Leading up to Week 7, there was a lot of talk from Denver Broncos defensive players, but let’s give credit where credit is due — the New York Giants were the better team until the fourth quarter, when several careless mistakes were made on Big Blue’s sideline.
The G-Men allowed 33 points in the fourth quarter and led by as much as 18 points with just over five minutes remaining. Big Blue even retook the lead with under a minute to go, but lost this game in the final few seconds after mistakes by the defense and special teams.
The loss took the life out of the locker room and left many players frustrated, including the NFL's sack leader, Brian Burns, as a viral video showed him clenching his fists and screaming in the tunnel after coming off the field. Burns has since taken to social media to clarify that those comments were not directed at Shane Bowen. While he retracted his remarks towards the staff, one person who did not hold back on New York's play calling was former Giant legend-turned-radio host Tiki Barber.
Tiki Barber crushes the Giants' play calling at the end of their Week 7 loss
Barber took his reactions and thoughts on the gut-wrenching loss to the Broncos to WFAN's Evan and Tiki show the next morning. The former running back criticized Big Blue's play-calling on the final drive, saying that they needed to force the Broncos to use their timeouts and not allow Denver to regain possession.
"It's third-and-4 or 5…and Sean Payton has used two of those timeouts, on that third down, the only play that you call – and I don't know if this is Mike Kaka trying to be cute, I don't know if this is Brian Daboll trying to be aggressive, I don't know if this is Jaxson Dart trying to be a hero," Barber said."The only thing you do on that play is run the ball so that you force the Denver Broncos to use a third timeout."
Barber then went on to say, "This is why I always distrust rookies in moments because they make stupid rookie decisions like throwing the ball over the middle of the field in a simulated blitz."
Malik Nabers took to social media to defend his quarterback:
Former Giants "so say” legend talkin bout a rookie 😒 we serious?
— Malik (@whyguard13) October 20, 2025
Although the G-Men didn't secure the win, Dart totaled 15 completions for 283 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He also added a one-yard rushing touchdown.
Not only does Nabers have the rookie quarterback's back, but even Broncos' linebacker Nik Bonitto, who had been trash-talking the Giants' fanbase leading up to the game, complimented him on a recent edition of Up & Adams, saying, " I have to give him credit. He's a lot better than we thought. His feel for the game and ability to maneuver in the pocket and make plays on the run... I was really impressed."
Barber stated that this loss is simply due to the play call and doesn't understand it. Well, let's say it's a good thing he's not suiting up for the Giants this year, because Daboll and this coaching staff would not want to hear this from anyone inside the organization, as they are all already under a lot of pressure this season.