Giants' offense poses no threat in 22-9 primetime loss to Chiefs


Someone was going to be 0-3 after Sunday night’s game at MetLife Stadium. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs played just about well enough to make sure it wasn’t going to be them.

The Giants' fanbase was clearly frustrated during their home opener, as Russell Wilson threw two interceptions and was held to just 160 passing yards in an uninspired 22-9 primetime loss. Malik Nabers was also held to just two short catches on seven targets.

Kansas City’s high-powered offense hasn’t clicked yet this season, but they led 6-0 late in the first half, on a pair of Harrison Butker field goals. However, New York hit back on Cam Skattebo’s 13-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, which tied the score. A missed extra point prevented the Giants from taking the lead, though.

The scores was still tied, 6-6, late in the first half, but two Chiefs scores on the front-end and back-end of halftime gave them a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. A Graham Gano field goal made it a one-possession game with 10:15 remaining.

The Chiefs regained control when a spectacular catch by Tyquan Thornton — who also scored a first-half touchdown — set up Kareem Hunt’s one-yard run to make it 22-9 with 6:03 left. New York’s next drive stalled in the red zone and ended with a turnover on downs.

Here are the takeaways…

— This game serves to illustrate just how important left tackle Andrew Thomas is to the Giants’ fortunes. The star left tackle returned to play his first game in almost a year, and the Giants’ offensive line looked like a different unit. They had early success on the ground with 75 yards in the first half and kept Wilson well protected. However, Thomas left the game just before halftime and did not return as the Giants struggled to move the ball from that point onward.

— The situation with Nabers was strange as well. After one of the biggest games of his young career against the Cowboys last week, the Giants couldn’t find a way to get him the ball — he didn’t have a single catch until the fourth quarter. Nabers has been visibly frustrated in the past for not being involved in the offense — why the Giants didn't dial up some short passes or end-arounds just to get him some touches is beyond the fans.

— Wilson had success throwing deep balls last week, but the Giants reverted to a run-based attack this week, with some short passes mixed in. When he did throw downfield, he was tending to force the issue, as he was twice intercepted.

— After Skattebo got the bulk of the touches last week, Tyrone Tracy Jr. got the early workload on Sunday and looked good. But a first-half shoulder injury knocked him out of the game. Skattebo made the most of the opportunity with 121 yards from scrimmage and the Giants' only points in the first three quarter. He is firmly establishing himself as a fan favorite.

— Speaking of fan favorites, the Giants brought in Jaxson Dart for one snap in the third quarter and two more in the fourth. He couldn’t find anyone open on his first snap and scrambled for a short gain. Wilson returned — to boos from the fans — for the next play and was promptly sacked. In the fourth quarter, he handed the ball off twice before leaving the game. While the desire to get Dart involved is understandable, there’s an obvious risk of simply damaging the flow and rhythm of the offense by operating these kinds of rotations.

— New York’s kicking game was disrupted by a pregame groin injury to Gano, which meant the Giants went for it and failed on fourth down in Chiefs territory on their first possession instead of kicking. Later, punter Jamie Gillan attempted a field goal with Gunner Olszewski as the holder, but it was blocked. Gano did return to make a fourth-quarter chip shot, but was in obvious pain. This continues to be an issue for the Giants. They've had a revolving door at the kicker position at times over the past few years and lost a winnable game against the Commanders in similar circumstances last year.

Dru Phillips was benched temporarily, as the nickel back had a tough night with three penalties. He also gave up the touchdown to Thornton and the long catch that set up the other touchdown to Hunt.

Game MVP: George Karlaftis

The Chiefs' pass rusher dominated, logging one sack along with 10 tackles, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and a pass defended. Of course, most of this damage was done after Thomas left the game.

Highlights

What's next

The Giants (0-3) will remain home for a Week 4 matchup against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.





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