The New York Giants fall to 1-6 on the 2018 after their 23-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. For all intents and purposes the struggling Giants played extremely well against a team that is looking to get into the playoffs. However that simply isn't enough.
Eli Manning: We made a lot of big plays today and did some good things...but we have to finish. That’s the theme of the year. #NYGvsATL
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 23, 2018
Manning threw for 399 yards against Atlanta. Odell Beckham had eight catches for 143 yards. Sterling Sheppard had five catches for 167 yards. The Giants defense held the Julio Jones to 104 yards and Matt Ryan to only touchdown pass. Can't stress enough that for a team that has won four of their last 24 games, they palyed well.
However that just doesn't cut it. Nate Solder, who was signed to protect Eli Manning for $15 million per year, simply has been a disaster this year. Monday night was no different, Manning was sacked four times in the game and was under pressure an unfathomable amount of times. Yet, when Manning did have time, he ended up looking to play 'hot potato' with the football and get rid of it as quickly as possible.
To start the second half the Giants went for it on fourth and goal at the one and were stopped. Had they kicked a field goal, there's the tie right there (hindsight is 20/20).
Pat Shurmur
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 23, 2018
“What? Throw to Odell”@MattLombardoNFL @BruceBeck4NY @JordanRaanan pic.twitter.com/QhSYXUONXe
The struggling rookie head coach has missed on his gambles, the team has missed on opportunities and it will not get easier. The 1-6 Giants will take on their rivals from Washington, who are leading the NFC East, on Sunday. Plenty of good to take away, similarly to the loss against Carolina. Plenty to improve upon as well going forward.
