The New York Giants' 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders wasn’t the season-opening statement fans were hoping for. Russell Wilson’s Giants debut was rocky, the offense never reached the end zone, and frustrations boiled over on the sideline. But before hitting the panic button, here are three reasons Big Blue Nation should take a deep breath.
Related: 3 brutal takeaways from Russell Wilson's dreadful Giants debut
3 reasons Giants fans shouldn't panic after rocky Week 1 flop
1. The Defense
The defense showed enough promise to believe that this team won’t collapse. Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux generated consistent pressure and made plays when needed, while rookie Abdul Carter made an early impact with a half-sack and a blocked punt, along with generating a 13% pressure rate, which was the highest on the team. Secondary had some woes, but Dru Phillips was a highlight for the secondary as he played a pretty good game.
Head coach Brian Daboll said after the game that the team left opportunities on the field, saying, “Six points, it’s tough to win a game,” he said to the media. “We left 11 points out there in the red zone. “
Washington’s Jayden Daniels made a lot of good plays, but the Giants front seven forced him off script multiple times. Those flashes suggest this defense can be a difference maker once the offense finds its footing.
2. Offensive woes are fixable
Yes, Wilson's stat line was ugly — 17 of 37 for 168 yards and no touchdowns. But the struggles weren’t all on the veteran quarterback. The offensive line was without star tackle Andrew Thomas, and the protection issues were glaring. Still, though, the offensive line can be fixed as soon as Thomas returns from injury and improves the continuity around the line.
Despite the rocky start, Daboll emphasized confidence in his new quarterback: "Yes I mean we're just right here after the game," Daboll said. "I got confidence in Russ — we got to do better around overall. Coaches, players, around everybody."
3. Veteran leadership keeps the locker room steady
After the loss, leaders made it clear there won’t be any spiraling. Star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence told reporters: “Don't make it two, simple as that. There's no need for rah rah. We got the players and we got each other, and that's all we need."
Even the fiery sideline exchange between second-year wide receiver Malik Nabers and Daboll was more about passion than dysfunction. Naber's frustration came from wanting the ball more — a problem most coaches will gladly take when it comes from a hungry playmaker.
The Giants offense put up just 231 total yards, went 4-for-16 on third down, and failed twice inside the Washington five-yard line. It was ugly, no question. But the defensive flashes, the fixable offensive issues, and the calming presence of veteran leadership make it clear: the Giants get back Andrew Thomas, who is a Pro Bowler and notably their best offensive linemen, should get this offense into gear soon, as he is cleared to play.
The Giants head to Dallas in Week 2, where the challenge only stiffens. But with lessons learned and leaders refusing to let one loss snowball, the opportunity for redemption is already here.
Week 1 was rough, but Giants fans shouldn’t panic. The season is long, the problems are solvable, and there’s plenty of football left to prove this team is better than it showed in Washington.