In an alternate reality, the New York Giants could be in the midst of an amazing, unexpected, fun season.
Think of the possibilities.
- If they had not blown a game in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys they led by 10 points. But, clinging to a three-point lead with :25 left they played soft and let the Cowboys get into position for the best placekicker in the world to kick a game-tying 64-yard field goal. They lost in overtime.
- If they had not blown a 14-3 to the New Orleans Saints, the one team on their schedule clearly worse than the Giants, by committing turnovers on five straight possessions.
- If they had not blown a Week 7 game to the Denver Broncos they led 19-0 after three quarters, becoming the first team in more than 1,600 NFL games to lead by 18 points with less than six minutes to play and lose.
- If they hadn’t frittered away a 10-point lead against the Chicago Bears in the final 10 minutes.
- If they had been able to make one play on defense in the final seven minutes against the Green Bay Packers rather than watching another game they were winning turn into a defeat.
- If they had not lost Malik Nabers to a season-ending injury after four games. Or, Cam Skattebo after six games.
- If Jaxson Dart hadn’t suffered that concussion in Week 10, a contributing factor in that meltdown.
- Shoot, the Giants even scored first in what turned into a 34-24 Week 9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Think of it. If the Giants win the games they were in position to win, they could be 7-5 right now and in position to have a chance at a playoff berth. Instead, they have lost six straight games and might be en route to earning the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Think of all of the “feel-good” things that have happened for the Giants this season.
- In Dart, they have found the player who looks like he could be the franchise quarterback they have been searching for since the twilight of Eli Manning’s career.
- They added Skattebo, who, along with Dart, began to change the expectations around the Giants. Until he was gone, that is.
- The offensive line is actually good, playing better than any Giants’ offensive line has in many years.
- Wan’Dale Robinson is having a career year. He has 66 receptions for 794 yards. At this pace, he will catch 94 passes and gain 1,124 receiving yards. He has already surpassed his previous best of 699 yards, set last season. His average of 12.03 yards per catch is also a career best.
- The Giants are averaging 22.0 points per game. That is more than they have scored per game since 2018, despite the playmaking weapons they have lost.
- Tight end Theo Johnson looks like he might be developing into a problem for opposing defenses....
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