Giants' Woes Continue with Loss to Commanders
The New York Giants faced a series of unfortunate events culminating in a 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders during Week 2. This defeat may well be remembered for the litany of challenges that hit the team from the opening kickoff.
A Rocky Start
The game began on a sour note for the Giants when kicker Graham Gano sustained a hamstring injury during the opening kickoff. The injury left the Giants scrambling for alternatives, as they had no backup kicker available for the game.
Desperate Measures
Punter Jamie Gillan was thrust into an unfamiliar role as he tried his hand at a point after touchdown (PAT). Unfortunately, Gillan missed the attempt, leading to the Giants opting for two-point conversions after their subsequent touchdowns. The results were less than ideal, as quarterback Daniel Jones attempted two two-point conversions, both of which resulted in incomplete passes.
Commanders' Record-Breaking Performance
While the Giants struggled, Washington’s kicker had a standout performance. He made seven field goals, setting a franchise record and emphasizing the difference in the special teams' effectiveness between the two squads that day.
Changes in the Kicking Squad
In a bid to stabilize their kicking game, the Giants moved quickly to secure a veteran presence. On Wednesday following the game, they signed 30-year-old kicker Greg Joseph from the Detroit Lions' practice squad. Joseph brings a wealth of experience, although his journey through the NFL has been anything but smooth.
Greg Joseph’s Journey
Joseph's NFL career has included stints with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, the Tennessee Titans in 2019, and the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 to 2023. Despite his talent, he initially struggled to secure a permanent spot, failing to make the roster with the Green Bay Packers early in his career.
Joseph's talent shone during his time with the Vikings, particularly in 2022, when he made five game-winning field goals. Notably, his 61-yard game-winner in Week 16 against the Giants remains the longest made field goal in Vikings history, a record that underscores his potential impact with the Giants.
Looking Forward
With the addition of Greg Joseph, the Giants hope to address the glaring issues in their special teams that proved costly against the Commanders. Joseph’s experience and history of clutch performances provide a glimmer of hope for the Giants as they aim to turn their season around.
As the Giants regroup and move forward, their adaptability and response to adversity will be key to their success. The need for reliable special teams cannot be overstated, and the acquisition of Joseph marks a step toward achieving that stability. Whether this change will result in a turnaround for the Giants remains to be seen, but the team and its fans are certainly hoping for the best.