Following three consecutive victories against the Commanders, Patriots, and Packers, many NY Giants fans were excited to see what the team could do against the Saints, who had lost three out of their lost four. Instead, these fans were met with extreme disappointment, as New York lost 24-6.
Not only was this game awful to watch, but it also killed their playoff chances. While the Giants aren't technically eliminated just yet, the odds of them making the postseason are ridiculously slim. New York likely wasn't going to make the postseason regardless, but the hope was nice while it lasted.
The Giants and their fans have these four players, amongst others, to blame for this depressing loss. Had they performed better, things could have been different and who knows, maybe New York could have won four in a row going into their huge divisional game against the Eagles. However, these four playmakers simply didn't answer the call in New Orleans:
4. EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
In recent weeks, Kayvon Thibodeaux has been on an absolute tear, racking up four sacks and 13 pressures in the Giants' last three games. With that in mind, we were hoping to see Thibodeaux continue his high level of play and be a game-changing guy vs. the Saints. Instead, Thibodeaux was a complete non-factor to the point where we forgot he was on the field.
Through the entire game, Thibodeaux racked up just one tackle, no sacks, no QB hits, nothing. Perhaps PFF will give him a pressure or two when they release their numbers for the game, but regardless, it wasn't enough to help the Giants out at all on defense.
The entire pass-rush for the Giants in general was a massive dud, as the group left Derek Carr all the time in the world to throw the ball. However, Thibodeaux is expected to do a bit more than most, and he didn't show up.
We aren't too worried about Thibodeaux of course, as he's still having a Pro Bowl-level season and has been one of the best players on the Giants in 2023. Despite that, this game left much to be desired and has us disappointed in the former No. 5 overall pick.
3. DB Adoree' Jackson
It has been an up-and-down season for Adoree' Jackson, and this game was one of, if not his worst of the season. Not only did he play poorly against a pretty mediocre receiving core, but he had a few bad plays that cost the Giants big time.
For example, in the fourth quarter, with the Giants trailing 17-6, the Saints were faced with a 3rd and 16. However, Jackson got beat on a deep comeback route by A.T. Perry, a sixth-round rookie who has just 153 receiving yards on the season. Alongside this, earlier in the game, the Saints had 3rd and 6, and Jackson was flagged for defensive holding - the Saints went on to score a touchdown.
That's two scores that very easily could have been prevented had Jackson not made massive mistakes. This coincides with his season, though, as the veteran is having arguably the worst year of his career. Through 10 games, Jackson has allowed 32 receptions on 47 targets for 413 yards, and a touchdown.
This is the most amount of yards that Jackson has given up since 2018 and he hasn't even played a full season. With his contract expiring this offseason, we doubt Joe Schoen hands Jackson an extension.
2. OG Justin Pugh
Don't get me wrong, Justin Pugh wasn't the only player on the Giants offensive line to play poorly. However, he stood out and not in a good way at all. We understand that Pugh is coming off an ACL injury and was signed in Week 6, but his poor play is inexcusable at this point.
The options behind him aren't much better, but they'd be an improvement nonetheless. We're surprised the Giants have let him start for so long because, in all honesty,Pugh has been pretty damn bad. Through eight games, he's allowed 23 pressures and five sacks and hasn't been much better in the run game either.
Against the Saints, Pugh was, at the very least, responsible for two of the seven sacks allowed by the Giants. It will be interesting to see how many sacks and pressures PFF allocates to Pugh, but based on film, it's going to be a lot.
One way or another, the Giants have to address both guard spots next season. They have their left tackle and center locked up, but the lack of competent guards has dragged the offense down a ton in recent seasons and a solution must be found sooner than later.
1. RB Saquon Barkley
Was it entirely his fault? No, not at all. However, not only was Saquon Barkley a complete non-factor, but he also got subbed out more than usual which is somewhat concerning. Regardless, Barkley was needed big time, and didn't show up.
The offensive line did absolutely no favors for Barkley, but he ended the game running the ball nine times for just 14 yards, averaging a hilariously bad 1.6 yards per carry. Barkley has been a big factor in New York's offense all season long regardless of how good or bad the line has been, yet this week he clearly just didn't have it in him.
On the season, Barkley has run the ball 194 times for 797 yards and three touchdowns, averaging just 4.1 yards per carry. While these numbers aren't bad by any means, they certainly aren't ideal compared to what we're used to from the star running back, and with his contract expiring this offseason, who knows what the future has in store for him.
We've seen Joe Schoen be hesitant to hand Barkley a sizeable contract in the past, and in the midst of a down season, games like this won't do the 26-year-old RB any favors. Things have been far from perfect for Barkley this year, but we were certainly hoping for more from the two-time Pro Bowler.