The New York Giants may have some positives surrounding them, such as rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, but the issues that have plagued them in recent years aren't going away anytime soon. That was evident on Sunday where the Giants blew a 19-0 lead and lost 33-32 to the Denver Broncos. Once again, the Giants' kicking issues played a factor, as Jude McAtamney missed two extra-point attempts, including on Dart's late rushing touchdown to go ahead of the Broncos.
Kicking has always been an issue for the Giants, as Graham Gano has missed time due to injuries, including before kickoff, leaving the team without a kicker for the entire game. Plus, McAtamney apparently defeated Younghoe Koo in a kicking competition, and the on-field results since just haven't been there.
As if Giants fans couldn't feel any worse after quite possibly the worst loss in NFL history, Dan Duggan of The Athletic pointed out some more information. On Sunday, Lucas Havrisik of the Green Bay Packers broke the team record for longest field goal in franchise history at 61 yards. Havrisik has been perfect on every field goal and extra point attempt this season.Duggan points out that the Giants had Havrisik in the building for a workout, but chose to sign Koo instead.
Giants had kicking solution in the building in Lucas Havrisik, but let him leave
The optics of this do not look great. Havrisik has been fantastic throughout this season for the Packers, making all four field goal attempts and six extra point attempts. Plus, Havrisik has done this while filling in for an injured Brandon McManus.
The Giants meanwhile, chose to sign Koo. At the time, the signing made sense, since Koo was a Pro Bowler and 2020's co-scoring leader, and he grew up in New Jersey. But, Daboll never activated him from the practice squad. That's because McAutamney defeated Koo in a kicking competition for the starter's job.
Giants fans have seen just how poorly McAutamney has been through four games this season. He only has one field goal attempt this season. But on Sunday, the Giants needed McAtamney to secure pivotal extra point attempts to secure a win. Instead, he shanked both attempts wide left and wide right.
McAtamney has never had kicking experience, certainly compared to Koo. Instead Daboll made the decision to go wth McAtamney, and as a result, he is now part of NFL infamy with the worst statistical loss in NFL history.
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Who knows if Koo would have been a sure thing for the Giants this season, but he has the track record to back it up. But seeing Havrisik succeed in Green Bay makes this loss in Denver that much worse.
Maybe the Giants can trade for Havrisik if the Packers go back to McManus once he's healthy. Surely trading picks for a kicker you let leave your building will go over well!