Sportsnaut
The 2025 NFL season was supposed to be a year where the New York Giants showed that they’re moving in the right direction.
But instead, it has been another disastrous season for Big Blue, where everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo were lost for the season due to injuries, head coach Brian Daboll was fired, and Jaxson Dart missed last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers due to a concussion.
Now they’ll face one of the most explosive offenses in the league in the Detroit Lions, who need a win to keep pace with the Packers and Bears in the NFC North. Having to try to boost the morale of his team after five straight losses will be a tall task for interim head coach Mike Kafka.
Here are three things to keep an eye on to see if the Giants have any fight left in them.
Abdul Carter faced a ton of scrutiny this past week. First reports came out that he has been late to team meetings, and then many had an issue with him appearing on Monday Night Raw to take part in a segment with the Judgement Day, the day after the defense blew another fourth-quarter lead.
Some rookies may have let the negative press get to them, but that wasn’t the case for the third overall pick.
“It hasn’t been that tough for me. I’m a very privileged person, a very blessed person. I’m trying to take advantage of my opportunity that I have. So, it hasn’t been that tough for me.” Carter said on Wednesday.
Carter’s rookie season has been underwhelming to say the least. Although he’s had a ton of pressure, he only has 12 tackles and half a sack. He may not admit it publicly, but you can rest assured that the rookie edge rusher wants to redeem himself. It’s time for the third overall pick to start living up to his draft position, and the best way to do that is to sack and harass Jared Goff all afternoon.
It’s not just Carter who needs a big game; it’s the entire defense after they squandered another fourth-quarter lead against the Packers. New York entered Week 12 with the 29th-ranked defense, allowing 375 yards per game, and is allowing 27.3 points per game, which has many wondering why defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is still employed.
With the exception of Brian Burns, who is second in the NFL in sacks with 13, everyone else is playing below expectations, and now they have to deal with the Lions’ fifth-ranked offense that’s averaging 366 yards.
Detroit has an array of playmakers on offense, such as Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and David Montgomery, which is why they’re a 10.5-point favorite to hand Big Blue its sixth consecutive defeat.
With nothing to play for other...
