The New York Giants are set to return from their bye week this Sunday and are reeling, to say the least. New York is sitting at a woeful 2-8, has lost its last five games, and is looking to finish off its miserable season on a strong note.
The second half of the season will also feature a change in the quarterback position. Tommy DeVito is the new signal-caller for Big Blue's offense, marking the end of the Daniel Jones era in New York.
If there is any positive to look forward to in the Giants' upcoming matchup, it’s that they will be back home to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have lost their last four games. As the Giants prepare to face the reeling Bucs, these must be the objectives they aim to accomplish, not only in their Week 12 matchup but also for the rest of the season.
3 attainable objectives the NY Giants must achieve in the second half
3. Win a divisional matchup
Winning in the division has been hard for the Giants over the last couple of seasons, especially this year. So far in 2024, New York is 0-4 against the NFC East, with the Washington Commanders defeating them twice (both by one score), the Cowboys beating them by five in a Week 4 contest, and the Philadelphia Eagles handily taking down the Giants by 25 in Week 7. Now, with two more divisional games left, they must try to win at least one before the season ends.
Their next two divisional opponents won’t be easy, as both games will be on the road—against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving in Week 13 and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18. The Giants have not won in Dallas since 2016, and even more shockingly, they haven’t won in Philadelphia since Week 7 of 2013.
With a young quarterback in DeVito at the helm, the Giants' best chance at winning a divisional game should come against the Cowboys, who have gone winless at home in 2024 and are without their franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott, for the rest of the season. The Eagles, on the other hand, seem to be a more challenging opponent, as they may be playing for the NFC East title or a top seed by Week 18.
Going winless against their divisional foes is not something the Giants want to do this season, but it seems increasingly likely. This season has highlighted just how much more talented and better-coached the other teams in the NFC East are. However, with two chances left to avoid that fate, winning at least one divisional game must be on their minds.
2. Score 30 points in a game
New York's offense has struggled for many years, and even though Brian Daboll took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, the same old issues persist. The Giants have averaged just 15.6 points per game, the worst figure in the NFL. With DeVito now named the starter over Jones, that has to change.
When "Tommy Cutlets," as he is affectionately called, took over toward the end of last season, the Giants' offense showed some signs of progress. They managed to crack 20 points or more in a couple of his starts and were able to put together sustainable drives. Now, with him at the helm, there must be a game where Big Blue's offense finally reaches that mark again, after only breaking the 20-point barrier three times this season.
DeVito has shown flashes of his talent, and with playmakers like Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayton to throw to, as well as rookie phenom running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. making an impact, the pieces are there. With those weapons and a new quarterback at the helm, can the Giants finally reach that elusive mark?
1. Win a home game
Home-field advantage has been nonexistent for the Giants this season. They are 0-5 at MetLife Stadium, scoring just 53 total points and managing only four offensive touchdowns at home. Quite simply, the offense has looked abysmal in front of the home crowd. With four more home games left this season, they need to secure at least one win on their own turf.
It’s baffling how poorly the Giants have performed offensively at home, but with a new quarterback under center for Big Blue, perhaps that will change. Before their Week 9 home matchup against the Commanders, Jones hadn’t thrown a touchdown pass at MetLife since January 3, 2023. DeVito, however, showed promise in his limited action as a starter last season. In two home games, the undrafted quarterback threw for 348 total yards and a couple of touchdown passes.
Now, DeVito has a chance to step up with the majority of the Giants faithful behind him, cheering him on. He could be the one to finally get New York over the hump and secure a home win before the 2024 season comes to an end.