4 NY Giants problems Brian Daboll needs to fix before Week 3

It's safe to say it has been a frustrating first couple of weeks for the New York Giants. Week 2, especially, was a winnable game against the Washington Commanders and the Giants just couldn't finish the job. Unfortunately, a good amount of the fanbase probably isn't too surprised with an 0-2 start.

As bad as the first two weeks were, it could become so much worse for the G-Men with their upcoming schedule. Six straight games against playoff hopeful teams. If the Giants want to stop the bleeding, head coach Brain Daboll needs to get some things figured out and quickly:

4. Have a short leash with Cor'Dale Flott

Third-year cornerback Cor'Dale Flott has had a less than impressive start to the Giants' season. This past Sunday against the Commanders was especially frustrating to watch. Whether it be giving up big chunk plays in crucial moments or simply a lack of effort, Flott did not look like a stud CB 2. Going into this week against the Browns, Daboll needs to have a quick leash with Flott.

The Browns haven't put up any crazy numbers, but receivers like Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy have all the ability to take advantage against bad cornerback play. If Flott starts giving these guys even an inch, Daboll needs to go to his backup plan, whatever that may be. The last thing the Giants need is for those receivers to gain any confidence. If we see a performance from Flott similar to what we saw last week and Daboll does nothing, that tells us all where he sees this season going.

3. Get the tight ends involved

Through two games, the tight end tandem of Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger have a combined two catches on five targets, including zero targets against the Commanders. Now, that was probably in part to Malik Nabers being incredible and basically accounting for the entire Giants offense. However, with what we know Daniel Jones' strengths are under center, these tight ends could be a great safety valve for him heading into Week 3.

Nabers' great game is absolutely going to come with some consequences. Teams are going to start paying attention and Daboll, Jones and the Giants will need to find someone else to get the ball to with all the coverage Nabers will draw. Week 3 could be a great time to have the tight ends be that weapon. Cleveland has a good defense and they'll get after Jones. Making sure throws to the tight ends to keep the ball moving needs to be in Daboll's plan.

2. Stop the run

Perhaps the most frustrating part of the loss to the Commanders was the defense allowed Brian Robinson Jr. and Jayden Daniels to run all over them and not a single adjustment was made. Daboll and Shane Bowen have to work something up to fix this or else it's going to be a long season for the boys in blue. The way they could solve this problem may kill two birds with one stone. It's easy, it's simple and it's been done since football has been played: load the box.

Yes, Cleveland has some good receivers, but Deshaun Watson has not exactly been great to start the year. Load the box, bring the pressure and shut down their run game. This not only keeps Cleveland's running backs at bay, but it also puts all the pressure on a not-so-confident Watson to beat you. Consistently loading the box and bringing pressure might be what frees up Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns, too. The two edge-rushers for the Giants have had a slow, almost nonexistent first two weeks, but this simple fix might be what wakes them up.

1. Fill out a complete roster

There was no second thought about the biggest problem Daboll needs to fix. The guy needs to actually fill out a full roster. Going into the Commanders the game, the Giants had 52 players, meaning there was an open spot on the roster. Knowing Graham Gano's groin was already a problem should have been enough for Daboll to have a backup plan at the kicking position. He didn't, ignored the problem, and then Gano injured his hamstring and was out for the game. This huge oversight is ultimately what cost the Giants the game and a 1-1 record (which would be tied for first in the division).

Daboll has his problems as a coach, every coach does. But this? This is his biggest blemish in his three years as head coach and there isn't a particularly close second. How can you go into a game with a man short on the roster, an already banged-up kicker and not have a back-up plan? It's inexcusable and coaching malpractice. Before the Commanders game, it was a pretty big consensus among Giants fans that they didn't want Jones to cost Schoen or Daboll their jobs. Daboll is now going to do that on his own if he can't get something this simple figured out.