This is a loss that's going to haunt the NY Giants for a while. It feels like we've said that many times before, but the G-Men find new ways to shoot themselves in the foot. Such was the case in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders. The Giants looked poised to improve to 1-1, but they ended up falling 21-18 to their NFC East rival.
We can talk all day about Brian Daboll making a mistake with his Graham Gano risk, but at the end of the day, the Giants defense wasn't able to step up when this team needed them to. Star pass-rusher Brian Burns will be the first one to tell you that he and his fellow defensive mates had to be better. He made that much clear after the final whistle with a head-turning statement:
“When you shoot yourself in the foot you’re fucking yourself” - #Giants DE Brian Burns on defense.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 15, 2024
Added that when this defense has teams by the neck they need to rip the head off. They kept the #Commanders around. pic.twitter.com/YFDnSDK8vd
Brian Burns was furious with the Giants defense after the Week 2 loss
Those are the words of a man who is ticked off. When Burns made his way over from the Carolina Panthers, he was hoping that he could help NY get back on track and wipe away the awful memories from the 2023 season. Two games into the new year, though, and that hasn't been the case.
If anything, the morale for the fanbase has reached a new low. Daboll is already getting asked about his job security, while loads of blame is being sent Joe Schoen's way too. Who thought this would be the case before Week 3 even arrives?
There are no excuses for the Giants on either side of the ball. The pass-rush is supposed to be among the best in the NFL, but they didn't deliver vs. Washington. Daniel Jones looked sharp vs. the Commanders, but not having a kicker (thanks Daboll!) kept points off the board.
The Malik Nabers drop is going to be talked about for a while too, but we can't forget that he looked like an elite wideout in the loss. His 10 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown were unreal. In the end, however, it came in a loss and it's one that has so many people livid. The list includes Burns, who needs to start living up to his massive contract soon.