and the Giants have to play yet another primetime game where he has gone a woeful 1-14 in his career. Not exactly a recipe for success. Jones also has to go up against a Steelers defense that has allowed 20 points or less in the last three games. This seems like a make-or-break game for Jones. With him having an out in his contract after this season and the Giants heading towards another Top 10 draft pick, the Giants QB must vastly show improvement in this matchup against Pittsburgh.