What's going on with the NY Giants defense? In three games, the Big Blue D hasn't played up to standards. They gave up 30 points to the 49ers in Week 3 and made Josh Dobbs look like a superstar in Week 2. One of the main issues has been the G-Men missing tackles.
The 49ers were able to break free for big gains after initial contact, with Deebo Samuel making life difficult for Wink Martindale and Co. With New York at 1-2 on the year, it's clear that they have to clean things up there. Xavier McKinney doesn't seem too concerned, however.
While speaking to the media on Monday morning, the veteran kind of shrugged things off when discussing the 29 missed tackles for NY in 2023. People are certainly surprised by what McKinney had to say:
Xavier McKinney: The poor tackling is not the reason the Giants have lost two games. "It's not the reason the games are going how they're going."
— Big Blue View (@bigblueview) September 25, 2023
The NY Giants defense needs to step its game up and fast
Yes, the poor tackling isn't the main reason for the Giants rough start to the new season, but it's most definitely a big part of things. The tackling against the 49ers was downright atrocious. In total, the Giants missed 16 tackles.
Your defense can't play that poorly against a Super Bowl contender and expect the offense to bail them out when they have the ball. The tackling is something Martindale needs to stress and focus on in practice moving forward.
Next Monday night, the Giants have a huge showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. You think arm tackles are going to work on Kenneth Walker and DK Metcalf? Those two playmakers are studs with the ball in their hands and they're tough to bring down as it is.
The tackling for the Giants has to be on point for them in that MNF contest. The Seahawks are 2-1 on the year and they'll hope to post a primetime win at MetLife Stadium. The Giants need to be at their best to try and improve to 2-2. The tackling could decide whether or not a victory is celebrated, which is something McKinney needs to understand.