Giants in crisis: Misfortune with injuries and poor decisions burden the team and coaching staff

The New York Giants have once again managed to shoot themselves in the foot. The narrow 21-18 defeat against the Washington Commanders revealed significant deficiencies in team management and injury-related setbacks. The first play already led to a disaster: Washington's Austin Ekeler ran through the field on the opening kickoff, prompting Giants kicker Graham Gano to take up the chase, only to promptly suffer a thigh injury. Despite Gano already being on the injured list the day before with a groin injury, there was no adequate preparation for his absence. Instead of promoting replacement kicker Jude McAtamney from the practice squad, the team continued to rely on the already injured Gano. Even punter Jamie Gillan could have been planned as a backup for the kickoffs to preserve Gano for crucial field goals and extra points. This fatal decision took its toll: Gillan, who had converted only one field goal in his six-year career, missed the extra point after the first touchdown. Consequently, Coach Brian Daboll opted for two-point conversion attempts following the subsequent touchdowns, both of which failed. When the Giants, nearing the end of regulation at a score of 18-18, elected a 40-yard field goal attempt over a fourth-and-four play, they chose against using Gillan. In overtime, the Commanders clinched the victory with a field goal. Daboll expressed frustration and defended his decisions despite the severe shortcomings in the roster setup. With only 6 wins in their last 19 games, the pressure on Daboll is immense. The Giants' failures, such as the inadequate replacements for injured players, have been a recurring theme throughout the season. Similar issues arose last week when returner Gunner Olszewski was placed on the injured list without an adequate replacement ready. Such planning mistakes weigh heavily on the coaching staff and General Manager Joe Schoen. They result in catastrophic game days like this, where the Giants struggle to manage both their opponents and their own errors. The first half of the season should have been easier, but the Giants now have to make long-term improvements to avoid further decline. Brian Daboll faces the significant challenge of leading the team out of the crisis and regaining trust.