The New York Giants have a flair for the dramatic this season, and it has led to some of the most exciting victories. Whether it was the walk-off interception against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 or Deonte Banks' pick-six ending a comeback attempt by the Arizona Cardinals the week after. Oh, and let's not forget when they were gifted a tie thanks to the Washington Commanders' blunder. But their luck ran out in Week 6.
On Sunday, the Giants lost 34-27 to the then-one win New Orleans Saints. After leading the game 10-0, the Giants allowed 34 unanswered points to the Saints. But the Giants made things interesting in the fourth quarter, as head coach John Harabaugh benched Jameis Winston for J.J. McCarthy, who threw for 243 yards and 17 consecutive points to complete a comeback attempt. But on fourth down in the red zone, McCarthy threw an incomplete pass when pressured by the Saints pass rush, and clinched New York's second loss of the season.
While the comeback attempt was fun and all, it was a wasted opportunity for them to pick up their fourth win of the season. Tight end Isaiah Likely knows just that.
Isaiah Likely doesn't view Giants' resilient comeback attempt vs. Saints as a positive
While speaking with reporters after the game, Likely was asked about the team's resilience in the fourth quarter to try and potentially win against the Saints. Likely said that it would be nice if the Giants played with that same energy and urgency for the entirety of the game.
"It's frustrating because, you know, when everybody kinda leaving when we were down 17, we come push a comeback play to be able to give a chance to win the game... if we have that mindset the whole game it's a different outcome," said Likely, h/t SNY.
It was odd that the Giants had a 10-0 lead and looked to be cruising to an easy win over the Saints. Then, it all fell apart. Whether it was the running game being non-existent due to Harbaugh's benching of Cam Skattebo, or Winston making two costly interceptions or not moving the offense adequately downfield. The defense didn't help their case by allowing the 34 unanswered points. Overall, it was a game that they let get away from them.
Sure, the positives were there. They may have looked clutch, especially Likely, who hauled in 6-of-11 targets for 99 yards and a touchdown, but they probably wouldn't have to be in that position had they played with the same urgency and energy throughout the entire game.
Giants need to play a complete game in Week 7 after disappointing loss to Saints
If anything, this game should give the Giants a challenge next week. That is, to play a complete game. Their track record this season has showed that they are capable of winning games at the last minute. How about making things easier for themselves?
That may very well start with the Giants making a change at quarterback. McCarthy showed that he can run the offense more efficiently than Winston. While Harbaugh wouldn't commit to either after the game, it should be an easy call to make the switch to McCarthy as the starter for next week.
It certainly helps that McCarthy already showed off great chemistry with Likely and wide receiver Malik Nabers in his one quarter of action. They should be able to build off that chemistry.
They are taking on a Houston Texans team that is coming off back-to-back wins. While on paper they look like a dangerous team, especially on defense, it is one that has struggled this season. Head coach DeMeco Ryans recently took playcalling duties away from defensive coordinator Matt Burke, and it coincidentally resulted in picking up their first two wins of the season.
Simply put, the Giants can't let their foot off of the gas pedal during games, especially like they did with the Saints. If they want to walk away with what is an extremely winnable NFC East title, they need to pick up the easy wins.
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