The New York Giants fell to 0-3 on Sunday night, after another uneven performance on both sides of the ball. This time, they were beaten by the previously winless Kansas City Chiefs, 22-9, on national television.
Here’s how we graded the units in the latest disappointment.
Offense
The Giants went 1-10 on third down, 1-4 on fourth down, and 1-3 in the red zone. They had 70 yards passing entering the fourth quarter, and wide receivers Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson did not have a reception in the first three quarters.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, who was spectacular last week in Dallas, was awful in his Giants’ home debut. The final possession in the red zone might be the worst performance of his (or anyone’s) career. It was hard to watch and could serve as the reason why the Giants could make the switch to rookie Jaxson Dart this week.
Two bright spots to report. Left tackle Andrew Thomas looked solid in his first action since Week 6 of last season. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo racked up a total of 121 yards from scrimmage in entertaining fashion and scored his second touchdown in as many games.
Grade: D
Defense
The group did a fairly good job, especially in the first half, holding the Chiefs to just three field goals. They contained Patrick Mahomes’ ability to rush out of the pocket. He finished with just two yards on five attempts with a long of four. They allowed just three pass plays over 20 yards, with the longest going for 33 yards. Kansas City was able to convert on 8-of-15 third-down tries and went 2-3 in the red zone. Penalties again played a major factor, especially in the secondary.
Grade: B-
Special teams
Kicker Graham Gano tweaked a groin in warmups and missed the majority of the game. That left the Giants without a kicker and punter/holder Jamie Gillan to do the kicking. His one attempt, a point after, was blocked. It was basically a quiet night for the return units on both sides. Devin Singletary was the Giants’ primary kick returner, averaging 26.8 yards on five attempts with a long of 33. Gano did end up playing and made a 25-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Grade: C+
Coaching
This is becoming like Bart Simpson writing on the chalkboard. The same thing over and over again. The Giants were vastly outcoached in this game. They have one of the most explosive players in the game in Nabers, and they couldn’t figure out how to spring him. Or anyone else, for that matter. The red zone performance continues to confound logic. They can’t figure anything out other than to let Skattebo barrel his way through the crowd.
Time is running out for this group. This is Year 4, and Year 5 isn’t looking good. Jim Harbaugh’s undefeated Los Angeles Chargers are coming in this week, and there’s not a lot of relief on the upcoming schedule after that. The only card head coach Brian Daboll has left to play is the Dart card. The fans were calling for him on Sunday night, and the way Wilson looked, now could be the time to play that card.
Grade: D
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants report card: How we graded Big Blue in Week 3 loss
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
