The New York Giants had as great of a start as they could have in the first game of the John Harbaugh era. The expectation was that they bringing in a proven, winning head coach will help the team grow into a well-oiled machine that rarely makes mistakes and can stack up wins, something they couldn't do in the Brian Daboll, Joe Judge, and Pat Shurmur eras. One game in, and Harbaugh has already brought the Giants fanbase promise and a solidly-run team.
In Week 1, the Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 in a game that was pure domination. The Giants' rushing attack helped them control the time of possession, having the football for almost 37 minutes of game time. Dart also minimized his mistakes, throwing for 230 yards and three touchdowns while completing 23-of-29 pass attempts.
If there was one thing that stood out in terms of area of improvement for the Giants, it's holding onto the football.
John Harbaugh puts Giants on notice to clean up fumbling issues
Even though the Giants played relatively clean football on offense, they did account for four fumbles. Dart, tight end Isaiah Likely, and running backs Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. each fumbled the football once. Tracy was the only one who officially lost his fumble, which then led to him being placed on the bench for the rest of the game. Luckily for Tracy, he was bailed out since Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threw a costly interception on the ensuing drive, which then set up the Giants taking a 14-7 lead before halftime.
Even though they only lost one fumble of the four forced by the Cowboys defense, Harbaugh let it be known during his press conference on Monday that is unacceptable. Holding onto the football is going to be an area of focus for Harbaugh.
"We're putting the ball on the ground entirely too much," said Harbaugh, h/t Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. "That's got to change.''
Harbaugh let it be known since he arrived to New York that he was looking to build a team that doesn't make too many mistakes. While there were plenty of positives to take from their Week 1 win, he's not letting the team off the hook that easily.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. might learn John Harbaugh's fumbling lesson the hard way
Tracy was already on the hot seat entering this season, due to his fumbling issues in the preseason But his performance in their preseason finale against the Jets saved him, and allowed him to make the team. Perhaps what was more shocking than Tracy making the team, was that he was on the active roster ahead of Najee Harris, who the Giants signed this offseason.
With Tracy fumbling on Sunday, there is going to be plenty of attention on him throughout the week as they prepare for their matchup against the Los Angeles Rams next Monday. Will he even be activated for that matchup? Or would Harris jump ahead of him and get a shot to prove his worth on the roster?
There's also the fact that the Giants signed running back Phil Mafah off of the Cowboys' practice squad on Monday. Does that mean an exit for Tracy is inevitable?
Regardless, if a player fumbles the football, it will be worth monitoring if there will be any consequences for them, whether in-game or during ensuing practices.
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